With trade deadline approaching, 76ers likely to stay the course

Not long after 76ers president Rod Thorn watched helplessly from the stands as Minnesota's Kevin Love hit a pair of free throws with a tenth of a second remaining to give the Timberwolves a one-point victory and drop the 76ers to their third loss in a row, he could be seen pacing back and forth in front of the team bus, clearly dismayed by the loss.

Three days later in Houston, Thorn watched the Rockets' Kevin Martin score 14 points in the fourth quarter of yet another Sixers loss to bring their losing streak to a season-high five heading into this weekend's all-star break.

Thorn, a few rows behind the Sixers bench, twisted and rolled the papers he was clutching. It was perhaps the outward manifestation of the frustration he and others in the organization feel.

But if fans are looking for the Sixers to make a franchise-altering trade by the March 15 deadline, they should think again. In this shortened season, the 76ers are not thinking about blowing up a roster full of young players and making a move just for the sake of making one.

Thorn said as much moments after speaking with his players before they departed for the break.

"I've been in this business for 46 years," Thorn began. "If there is something that you can do that's going to help you, then you always look to do it. If there isn't anything out there that's going to help you, then to do something just to do something is not the way to do business."

When the Sixers were rolling over teams early, even without center Spencer Hawes, many suggested that the Sixers, with their young nucleus, should be allowed to grow together, and the franchise should stay away from players like Dwight Howard - the only legitimate game-changer on the market - in order to let them progress.

For trades to be consummated, especially for a significant player, the Sixers would need to have players with attractive contracts. Elton Brand, averaging 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds, is owed $17 million this year and more than $18 million next year. Andre Iguodala is owed $28 million over the next two seasons and has a player option for a third at $15 million.

Thorn appears committed to the grow-together route, and he doesn't appear to be ready to let a few losses by a team that is playing without its starting center and power forward, Brand, color his opinion.

This doesn't mean that he won't listen.

"Conversation always heats up right before the deadline," Thorn said. "There will be more talking and more phone calls made. And I will listen to anyone and anybody who mentions anything that might possibly help our team."

Has that tempting call come yet?

"Nope," Thorn said.

One Eastern Conference general manager reached earlier in the week said that he didn't think the 76ers would make a move at the deadline.

"You never know, but they are having some success with their younger players," said the GM, speaking under condition of anonymity. "If you can land the great player, and you are in position to do it and not gut your roster, you do it. But how many guys are there out there? And how often do they get moved at the trade deadline?"

Hardly ever.

The Sixers are unlikely to make a big trade. If they are considering one, here are two proposals:

Andre Iguodala and trade exception to Memphis for Rudy Gay.

Andre Iguodala and Spencer Hawes to Orlando for Dwight Howard.

- John Mitchell EndText