With the NBA trade deadline just over two weeks away, the Philadelphia 76ers are starting to show signs that something may be brewing behind the scenes. In this league, timing is everything - and when rotation changes start happening mid-January, it’s not just about matchups anymore. It’s about maneuvering.
Since the Sixers’ 115-102 win over the Raptors on January 12, head coach Nick Nurse has turned to rookie big man Adem Bona over veteran Andre Drummond in the rotation. On the surface, it could be a tactical adjustment.
But with the deadline looming, it’s hard to ignore the implications. Drummond’s $5 million salary is one of the more movable contracts on the roster, and his recent benching raises the question: is this a basketball decision, or a business one?
The Sixers aren’t exactly set up for a blockbuster at this year’s deadline. Between Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, they’re committing nearly $90 million in salary.
Add in the uncertainty surrounding Embiid and George’s health, and it’s easy to see why Philly might be reluctant to part with long-term assets. Right now, they’re sixth in the East and sitting just $1 million under the first tax apron - not exactly a team poised to go all-in, but certainly one that could look to fine-tune.
That’s where Drummond becomes interesting. After picking up his player option back in June, the 14-year vet was seen by many as a likely trade piece, especially after a forgettable 2024-25 campaign.
But he’s flipped that narrative a bit this season. Drummond has added a wrinkle to his game - a three-point shot that’s actually falling.
He’s hitting a career-best 37.8% from deep, and while he’s not exactly spacing the floor like Brook Lopez, it’s enough to make teams take notice.
Last season was rough for Drummond. He missed 42 games with a left toe injury that clearly affected his mobility.
This year, he’s moving better and averaging seven points and 8.8 rebounds a night - solid production for a backup big. But his defensive limitations, particularly in drop coverage, and some head-scratching decisions with the ball have made him a tough fit in certain matchups.
That may be why Nurse has started leaning more on Bona, who brings a different energy and defensive profile.
Drummond’s minutes have all but vanished over the last three games, aside from a brief garbage-time appearance in a blowout loss to Cleveland on January 14. Sure, Bona might be a better matchup against someone like Evan Mobley or Toronto’s unconventional frontcourt, but the bigger picture suggests the Sixers could be shifting their focus to the younger option - and perhaps showcasing Drummond for a potential move.
If there’s a moment to sell high on Drummond, this is it. He’s healthy, producing, and showing a new dimension to his game. According to Ian Begley, the New York Knicks have already expressed interest - and they’re not the only team that could use a veteran big with playoff experience and a little added shooting touch.
Philly doesn’t need to make a splash, but a smart, marginal move could go a long way. Packaging Drummond with a second-round pick could free up salary or bring back a younger, more cost-effective frontcourt piece - someone like Duop Reath or Marvin Bagley III. Neither move would shake the East, but for a team walking the tax line and managing stars with uncertain health, it’s the kind of tweak that might make all the difference come spring.
Bottom line: Drummond’s role is shrinking, his value is peaking, and the Sixers are in position to make a calculated move. Whether it’s about clearing cap space or adding a piece better suited to Nurse’s system, don’t be surprised if Andre Drummond is wearing a different jersey by the time the deadline passes.