The Philadelphia 76ers rolled into San Francisco on Tuesday night and didn’t just steal a win-they made a statement. Beating the Warriors 113-94 on the second night of a back-to-back is no small feat, especially when you’ve just flown across the country. But that’s exactly what Philly did, extending their win streak to five games-their longest of the season-and moving to 29-21 on the year.
That record puts them sixth in the Eastern Conference, but the standings are tight. They’re within striking distance of the No. 2 seed, and with the way they’re playing, it’s not out of the question.
Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid are both operating at an All-NBA level right now, and rookie guard VJ Edgecombe is turning heads across the league. Add in a gritty, dependable supporting cast-even without Paul George for the foreseeable future-and you’ve got a team that’s quietly building momentum at the perfect time.
This is the backdrop as the NBA trade deadline looms. Daryl Morey and the Sixers’ front office have some big decisions to make, and not much time to make them.
After Tuesday’s win, the team gets a brief breather before facing the Lakers in L.A. on Thursday. That means, barring a surprise shootaround, they won’t be back on the court together until after the trade deadline passes.
The trade chatter has been swirling, but so far, it’s been mostly smoke with no fire. There were whispers about Philly trying to get in on the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, but that’s gone quiet.
What hasn’t gone quiet is Joel Embiid’s recent challenge to the front office: give this team the reinforcements it needs to make a real playoff push. And with the way the East is shaping up, a deep run isn’t far-fetched-though the Sixers wouldn’t be considered favorites just yet.
So, what’s out there? What can Philly realistically do to upgrade without blowing up a team that’s finally clicking?
There are signs the Sixers are open to moving veteran guard Eric Gordon and backup big man Andre Drummond. That’s less about dissatisfaction and more about roster mechanics.
Dominick Barlow, a two-way contract player who’s been playing like a legit NBA starter, is running out of eligible games. If Philly wants to keep him around for the stretch run and the postseason, they’ll need to convert him to a standard deal-and that means clearing a roster spot.
Then there’s the Paul George situation. He’s suspended but still technically trade-eligible.
His $51 million salary makes him the biggest potential trade chip on the roster, but moving that kind of money midseason is no small task. And let’s be real-Embiid and Maxey aren’t going anywhere.
Edgecombe, with his sky-high ceiling, is also close to untouchable.
That leaves smaller contracts if George stays put. Quentin Grimes, the team’s sixth man, is on a qualifying offer worth just under $9 million.
He could walk in free agency this summer, but he also holds a no-trade clause. Kelly Oubre Jr. has stepped up as a reliable starter, especially with George sidelined, and his value on the wing makes him a tough piece to part with.
So yeah, pulling off a deal won’t be easy. But the Sixers do have some high-value assets.
They’re sitting on an unprotected 2028 first-round pick from the Clippers-part of the James Harden trade-and they also hold swap rights with L.A. in 2029. Those picks are valuable, and while not completely off-limits, they won’t be moved lightly.
There are some hypothetical trades floating around that, while unlikely, paint a picture of what Philly could aim for. One scenario: send George and that 2028 pick back to the Clippers for Kawhi Leonard.
That would be a massive swing, one that could vault the Sixers into title contention. But Leonard is reportedly happy in L.A., and there’s no indication he’s looking to move.
Another idea: package Drummond, Grimes, and some draft capital for Herb Jones from the Pelicans. Jones is the kind of elite wing defender who could elevate Philly’s playoff defense without disrupting the current chemistry. But again, Grimes would have to waive his no-trade clause, and that’s never a guarantee.
Those are just hypotheticals, sure-but they illustrate the balance Morey and company are trying to strike. Improve the roster without tearing at the fabric of a team that’s showing real cohesion.
And that chemistry was on full display Tuesday night. The Sixers had every excuse to mail it in.
They played Saturday, flew cross-country, played again Monday, and then faced a rested Warriors squad that hadn’t played since Friday. This had all the makings of a schedule loss.
Instead, Philly came out with more energy, more hustle, and more fire. They looked like the fresher team, diving for loose balls and flying around on defense.
That’s not just about legs-it’s about spirit. It’s about a team that believes in each other and is willing to fight for every possession.
That’s the intangible the front office has to weigh as the trade deadline approaches. Yes, upgrades are possible.
Yes, the East is wide open. But there’s something brewing in that locker room, and it’s not something you want to disrupt lightly.
Whether the Sixers make a move or stand pat, one thing is clear: they’re not just treading water. They’re rising. And if the right move comes along, they might just be ready to make a real run.