The copy machine no longer works.
Kyle Korver still does.
One of the most bizarre trade stories in NBA history has an interesting side note some 16 years later.
Korver was the commencement speaker at his alma mater Creighton University on Saturday. During his speech, the former Hawks player revealed that a copy machine that was once part of trade he was involved in is no longer functioning. Korver, however, is still playing in the NBA.
There is a life lesson there.
The original story goes like this. Korver was selected with the 51st pick in the 2003 draft by the Nets. His draft rights were immediately sold to the 76ers for $125,000.
“I’m not sure trade is the right word, I was more or less sold for an undisclosed amount of money,” Korver said in relating the story to the graduating class. “I later found out they used that money to pay for the entry fee for the summer league team and with the leftover money that bought a copy machine. What’s your trade value? Because mine apparently is a copy machine.
“But it’s OK because a couple of years ago, that copy machine broke and I’m still playing.”
Insert applause.
Korver went on to play four-plus seasons for the 76ers. He also played for the Jazz, Bulls, Hawks, Cavaliers and Jazz again. He played for the Hawks from 2012-17, where he was a starter on the 60-win Eastern Conference finalist team and an all-star. He is under contract next season with the Jazz, which would be his 17th season.
After the light moment and a quick shooting less (his best advice), Korver spent much of his commencement address speaking about the essay he recently wrote for The Players Tribune on white privilege and racism.
About the Author
