Report: Ersan Ilyasova hoping to return to Philadelphia 76ers
Veteran forward Ersan Ilyasova reportedly is close to a return to the Philadelphia 76ers after being waived by the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.
Ilyasova played 53 games with the Sixers last season before being traded in February to Atlanta. The 6-foot-10 stretch-four is a proven 3-point threat and could help Philadelphia on the boards. After spending his first seven seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks, Ilyasova has played with for five teams over the last two seasons.
Keith Pompey of Philly.com wrote about Ilyasova’s history with and appeal to the Sixers:
The Sixers first acquired Ilyasova on Nov. 1, 2016, from the Oklahoma City Thunder, along with a 2020 first-round draft pick, in exchange for Jerami Grant. Ilyasova averaged 14.8 points and 5.9 rebounds and shot 35.9 percent on three-pointers in 53 games — 40 starts — with the Sixers.
The Turkish player also was a mentor for Croatian player Dario Saric and a solid locker-room presence. However, the Sixers traded him to the Hawks on Feb. 22, 2017, with a 2017 second-round pick for Tiago Splitter and two 2017 second-round picks. A 10-year NBA veteran, Ilyasova signed a one-year, $6 million deal to stay with Atlanta on July 21. He is averaging 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 46 games, including 40 starts, for the Hawks (18-42).
The Sixers would have to create a roster spot to sign [him].
