Charlotte Bobcats Reportedly Interested in Evan Turner

Rumors are floating around that the Bobcats are interested in a potential trade for Evan Turner, though nothing appears to be imminent. Per the Charlotte Observer:

Turner, a 6-foot-7 forward, averages 18.1 points and six rebounds this season for the 76ers. He could potentially add the scoring punch the Bobcats need to reach the playoffs for only the second time in their decade-long history.

The question becomes what the Bobcats would be willing to offer, considering Turner would become a restricted free agent this summer. The team with his rights would have to make Turner a qualifying offer of about $8.7 million to restrict him.

The Bobcats have assets they could throw into trades. They could have as many as three first-round picks in what should be a rich 2014 draft – their own and picks potentially owed them by the Portland Trail Blazers and Detroit Pistons.

However, the Bobcats might owe their own pick to the Chicago Bulls (to complete the Tyrus Thomas trade). The picks Detroit and Portland owe Charlotte have some protection; more than likely the Bobcat get Portland’s pick in June. It’s less likely they end up with Detroit’s.

As far as making a Turner trade work under the salary cap, the Bobcats have Ben Gordon’s expiring contract, worth $13.2 million in cap value this season.