The Charlotte Bobcats are reportedly interested in acquiring Philadelphia 76ers swingman Evan Turner before the Feb. 20 trade deadline, a source close to situation reported on Monday.

The Bobcats, who surprisingly in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, are expected to become aggressive buyers on the trading front with only a few days left before Thursday's deadline.

According to the source, the Michael Jordan-owned franchise wanted to pull off a trade with the rebuilding Sixers for Turner, who is putting up impressive stats this season.

The 25-year-old Turner is averaging 17.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game this season, making him an attractive target for several playoff contenders - including the up-and-coming Bobcats.

Reports indicated the Bobcats are willing to send the expiring contract of Ben Gordon and a first-round pick to the Sixers in exchange for Turner. ESPN NBA Insider Chad Ford also reported that both teams are discussing a deal involving Turner, who is also expected to hit the market as an unrestricted free-agent.

"The Charlotte Observer reported that this morning. I don't have specific knowledge of that deal however it fits the parameters of what both teams are looking for. Bobcats want talent that can help them now, the Sixers are looking for assets. Sounds like the Sixers don't want to pull the trigger just yet. Teams typically wait another week to see if better offers arise. But if the Sixers don't get a better offer, I'd be shocked if they didn't make this deal," Ford said during a chat session on ESPN Sports Nation.

The Bobcats could have two first-round picks in the upcoming NBA Draft--one from the Detroit Pistons and the other from the Portland Trail Blazers. Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie reportedly desired to get the Pistons' first-rounder than the one coming from Portland because it gives the team better chances of landing a draft lottery pick, in case Detroit misses the postseason.

"Ford is right -- if the Sixers have an offer on the table for Turner, and it involves a first round pick, they would be wise to pounce on it. Even if it is a late first round pick, which the Portland pick would be, it is a better asset than Turner, who is a free agent this offseason," Eliott-Shor Parks of New Jersey.com reported.

If the trade goes through, the Bobcats will receive a player capable of giving them much-needed scoring punch in Turner, while the Sixers will get some assets in form of first-round picks and Gordon's expiring deal.