As the NBA trade deadline looms on February 5, front offices across the league are working the phones, trying to fine-tune their rosters for the stretch run. For the Philadelphia 76ers, the mission is clear: build a team that can make a deep postseason push. And while the Sixers aren’t exactly overflowing with trade chips they’re eager to move, one name continues to surface in league conversations-Kelly Oubre Jr.
According to league insider Jake Fischer, the Sixers and the Memphis Grizzlies engaged in trade discussions back in mid-December. But before any wild speculation takes off, let’s clear the air-these talks had nothing to do with Ja Morant.
In fact, sources made it clear that the discussions centered on “around-the-edges” roster matters. Translation: this was about complementary pieces, not franchise-altering moves.
That’s where Oubre comes into play.
Oubre’s Value in Today’s Trade Market
If trades were decided purely on hustle, intensity, and on-court impact, Kelly Oubre Jr. wouldn’t be going anywhere. Since joining the Sixers, he’s brought a defensive edge and scoring punch that’s been valuable on both ends of the floor. But in today’s NBA, expiring contracts are currency-and Oubre’s $8.4 million deal, set to expire in July, makes him an intriguing asset for teams looking to reset or retool.
For a team like Memphis, which is facing some hard questions about its future, that kind of flexibility is gold. The Grizzlies once envisioned Morant as the face of their franchise, and their roster was built to maximize his strengths.
But with his future in flux, Memphis may be preparing to pivot. That could mean moving on from players who no longer fit the long-term vision and bringing in short-term contracts that offer flexibility-exactly the kind of move Oubre’s deal enables.
Philly’s Perspective: Tinkering at the Margins
From the Sixers’ side, this isn’t about blowing things up-it’s about refining the edges. With Joel Embiid playing at an MVP level and Tyrese Maxey continuing to emerge as a star, the core is intact. But if Philadelphia is having trade discussions, it’s a sign the front office believes there’s room for marginal upgrades-perhaps a more reliable shooter off the bench, a defensive specialist, or a veteran presence for the postseason grind.
Oubre’s name naturally comes up in these conversations, not because he’s underperforming, but because he’s one of the few movable pieces that won’t disrupt the team’s structure or long-term plans. His expiring deal gives the Sixers a chance to swap short-term value for a piece that could better fit the playoff puzzle.
What Comes Next?
Right now, there’s not much clarity on who the Sixers might be targeting-or who the Grizzlies might be willing to give up. But if the two teams were talking in December, it’s fair to assume those conversations could pick up again as the deadline nears. And while nothing appears imminent, the Sixers don’t have many more trade chips as appealing as Oubre’s contract.
In a league where flexibility is just as valuable as talent, players like Oubre become key pieces in the chess game leading up to the deadline. Whether he stays or goes, his name is one to watch as the Sixers look to position themselves for a postseason run-and the Grizzlies contemplate their next chapter.