Sixers nixed Cavaliers’ bid for McConnell—report
T.J. McConnell #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 6, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the 76ers 110-106. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images/AFP
Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin made an offer for Philadelphia’s T.J. McConnell in answer to calls by LeBron James to bring in another point guard and playmaker, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Monday.
The 76ers will not go for the offer made several weeks ago to send the second-year guard to defending NBA champion Cleveland in exchange for Cavaliers’ guard Jordan McRae, who spent time with the 76ers during pre-season training camps, according to the report.
McConnell, 24, is averaging 5.6 points, a team-best 6.0 assists and 1.4 steals over 45 games for the 76ers this season.
McRae, 25, is averaging 4.4 points and 1.1 rebounds over 30 games for the Cavaliers.
Behind All-Star starter Kyrie Irving, the Cavaliers have only McRae and 21-year-old Kay Felder and James has repeatedly lobbied Griffin through the media to add another point guard to the lineup.
The Cavaliers lead the Eastern Conference at 32-14.
The 76ers signed 23-year-old guard Chasson Randle to a three-year contract Monday. Randle has averaged 4.0 points on 50 percent shooting in four games with Philadelphia.
