At the halfway point of the season, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a strong position - not perfect, but definitely promising. Sitting at 23-19, they’ve weathered some tough losses, but overall, they’re right in the mix for a top-six seed in the East. That’s a crucial distinction in today’s NBA landscape, where avoiding the Play-In Tournament can mean the difference between a deep playoff run and a short postseason cameo.
A big part of this solid start has been the blend of veteran stability and young upside. Joel Embiid and Paul George - both of whom battled availability issues last season - have stayed relatively healthy.
In fact, Embiid has already played more games this year than he did all of last season. That alone is a game-changer for Philly.
But it’s not just the stars. Rookie VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick, has flashed the kind of potential that makes front offices dream. He’s not just filling minutes - he’s showing signs of becoming a future cornerstone.
So with the trade deadline approaching on February 5, where do the Sixers go from here?
Well, don’t expect fireworks. The market is thin, and the Sixers aren’t exactly in a position where a blockbuster feels necessary - or even likely.
They’ve already got a franchise centerpiece in Embiid, two hefty contracts in George and Tobias Harris, and a roster that’s starting to gel. The focus, instead, is likely to be on fine-tuning - particularly in the frontcourt.
One of the most encouraging developments this season has been the emergence of Dominick Barlow. Signed to a two-way contract, Barlow has not only looked like a legitimate NBA player - he’s earned a spot in the starting lineup. He’s started 29 of the 32 games he’s been available for, a remarkable rise for a player many didn’t expect to be a major contributor this early.
Jabari Walker, also on a two-way, has been another key piece. He’s played in 40 of the team’s 42 games, providing energy and versatility off the bench.
But here’s the catch: two-way contracts come with limitations. Players on two-way deals can only appear in up to 50 games per season, and when a team is carrying fewer than 15 full-time players - as the Sixers are - the total number of two-way appearances across the roster is capped at 90.
That math adds up quickly. Between Barlow, Walker, and a short stint from Hunter Sallis (who was active for 12 games), the Sixers are down to just four two-way game slots remaining. If Barlow and Walker both suit up for the next two games - which would take them through their January 24 matchup against the Knicks - the team will hit that limit.
So what’s next?
One likely move is to bring in a player on a 10-day contract. That would temporarily pause the 90-game two-way limit, buying the Sixers a bit more time.
But that’s just a short-term fix. Both Barlow and Walker are also nearing their individual 50-game caps - Walker is down to just eight games left, and Barlow has 18.
Eventually, the Sixers will need to make a decision: convert one (or both) of those two-way deals into a standard NBA contract. To do that, they’ll need to open up at least one full-time roster spot.
Fortunately, they have options. Several players on the roster are on expiring deals, and not all of them are central to the current rotation.
Eric Gordon, for example, hasn’t been a regular contributor and is on a veteran minimum deal. Andre Drummond, while still a capable backup, mostly sees action when Embiid is out and carries a $5 million salary.
Then there’s Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes, both making over $8 million. Oubre has been productive when healthy, and moving him would be a tough call unless the return is significant. Grimes presents another challenge - he’s on a qualifying offer, meaning any team trading for him wouldn’t get his Bird rights, which complicates re-signing him in the offseason.
Daryl Morey has options, but none of them are particularly flashy. And that’s okay.
This year’s trade deadline might not be about headline-grabbing moves for Philly. Instead, it’s about smart internal decisions - converting Barlow and/or Walker to full-time spots without disrupting the rotation.
It won’t dominate the national conversation, but for a team trying to build sustainable success around Embiid and George, securing the futures of two promising young contributors could be the most important move they make.