Hawes accepts Sixers' qualifying offer

PHILADELPHIA - Restricted free agent center Spencer Hawes has accepted the Sixers' qualifying offer and will re-join the team today after completing his physical at Main Line Health.

"With the signing of Spencer, we now have our core returning - a group that is very familiar with each other, their roles and Coach Collins' system and philosophies," Sixers President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn said.

Hawes (7-foor1, 245) started all but one game for the Sixers last season, averaging 7.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.88 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game.  Over the final 18 games, he averaged 27.1 mpg, up from 19.5 his first 63 games played.  The Sixers were 14-6 when he scored in double-figures.

In four NBA seasons, Hawes has appeared in 301 games with 199 starts, averaging 8.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.95 blocks in 22.6 minutes per game.  He was the 10th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by Sacramento and was acquired via trade by Philadelphia along with Andres Nocioni in exchange for Samuel Dalembert on June 17, 2010.

Previously the Sixers agreed to a multi-year deal with their other free agent, forward Thaddeus Young.

"We are very happy to have reached a tentative agreement with Thaddeus, who we consider to be an integral part of our long-term plans," Sixers President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn said. "Thad has thrived in his role under Coach Collins and we are happy to have him back with the Sixers."

Young (6-foot-8, 220) was the 12th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Sixers.  In 298 career games with 139 starts, he is averaging 12.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.15 steals in 28.2 minutes per game while shooting 50.8% from the floor, 33.8% from 3-point range and 71.6% from the line.

This past season, Young appeared in all 82 games, averaging 12.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game.  He ranked ninth in the NBA in field goal percentage (54.1% FGs) and 16th in steals per turnover (0.91).  For his career, Young has 344 steals to just 407 turnovers.

Young also finished third in voting for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award last season and had the highest point/rebound/assist total of any reserve.  The Sixers were 12-3 when he scored 20-plus points in 2010-11.