The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and while the Philadelphia 76ers have yet to make a move, the market is finally starting to stir. One of the first dominoes to fall: the Cleveland Cavaliers sent De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder. On the surface, it’s a cost-cutting move for Cleveland, but for Sacramento, it’s a clear push to shore up their wing depth with a versatile two-way forward.
But here’s where things get interesting from a Sixers perspective - because this trade only reinforces how savvy Philadelphia’s front office has been, particularly when it comes to Kelly Oubre Jr.
Let’s break it down.
Hunter vs. Oubre: Similar Impact, Very Different Price Tags
De’Andre Hunter is a solid, reliable three-and-D wing. He’s the kind of player every team wants - long, athletic, and capable of defending multiple positions while knocking down open shots.
But he’s also earning $23 million this season. That’s a steep price for a player who, while dependable, isn’t exactly moving the needle as a primary option.
Now compare that to Kelly Oubre Jr., who’s on a deal worth nearly three times less and giving the Sixers remarkably similar on-court production. That’s not just good value - that’s elite-level roster management.
Oubre’s been a two-way contributor for Philly, stepping into a key role without disrupting the offensive flow or demanding a high usage rate. He’s become a glue guy, the kind of player who does a little bit of everything - defend, slash, hit open shots - and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact.
Philly’s Front Office Deserves Its Flowers
Getting Oubre on back-to-back bargain contracts is no accident. Yes, there’s always a little luck involved in these things, but the Sixers clearly saw something in Oubre’s game that fit their system. They bet on his ability to thrive in a defined role, and that bet has paid off - big time.
And yet, despite his contributions, there’s still a vocal segment of the fanbase floating his name in trade rumors. It’s a bit puzzling, especially when you consider how hard it is to find wings who can guard multiple positions and knock down shots - and do it all for under $10 million a year.
With the salary cap tightening and roster flexibility becoming more valuable than ever, keeping a player like Oubre on a reasonable deal could be a game-changer for Philadelphia. He’s not just a short-term solution; he could be a long-term piece if the Sixers play their cards right.
The Market Is Speaking - And Philly’s Ahead of the Curve
The Kings just paid a premium for a player who, in many ways, mirrors what Oubre brings to the table. That tells you everything you need to know about how the league values this player archetype.
Long, athletic wings who can shoot and defend are gold in today’s NBA. The difference is, Sacramento is paying top dollar for theirs, while Philly’s been getting similar production at a discount.
If Oubre hits free agency again this summer - and he’s expected to - there’s no question his price tag could climb. But he might not find a better fit than what he’s got in Philadelphia. The Sixers know how to use him, they’ve built a system that plays to his strengths, and he’s already carved out a meaningful role.
The challenge now is keeping him. With a complicated payroll picture and some big financial decisions looming, Philly will need to be strategic. But if they can retain Oubre without breaking the bank, it could be one of the smartest moves they make - not just this season, but for the future of the franchise.
While other teams scramble for answers at the deadline, the Sixers have already found one. And they did it without giving up assets or cap flexibility. In a league where value is everything, that’s the kind of win that doesn’t always show up in the box score - but makes all the difference in the standings.