As the Philadelphia 76ers press deeper into the 2025-26 campaign, the front office is once again at a familiar crossroads. Daryl Morey, the team’s President of Basketball Operations, has never been one to sit on his hands. Whether it’s free agency or the trade market, if there’s a move to be made that upgrades the roster, Morey’s track record suggests he won’t hesitate.
And on paper, this Sixers squad is built to contend. With Joel Embiid anchoring the paint, Tyrese Maxey continuing his ascent into All-Star territory, and Paul George bringing two-way versatility and veteran leadership, Philly has a core that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the East-health permitting, of course.
But as we’ve seen time and again in this league, talent alone isn’t enough. It’s about fit, depth, and timing.
That’s where Morey’s next decisions come into play.
Now that the Dec. 15 trade eligibility date has passed, Morey has a few more cards in his hand. Four players on the roster are now eligible to be moved, and a fifth will be available in mid-January-though that one comes with a wrinkle.
Let’s break down the players who could be on the move:
Kyle Lowry - Trade Eligible Now
Lowry brings championship pedigree and toughness, but his role in Philly has been more about veteran presence than on-court production.
If the Sixers are looking to shake things up or match salaries in a bigger deal, Lowry’s expiring contract could be a valuable asset. His leadership is undeniable, but his trade value may lie more in the flexibility he offers than in what he brings between the lines at this stage of his career.
Trendon Watford - Trade Eligible Now
Watford’s a young, versatile forward who’s shown flashes of being a solid rotational piece.
He’s the kind of player teams like to take a flier on-especially rebuilding squads or ones looking to inject some youth and energy into their second unit. For the Sixers, he’s a movable piece that could be part of a package deal.
Eric Gordon - Trade Eligible Now
Gordon still has gas in the tank and can light it up from deep when he gets going.
His shooting and playoff experience make him a potential target for contenders looking to bolster their bench scoring. For Philly, he’s a plug-and-play veteran, but if the right deal comes along, his skill set and salary slot could make him a logical inclusion.
Justin Edwards - Trade Eligible Now
Edwards is the rookie with upside, and that always makes things interesting.
Teams in the midst of a retool or rebuild often covet young prospects like Edwards, especially ones with two-way potential. The Sixers will have to weigh his long-term value against their short-term goals.
If the right win-now piece is available, Edwards could be a swing chip.
Quentin Grimes - Trade Eligible Jan. 15 (With a No-Trade Clause)
Grimes won’t be trade eligible until mid-January, and even then, he holds a no-trade clause, giving him the final say on any potential move. That complicates things a bit, but he’s a valuable piece.
A tough perimeter defender with a growing offensive game, Grimes fits the mold of a modern 3-and-D wing. If he becomes part of any trade talks, it’ll likely be in the context of a bigger swing.
With the trade landscape now shifting post-Dec. 15, the Sixers have more flexibility-and more decisions to make. Morey’s been here before, and with the East as competitive as ever, don’t be surprised if he makes another bold move to push this team closer to title contention.
The pieces are on the board. Now it’s just a matter of how he plays them.