Based on the track record of Sam Hinkie’s moves as general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers thus far, it is safe to assume that only two players on this roster are untouchable: Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel. Everybody else could be dealt at any moment for draft picks, expiring contracts, or young talent with potential. The veterans (Evan Turner, Thaddeus Young, Spencer Hawes) should be taking the minuteman approach. 

Thaddeus Young

Young has been so consistent throughout his career, and his energy and hustle make him a fan favorite. His weaknesses (ball handling, shooting) have never really improved since coming into the NBA. He will always go to his left hand. The one area where he has shown growth is his defense. Having been forced to play the power forward for most of his career, he has bulked up to the point where he is not a complete liability anymore, although may still be outmatched certain nights. The more physical, bruiser types are just too much of a load.

Young is under contract through the 15-16 season in the $9 million and change range, with an Early Termination Option in the last year. While this is certainly a tradable contract and it is believed that Young is well-liked around the league, it might make more sense to hang on to him at this point. He was proven throughout his career that he can be a valuable sixth man. If the team does ever develop into a contender, he could be a good bench piece. However, the Pacers recently demonstrated that it makes more sense to build the core first, and that assembling a good bench can be done more easily at a later date.

Evan Turner

Once considered the most polarizing figure in Philadelphia sports (with opinions ranging from bust to savior), now sorrowfully recognized as the guy chosen eight spots ahead of Paul George. The spin moves, the behind-the-backs, the shots getting repeatedly blocked, and the incessant raised arms at disbelief of the no call, The Villain has pretty much already shown what he can and cannot do in the NBA. It’s disappointing to believe that the 25-year-old has already reached his ceiling, but his lack of athleticism and sense of entitlement don’t appear to be changing any time soon.

Turner will become a restricted free agent this offseason and it is hard to believe he fits into the team’s future plans. With player development being a major franchise goal, hanging on to a guy who needs the ball in his hands to be productive does not make a ton of sense. The plays where Turner commands the ball just take touches away from Michael Carter-Williams, and to a lesser extent, Tony Wroten. He is leading the 76ers in scoring at 19.7 points and falling, and his trade value may never be higher. It just depends on what Hinkie’s asking price is, which most likely is a 2014 first round pick and an expiring contract. Rumors have circulated about a possible Turner for Dion Waiters swap with the Cleveland Cavaliers, so it’s no secret that Hinkie has been fielding offers for the former second overall pick. 

Spencer Hawes

White Howard is having a pretty spectacular season, with averages of 15.3 points, nine rebounds and three assists per game, while being the 76ers best 3-point shooter by far, at nearly 45 percent. His skill and touch for a big man really cannot be denied at this point, but a defensive stopper he is not. Hawes will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, and like Turner, it is difficult to see how he fits into the future with Nerlens Noel waiting in the wings. The biggest problem with Hawes is that even though he can spread the floor, he is by no means an interior presence. It would be one thing if you could put him at the power forward spot next to a rim protector (which the team has hinted at doing with Noel), but Hawes’ glacier-like speed makes it impossible for him to get out to the perimeter to contest open shooters. Most teams in search of a big man are not looking for one with Hawes’ skillset, so it is a considerable possibility if he isn’t moved by the trade deadline, that he is simply let go in free agency.

The coming months will no doubt be busy for Sam Hinkie and the rest of the front office, but the path this team is tanking (ahem, taking) has been clear for months. Currently in the midst of a 6 game losing streak, this team will be among the worst in the league regardless of whether any of the veterans are traded. The deliberate, methodical Hinkie can bide his time and wait for the best offers to present themselves.