The Philadelphia 76ers made another move ahead of the NBA trade deadline, sending veteran guard Eric Gordon to the Memphis Grizzlies in a salary dump that includes a 2032 second-round pick swap. It's the second trade the Sixers have pulled off in the final hours before the deadline, and while it clears cap space, it raises more questions than it answers about the team’s overall strategy.
The front office continues to cite the need to convert Dominick Barlow from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal as a driving force behind these moves. And to be fair, Barlow’s earned that standard contract. He’s started 33 games this season and has become an essential piece in the rotation - a high-energy big who’s brought toughness, rim protection, and a surprising touch around the basket.
But here’s where things get a little murky. The Sixers have referenced Barlow’s conversion in both the Gordon trade and the earlier deal that sent rookie standout Jared McCain to Oklahoma City.
The thing is, converting Barlow didn’t require this much maneuvering. With Paul George suspended and McCain now in OKC, the team already had a roster spot open and was sitting below the luxury tax threshold.
And while Charles Bassey’s 10-day contract was set to expire, the team is reportedly bringing him back on another 10-day deal - meaning they’re still not using that open spot for Barlow just yet. As of now, the Sixers are $5.3 million under the luxury tax with two open roster spots, and neither Barlow nor Jabari Walker has been converted.
So what’s really going on here?
Let’s talk about Gordon. Signed last offseason to bring veteran shooting and floor spacing off the bench, his arrival was supposed to complement the high-profile addition of Paul George.
But with both George and Joel Embiid sidelined to start the season, Gordon never found his rhythm. He struggled to carve out a role and was eventually leapfrogged in the rotation by McCain, who was having a breakout rookie campaign before his season was cut short by a meniscus tear.
Gordon declined his player option last summer and re-signed on a minimum deal, but he appeared in just six games this season. It’s a tough ending to what was supposed to be a stabilizing veteran presence. Instead, the Sixers are moving on, clearing his salary and opening the door - potentially - for younger players to step in.
With the deadline less than an hour away, the Sixers’ approach has been underwhelming. They’ve made moves, yes, but none that suggest a major push for contention this season. Instead, it feels like a team trying to buy time, clear space, and keep options open - but without a clear next step in sight.
Stay tuned. The clock’s ticking, and Philly fans are still waiting for a move that signals more than just roster maintenance.