Reevaluating Potential Trade Targets for the 76ers
We’re about 34 games into the 2025-26 NBA season, and the trade deadline is coming up fast. The Sixers just dropped a tough one in overtime Monday night, 125-124 to a heavily shorthanded Denver Nuggets team missing all their starters. That loss highlighted some ongoing issues—like late-game execution and offensive flow—that have been frustrating this year. Fans are also growing impatient with Paul George’s expensive contract. He’s been solid overall this season, averaging around 15-16 points with decent efficiency, but lately he’s looked more like a reliable role player than the All-Star they signed him to be.
Whether the front office considers moving George if things don’t turn around is unlikely, but persistent problems could force some big changes. That said, this roster still has the talent for a deep playoff run when healthy, so the Sixers are more likely to be buyers than sellers at the deadline.
The Sixers’ Trade Situation
Philadelphia is in a tight spot cap-wise. They are just over $1 million under the first apron and about $13 million under the second, giving them limited flexibility. The most movable contracts are guys like Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre Jr., Eric Gordon, and Kyle Lowry. Bigger names like Paul George or Jared McCain aren’t realistic to shop.
The biggest needs? Probably a 3-and-D wing, a true backup point guard, or another big to rotate behind Joel Embiid. They also need to convert Dominick Barlow’s and/or Jabari Walker’s two-way deals before they hit the 50-game limit.
With those constraints in mind, here are five realistic trade targets the Sixers could pursue to stay financially flexible while upgrading the roster:
1) Tari Eason (Houston Rockets)
An athletic forward who’s highly valuable and could start every day. He’s got tough grit and elite defense—exactly the kind of energy guy who fits what we need on the wing.
A move like this will most likely require some draft capital but could prove worth it in the long run if the Sixers are able to make a run.
2) Tyus Jones (Orlando Magic)
A veteran point guard who could steady the second unit. For a very affordable price, he’d give the sixers a legitimate ball-handler and organizer off the bench, something they have been missing. His role is very minor currently on the Magic and they could look to move him at the deadline.
3) Jay Huff (Indiana Pacers)
A solid power forward/center having a strong season so far in Indiana. He can spell Embiid with scoring, rim protection, and shot-blocking—averaging over 2 blocks per game while stretching the floor a bit. He is having an excellent season and it’s no secret the Pacers are looking to sell.
4) TJ McConnell (Indiana Pacers)
A Philly reunion makes sense if the deal works out. They would be bringing back a fan favorite and recent conference finalist who’s proven himself as one of the most underrated backup PGs in the league. He brings a spark, toughness, and can straight-up lead an offense when needed.
5) Dorian Finney-Smith (Houston Rockets)
He’s been linked to the Sixers for years, and now he’s not getting heavy minutes in Houston after recovering from injury. DFS is the prototype 3-and-D forward—you could never have too many lengthy wings like him who impact winning on both ends.
A fully healthy Sixers team probably doesn’t need major additions to contend. But with the usual health questions and the goal of winning a championship for the first time in over 40 years (last one was ’83), some move feels like it’s on the horizon. Let’s see what Daryl Morey cooks up.
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