The Philadelphia 76ers went into the 2026 trade deadline with a playoff push on their minds and a roster that’s shown flashes of real promise. Sixth in the Eastern Conference and sitting fourth in the ultra-competitive Atlantic Division, this group has won six of its last nine heading into All-Star Weekend. They’re not just hoping to make the playoffs-they’re aiming to make noise once they get there.
A big part of that optimism revolves around Joel Embiid, who’s managed to stay on the floor for 31 of the team’s 54 games so far. That may not sound like much at first glance, but for Embiid, it’s shaping up to be his most durable season in two years. When he’s healthy, few players in the league can match his two-way impact.
Then there’s Tyrese Maxey, who has taken a leap from rising star to legitimate MVP candidate. His speed, shot creation, and leadership have been the engine behind Philly’s offense. Add in rookie VJ Edgecombe, who’s making a strong case for Rookie of the Year, and suddenly the Sixers have a dynamic trio to build around.
But as any contender knows, talent at the top isn’t enough-you need depth, flexibility, and the right pieces around your stars. That’s where the trade deadline came in.
The Jared McCain Deal: Betting on the Future
One of the more notable moves came when the Sixers shipped out second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In return, they picked up a 2026 first-round pick and three second-rounders spread across 2027 and 2028.
McCain had shown flashes-averaging 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game-but injuries slowed his rookie campaign, and his role this season was limited with Edgecombe’s emergence. Playing just under 17 minutes a night, McCain was the odd man out in a crowded backcourt.
For the Sixers, this was about maximizing value. With OKC looking to strengthen their guard rotation behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Philly saw an opportunity to turn a promising but underutilized player into meaningful draft capital. It's a forward-thinking move that signals confidence in their scouting and development pipeline.
Eric Gordon Out, Dominick Barlow In
Another move saw veteran guard Eric Gordon sent to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a 2032 second-round pick swap. Gordon, a seasoned shooter and locker room presence, just wasn’t seeing the floor much-averaging 12.3 minutes per game behind Maxey and Edgecombe.
For Memphis, he’s a depth piece. For Philly, it was about opening up a spot for someone who could contribute right now.
That someone is Dominick Barlow. The 6-foot-9 forward had been on a two-way deal but was promoted to a full-time roster spot just ahead of the deadline.
He’s been productive in limited minutes-posting 8.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game across 43 contests. And his recent scoring outbursts-26, 13, 10, and 13 points in four of his last five games-suggest he’s ready for a larger role.
With Paul George sidelined, Barlow offers much-needed energy and interior presence off the bench. He’s not a star, but he fills a gap, especially when Embiid sits.
Adding Dalen Terry for Depth
The Sixers also used the cleared roster space to sign former Bull Dalen Terry to a two-way contract. Terry brings size and versatility on the wing, and while his numbers (3.5 points, 1.9 rebounds per game) don’t jump off the page, he gives the Sixers another option to test out down the stretch.
The Bigger Picture: Quiet Confidence or Missed Opportunity?
If you’re looking for a blockbuster splash, this wasn’t it. The Sixers didn’t chase a big-name center like Ivica Zubac or a versatile defender like Tari Eason-both of whom could’ve addressed depth concerns in the frontcourt. Instead, they opted for a more measured approach: clearing space, betting on internal development, and stockpiling picks.
Some fans might’ve hoped for a more aggressive push. After all, with Embiid healthy and Maxey playing at an All-NBA level, the window feels open now. But the front office seems to believe this team is still a year or two away from truly contending-and they’re building accordingly.
They’ve hit big in the draft before-Maxey and Edgecombe are proof of that-and now they’re loading up for another swing. If they can replicate that success with the picks acquired for McCain, this deadline could look a lot better in hindsight.
Bottom Line
The Sixers didn’t shake up the East, but they didn’t need to. They made calculated moves to streamline the roster, give minutes to rising talent like Barlow, and add future assets. It wasn’t flashy, but it was strategic.
Trade Deadline Grade: C
Not a home run, but not a miss either. Just a steady, forward-looking approach from a team that believes its best days are still ahead.