NBA Trade Rumors 2014: Philadelphia 76ers Will Likely Keep Thaddeus Young Next Season
Thaddeus Young was almost dealt ahead of the NBA trade deadline before the Philadelphia 76ers decided to keep him for the rest of the season, but the versatile forward is expected to be mentioned in trade talks again this summer.
Reports indicate that Young's future in Philadelphia is still uncertain, but the 25-year-old forward hinted that the 76ers still might keep him for another season.
Young told the Delaware Country Daily Times that 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie and head coach Brett Brown have been talking to him on a consistent basis, informing him about the team's rebuilding plan.
"They've been making a conscious effort to continue talking to me, keep trying to keep me on board as far as what's going on with construction and rebuilding effort," Young said.
Young, who is averaging 18.1 points, is having the best season of his career, but the former Georgia Tech standout admitted that his uncertain future in Philadelphia has been bothering him all season long. He vowed, though, that he is focused on finishing the season on a bright note.
"This is definitely a situation that, really, nobody wants to take on. Hey, sometimes this is how the cards are dealt to you and this is the situation that was dealt to me," Young said. "I have to continue to stay focused and stay a leader to the guys in this locker room."
Young also admitted that going into another direction has crossed his mind as well. The seven-year veteran said that he wants to play for a winning team—and the 76ers are not expected to become a title contender next season.
The 76ers have been on a downward spiral and are currently in an excruciating situation, losing in their last 24 games—two defeats behind the longest losing streak in NBA history set by the Cleveland Cavaliers (26 games) during the 2010-11 NBA season.
"Obviously, I want to win," Young stressed. "Obviously, I want to be winning on a championship team. At the end of the day, like I said, it's a card that could be played. Right now, I'm not even thinking about playing that card."