Sixers to waive Booker, paving way for Ilyasova’s return

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor

On Monday, forward Ersan Ilyasova reached a buyout agreement with Atlanta. He cleared waivers on Wednesday, paving way for his return to Philadelphia. With the Sixers roster at capacity, the team decided to waive Trevor Booker. This doesn't come as much of a surprise. Booker didn't play against the Heat on Tuesday and he had heard from his agent that a buyout with the Sixers was on the table.

Booker's departure became a reality just after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday as Michael Scotto of The Athletic reported the Sixers planned to waive the veteran power forward, making room for Ilysova's Sixers reunion. According to Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports, Booker has already agreed to join the Indiana Pacers on a veteran minimum deal for the remainder of the season.

Shortly after the reports were confirmed by multiple outlets around the NBA, Booker thanked the city of Philadelphia for his brief stay.

In 33 games for the Sixers this season, Booker averaged 4.7 points and 3.7 rebounds. The Sixers acquired Booker in a December trade with Brooklyn that sent Jahlil Okafor, Nick Stauskas and a second-round pick to the Nets. 

Ilyasova, 30, has played in 46 games this season, posting averages of 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 45.9 percent from the floor and 35.9 percent from beyond the arc. Ersan had one of the most successful offensive stretches of his career last year in Philadelphia, averaging 14.8 points per game in 53 appearances, 40 as a starting forward.

The Sixers have no time to think about their deflating loss to the Heat on Tuesday. They have back-to-back ahead of them to deal with, beginning with a trip to Cleveland for a match-up with LeBron James and the new look Cavs on Thursday before hosting the surging Charlotte Hornets on Friday in Philadelphia.

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