At the 2025-26 NBA trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers stood pat in a way that left fans scratching their heads-and maybe Joel Embiid too.
Yes, President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey made moves. He flipped rookie Jared McCain-who was having a strong season and even drawing Rookie of the Year buzz-to the reigning NBA champions.
In return, the Sixers cleared a roster spot and promoted Dominick Barlow to a standard NBA contract. He also sent Eric Gordon and a second-round pick out the door, opening up yet another roster spot.
So technically, the Sixers got younger and more flexible. But did they get better?
That’s the million-dollar question, especially when you consider Embiid had reportedly asked the front office to add talent-not subtract it-heading into the stretch run. Instead, the Sixers now find themselves leaning on Kyle Lowry for real minutes (as they did recently against Portland when Quentin Grimes was out sick) and keeping Dalen Terry on a two-way deal. All while parting ways with a sharpshooting rookie who had already carved out a real role.
This wasn’t the kind of deadline that inspires confidence. And while we can’t say for sure what was on the table behind closed doors, it’s fair to wonder whether Morey missed out on a golden opportunity-especially when a player like Saddiq Bey seemed tailor-made for what this team needs.
Let’s talk about Bey for a second.
The 6-foot-8 forward out of Villanova checks just about every box Philly could’ve wanted. He’s local, he’s versatile, and he’s productive.
Bey’s been a double-digit scorer every year of his career, averaging 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over seven seasons. And after missing all of last year with an ACL injury, he’s come back strong with the New Orleans Pelicans-averaging a career-high 16.6 points per game through 48 appearances.
He’s not just putting up empty stats, either. Bey has been efficient and impactful, even recording three 30-point games in 2026 alone.
One of those came against the 76ers themselves, when he dropped 34 points in Philly just days before the deadline. It felt like a statement game.
At one point, after a big shot, he even barked something toward the Sixers’ bench. We don’t know what he said-but “Trade for me” wouldn’t have been out of place.
And honestly, it would’ve made a ton of sense.
Bey fits this Sixers roster like a glove. He could slot in as a fifth starter right now, whether Paul George is healthy or not.
He brings size, shooting, and the ability to play up or down the lineup. He’s a better spot-up threat than Barlow, Trendon Watford, or Jabari Walker, and he rebounds well for his position.
He’s also the kind of guy who can take over a game when needed-something this team has lacked beyond Embiid and Maxey.
Financially, Bey might be an even better fit. He’s on a three-year, $20 million deal signed with Washington in 2024-just $6.4 million next season.
That’s incredible value for a player producing at his level, especially for a team like Philly that’s already carrying three max contracts. And with the trade exception from last year’s KJ Martin deal still on the books, the Sixers could’ve potentially slotted Bey in without even sending out a player-though Andre Drummond might’ve been included for salary matching.
Now, let’s be real: trading McCain for Bey wouldn’t have been universally popular. Fans had grown attached to the rookie, and for good reason.
But turning a fourth guard into your starting power forward? That’s a strategic upgrade, especially when you’re talking about a player with Bey’s upside and contract.
Even better? Philly had the draft capital to make it happen.
The McCain deal brought in three second-round picks. Add the one they sent out with Gordon, and that’s four seconds they could’ve packaged for Bey-without touching the coveted 2025 first-rounder from Houston.
That’s the kind of move that says, “We’re serious about winning now and building for the future.”
Instead, the Sixers sent out a promising young guard, opened a couple of roster spots, and promoted a G League player. That’s not exactly the kind of deadline that screams championship push. And it certainly doesn’t send the message Embiid-or the fanbase-was hoping for.
In a crowded Eastern Conference where margins are razor-thin and every rotation piece matters, passing on a player like Saddiq Bey feels like a missed opportunity. He’s the kind of versatile, playoff-ready forward who could’ve made a real difference-not just in April and May, but in the years ahead.
For now, the Sixers are betting on internal development, flexibility, and the hope that Embiid and George can carry them deep into the playoffs. But if things fall short, don’t be surprised if fans look back at this trade deadline and wonder what might’ve been-especially when they see Bey lighting it up somewhere else.