Furkan Korkmaz just revealed himself to be an ideal TPE option for the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2023 deadline due to a wild trade request that takes away all leverage from his current employer, the Philadelphia 76ers, per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
What could have caused Korkmaz’s desire to be shipped from the Sixers isn’t totally clear, but it’s worth noting that his numbers have nosedived since James Harden was acquired by Philadelphia in February 2022.
Because of his $5 million salary, Korkmaz would fit into the team’s TPE — one that was created at last year’s deadline when Brad Stevens and co. traded Dennis Schroder to the Houston Rockets — Boston can land Korkmaz without giving up any players. At six-foot-seven, Korkmaz would qualify as the type of wing the Cs would need behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Putting up comparable per-36 minutes numbers two seasons ago as Danilo Gallinari did during the 2021-22 season, Korkmaz could fill the role Gallinari’s ACL injury robbed him of playing. The best part/ Giving up Korkmaz to whoever is willing to give up picks is the situation the 76ers front office now faces unless they want a wasted roster spot until the offseason. Boston would be negotiated from a position of strength.
Potential road blocks to the Boston Celtics making this deal
There’s only one issue when it comes to the Boston Celtics acquiring Korkmaz, though it could certainly be a fatal flaw: Philadelphia might not be willing to supply depth to their biggest competition for the Eastern Conference crown.
The Sixers are making a serious push up the standings after a rough start to the season and the Cs could be the equivalent to a glass ceiling. Making them better would be counterintuitive.
Ultimately, the Celtics figure to be on the hunt for wings like Korkmaz. As exciting/maddening trading Jaylen Brown for Kevin Durant would be, there is a low likelihood a category five megadeal would happen given Boston’s record and cohesion with its two stars.