Wow, great trade for Philly. At least it will make the division more competitive, maybe our players will realize that and start to play a tad harder.

..............hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm


Sixers talking trade with Raptors

By PHIL JASNER

jasnerp@phillynews.com

Donyell Marshall, from the University of Connecticut via a high school career in Reading, is in his 11th season in the NBA. The question is, could a portion of this season be spent with the 76ers?

All we know for sure is, Sixers president/general manager Billy King has been trying to make it happen. Marshall, a 6-9 forward with three-point skills, had 20 points and 11 rebounds, knocking down five triples in the Raptors' 106-96 loss last night.

All King would say was, "I've been talking to Toronto and have an interest in several of their players." Asked whether those discussions were ongoing, he said, "Yes."

Sources indicated that Marshall, who has been filling a sixth-man role for the Raptors, has been on King's radar since last summer. Those same sources also suggested that the Raptors would prefer including swing man Jalen Rose in any deal involving Marshall. In that case, the transaction almost certainly also would have to involve Glenn Robinson, the Sixers forward who has spent the entire season on the injured list.

There is also a belief that King has been investigating other big men with perimeter skills who would fit the style of Sixers coach Jim O'Brien. At the same time, the Raptors have been the subject of speculative trades with various teams. They already have pulled the trigger once, shipping Vince Carter to New Jersey.

Before last night's game, Raptors coach Sam Mitchell said: "I wouldn't waste my time to comment [on the rumors]. I don't pay attention to it. I think it's comical, some of the trades you hear about; [they're] not even worth commenting on."

He'll hear more. The trade deadline doesn't arrive until Feb. 24.

yeah, this is an AWESOME trade for toronto. they save a boatload of $$$'s and have 3 #1 picks. that's taking the fast track to rebuilding. now, if they steal dalembert from philly and use their 3 picks wisely (which babc_ck has been know NOT TO DO), then they're in good shape.

does this put philly at another level? definitely for now but i think they'll be in a similar situation as us where they have to use expiring deals to get to the championship level. does this mean dalembert is as good as gone? probably.