Sixers Notes: Sixers, Turner headed in different directions

WASHINGTON - Evan Turner was not surprised.

The 76ers swingman, who's arguably the team's best player, was not offered an extension past this season. The league-mandated deadline to do that was Thursday night.

"There was nothing whatsoever," Turner said Friday morning of contract negotiations with the Sixers. "Nothing was done. That's it.

"There was nothing to talk about. There was no discussion."

But the Sixers' second overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft didn't expect any discussions.

The franchise is in the process of making major changes after hiring Sam Hinkie as its general manager in May. The Sixers traded all-star point guard Jrue Holiday to the New Orleans Pelicans on draft night for rookie center Nerlens Noel. The team is also content with starting its rebuilding process by sacrificing wins this season.

"I didn't expect anything, because Hinkie is not my GM," Turner said. "I didn't come up with Hinkie or anything. He has his own plan for stuff, and that's pretty much it."

The Sixers have until June 30 to make Turner a qualifying offer of $8.7 million. That would make him a restricted free agent and give the Sixers the right to match any deal offered by another team or let him walk.

However, it is unlikely that Turner will remain a Sixer past this season, and he could be traded before the season is over.

"I really don't know, to tell you the truth," Turner said. "Like I mean, you just traded Jrue. Jrue is like a walking legend. You know what I'm saying? Even Wilt Chamberlain got traded, right?"

Turner has said that despite the uncertainty, he intends to remain a vocal leader of the Sixers. He and rookie coach Brett Brown have spoken openly about the situation. Brown said he doesn't think Turner's perception of not being wanted will cause problems.

The Sixers picked up third-year options on guard Tony Wroten and power forward Arnett Moultrie on Thursday.

Wroten was picked 25th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2012 NBA draft. The Sixers acquired him this summer in a trade. His option is for $1.2 million in the 2014-15 season.