Dewayne Dedmon reportedly drawing trade interest from 76ers

With only eight days before the NBA’s trade deadline, trade rumors surrounding the Atlanta Hawks aren’t anything new at this stage. However, on Wednesday afternoon, Tim Bontemps of ESPN brings word that the Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly interested in trading for Hawks big man Dewayne Dedmon. Bontemps also reports that the Sixers would potentially need to part with former No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz in order to acquire Dedmon and his expiring deal (worth up to $7.2 million with incentives), a player option Dedmon opted into last summer.

If Philadelphia chooses to upgrade the roster over the next nine days, pursuing both of those things to supplement its starters will be at the top of the agenda. Atlanta Hawks big man Dewayne Dedmon has drawn the 76ers’ interest, sources tell ESPN. He would bring athleticism and defense, along with shooting.

But in order to get him, the 76ers would likely have to do something they have so far been resistant to, per sources: trading former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz.

Seeing Dedmon and Fultz (who is on the books for $8.3 million this season) in the same sentence with regards a trade is slightly jarring and seems unusual on the surface. With that said, Bontemps cites the Sixers’ salary complications as a reason why Fultz would be included in a deal.

Therein lies the problem for Philadelphia. On a roster devoid of mid-tier contracts -- nine of the 76ers’ 15 players make $5 million or less -- trying to construct trades that don’t involve Fultz but will still bring back talent that can help will be difficult.

Dedmon is averaging a career-best 10.3 points per game and shooting a career-best 37% from three-point range.

As the trade deadline continues to draw nearer, rumors involving Dedmon and various other members of the Hawks should only continue to ramp up as GM Travis Schlenk continues in his rebuild of the Atlanta Hawks.