Ersan IIyasova intends to re-sign with Sixers after Hawks' buyout finalized

WASHINGTON – It appears Ersan Ilyasova intends to return to the 76ers.

The Atlanta Hawks are working on a buyout with the 6-foot-10 three-point specialist. Sources confirm the 30-year-old power forward intends to sign with the Sixers once his buyout is complete. Yahoo Sports was first to report the news.

The Sixers first acquired Ilyasova on Nov. 1, 2016, from the Oklahoma City Thunder, along with a 2020 first-round draft pick, in exchange for Jerami Grant. Ilyasova averaged 14.8 points and 5.9 rebounds and shot 35.9 percent on three-pointers in 53 games — 40 starts — with the Sixers.

The Turkish player also was a mentor for Croatian player Dario Saric and a solid locker-room presence. However, the Sixers traded him to the Hawks on Feb. 22, 2017, with a 2017 second-round pick for Tiago Splitter and two 2017 second-round picks. A 10-year NBA veteran, Ilyasova signed a one-year, $6 million deal to stay with Atlanta on July 21. He is averaging 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 46 games, including 40 starts, for the Hawks (18-42).

The Sixers would have to create a roster spot to sign the stretch four.

Joel Embiid had scored at least 20 points in six of his' last seven games heading into Sunday night's matchup with the Washington Wizards. The newly minted NBA all-star center led the Sixers with 34 such outings, and his 30 double-doubles ranked fifth among the league's centers.