Sixers fans will not get to see Dario Saric wearing the team's new uniforms this fall.
ESPN's Chad Ford first reported the expected news. He learned this morning through Saric's agent, Jeff Schwartz, that the 21-year-old will stay in Turkey to play for Anadolu Efes, as he did this past season.
Saric signed a three-year contract with the Turkish team days prior to the 2014 NBA draft. Still, he was selected 12th overall by Orlando and later that night traded to the Sixers in exchange for the No. 10 pick and a future draft selection.
The Sixers reportedly had been negotiating with Anadolu Efes to buy out Saric's current contract, but the price proved too high.
Sixers CEO Scott O'Neil said as a guest on Breakfast on Broad last month that the chances of Saric playing for the Sixers this upcoming season were slim.
There is a player option for the third and final year of his contract. If Saric chooses to stay in Turkey for that season, it will be disappointing. Sixers fans have high hopes for the 6-foot-10 forward, but financially, Saric could benefit from staying put in 2016.
Under the current collective bargaining agreement, if he waits until the 2017-18 season to come to the NBA, the rookie salary scale no longer applies and he can negotiate a free-agent contract with the Sixers.
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This past season, Saric averaged 9.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in Turkey.