Sixers Trade Deadline Targets: Who Should Daryl Morey Be Calling as the Clock Ticks?
The NBA trade deadline is still two days away, but the action is already heating up - and Memphis just made the kind of move that could shake loose some interesting pieces. Jaren Jackson Jr. is heading to Utah in a surprise deal that signals two things: the Grizzlies are leaning into a rebuild, and the Jazz, despite not being all-in this season, are still looking to reshape their roster.
For the Philadelphia 76ers, this is the kind of opportunity that Daryl Morey lives for - a chance to find undervalued talent on teams that are either selling off or shifting direction. With Paul George suspended and the Sixers still fighting to stay in the thick of the Eastern Conference race, the right move at the deadline could be the difference between a playoff run and an early exit.
Here are four names that should be on the Sixers’ radar - not stars, but smart, strategic targets who could fill real needs right now and down the stretch.
Santi Aldama: A Swiss Army Knife at 7 Feet
If Memphis is truly tearing it down, Aldama could be one of the most intriguing pieces available. At 25 years old, the Spanish forward might not align with the Grizzlies’ new timeline, but he fits beautifully with what the Sixers need.
Aldama brings a rare combination of size and skill. He can stretch the floor, handle the ball a bit, rebound, and defend multiple positions.
He’s not a star, but he’s the kind of versatile frontcourt player who can quietly elevate a playoff rotation. Think of him as a connector - someone who can do a little bit of everything without needing the ball in his hands all the time.
The challenge? His salary for the 2025-26 season sits at $18.4 million.
That’s not pocket change, and matching that number could get tricky without including someone like Kelly Oubre Jr., who’s been one of Philly’s most reliable wings in George’s absence. Quentin Grimes is another option, but his no-trade clause complicates things after he signed a qualifying offer this past summer.
Still, if there’s a path, Aldama is worth the effort.
Jock Landale: A Budget Big with Upside
If the Sixers are looking for a more affordable upgrade at center, Jock Landale deserves a serious look. While Jay Huff’s name has popped up in some circles, Landale offers a more polished, NBA-ready option.
He’s not going to block a ton of shots, but Landale is a strong rebounder with a solid frame and a growing offensive game. Over the last couple seasons, he’s developed into a legitimate pick-and-pop threat - a skill that would pair well with Philly’s backcourt creators.
As a third big behind Joel Embiid and Adem Bona, Landale would bring stability and a bit of scoring punch. If the price is something like Andre Drummond and a couple of second-rounders, that’s a move the Sixers should consider. He’s not flashy, but he’s the kind of depth piece that becomes valuable in April and May.
Vince Williams Jr.: Defensive Grit with a Growing Game
Here’s a name that won’t light up headlines but could quietly help a playoff team: Vince Williams Jr.
He’s a guard with a 7-foot wingspan and a defensive motor that doesn’t quit. He rebounds well for his position, can handle the ball, and shows flashes as a playmaker.
The one big hole in his game? The three-point shot.
He’s not a reliable shooter right now, and that’s a concern for a Sixers team that already has a couple of non-shooters in the rotation.
But if the cost is low - and it likely would be - Williams is the kind of player who can give you tough minutes off the bench, especially in matchups where perimeter defense is at a premium. He’s not a needle-mover on his own, but he’s the kind of gritty role player who helps win playoff possessions.
Brice Sensabaugh: Instant Offense, If Utah’s Listening
This might be the longest shot of the bunch, but if the Jazz are open to moving Brice Sensabaugh, the Sixers should absolutely make the call.
The 22-year-old forward is a natural scorer - the kind of guy who can come off the bench and get buckets in a hurry. His three-point numbers have dipped this season, but he recently poured in 43 points in a single game, and that kind of scoring potential doesn’t come around often.
With George sidelined, Philly could use a shot creator and someone who can stretch the floor. Sensabaugh fits that mold.
The big question is whether Utah’s actually willing to move him. Given his age and upside, they may want to hang on.
But if the Jazz are truly reshuffling, there’s no harm in seeing what it would take.
The Bottom Line
The Sixers are in a pivotal spot. Embiid is still the engine, but with George out and the East tightening up, they need reinforcements - not just names, but players who fit the system and can contribute right away.
Whether it’s a versatile big like Aldama, a steady center like Landale, a defensive-minded guard like Williams, or a microwave scorer like Sensabaugh, there are real options out there. And with Memphis and Utah both reshaping their rosters, the window is open.
Now it’s up to Morey to find the right piece - or pieces - to push this team forward.