Several players were moved off the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster on Thursday ahead of the 2024 NBA trade deadline. While some are aware of where their next home will be, others will have to search for an opportunity through the free agency market.
On Thursday night, it became clear that Furkan Korkmaz and Marcus Morris will get an opportunity to field offers from interested suitors.
Korkmaz, who was traded to the Indiana Pacers, has been searching for a trade since last year. After the 2023 deadline, 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey confirmed that the veteran requested a change of scenery, which didn’t come to fruition. This time around, Korkmaz was moved in a trade, but has been cut loose by Indiana.
Although it was initially believed that Marcus Morris was headed to Indiana, his contract was sent to the San Antonio Spurs, as the deal became a three-team trade. Like Korkmaz, Morris has hit the free agency market as he reached a buyout.
Along with those two, who were involved in the same trade, former Sixers wing Danuel House Jr. also hit the open market. Involved in a separate trade, House was dealt away to the Detroit Pistons along with a second-round pick in exchange for a protected pick and cash considerations. Since the Pistons aren’t in need of a win-now veteran acquisition such as House, he was also waived.
What's Next?
Korkmaz hits the free agency market for the third time in his career. Although he fielded offers from other teams in 2020, Korkmaz re-signed with the Sixers. He leaves Philadelphia with 328 games under his belt. After seven seasons in Philly, Korkmaz will search for a new opportunity to play.
So far, the Turkish veteran’s next move is unclear. Since Indiana opted to waive him, there hasn’t been much reported interest from other teams in the 36 percent three-point shooter. Prior to his return to the 76ers in 2020, it was reported that Korkmaz was considering resuming his pro career overseas. That could be a route he considers taking if there isn’t much interest from NBA organizations right now.
As for Morris and House, they are no strangers to changing scenery. Since 2011, Morris has played for the LA Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, and the Sixers.
Meanwhile, House has had stints with the Rockets, Sixers, Utah Jazz, Suns, Knicks, and the Washington Wizards.
Not long after House was traded to the rebuilding Pistons, the veteran wing was aware he was set to be waived. While his next destination is unknown, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that “multiple contenders” are expected to pursue the 30-year-old wing.
Morris seems to be the only former Sixer with a clear direction just a few days after the deadline. On Monday, the Pat Bev Pod reported that Morris is leaning towards joining the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Minnesota being one of the top teams in the Western Conference this season, they are on the ideal timeline for the 34-year-old veteran forward.
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