After a relatively quiet trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers are shifting gears and setting their sights on the buyout market - a space that could quietly become a difference-maker for a team with championship aspirations. By moving Jared McCain and Eric Gordon, the Sixers opened up both roster space and financial flexibility. Now, with the Eastern Conference wide open and the postseason picture still far from settled, Philly is in position to make some strategic additions.
Daryl Morey, the Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations, has never shied away from making bold moves when the opportunity presents itself. And with the team looking to fortify its depth for the stretch run, the buyout market offers a few intriguing names who could help fill key gaps - especially in the backcourt and on the wing.
Here are three potential targets who could make a real impact in Philadelphia:
Cole Anthony - Scoring Guard with Spark
While Cole Anthony hasn’t officially hit the buyout market yet, signs point to that possibility soon. After a solid five-year stint with the Orlando Magic, Anthony struggled to find his footing with the Bucks, averaging just 6.7 points per game and shooting 30.6% from three. But don’t let the recent dip in production fool you - Anthony still has tools that could benefit the Sixers.
Philadelphia suddenly finds itself needing guard depth after the McCain trade, and Anthony checks several boxes. He’s a capable ball handler, can create his own shot, and has a knack for catching fire offensively.
That microwave scoring ability could be especially valuable off the bench, giving the Sixers a spark in second-unit minutes. If Anthony becomes available, he’d be a logical, low-risk addition with potential upside.
Gabe Vincent - Playoff-Tested and Philly-Proven
Gabe Vincent may not have found his rhythm with the Lakers, but his resume still carries weight - especially in Philadelphia. The veteran guard was recently traded to the Hawks, and while his time in L.A. was uneven, he did shoot a respectable 36.9% from beyond the arc in 29 games this season. More importantly, Vincent’s playoff pedigree is legit.
Back in 2023, Vincent was a critical piece of the Miami Heat’s surprise run to the NBA Finals. He started all 22 games during that postseason stretch, showing he can handle big moments and tough matchups. Sixers fans will remember how effective he was against them during that run - he’s been a thorn in Philly’s side before, and now he could be wearing their jersey.
With playoff experience, defensive toughness, and a steady shooting stroke, Vincent brings the kind of veteran presence that could help stabilize the Sixers’ backcourt rotation down the stretch.
Haywood Highsmith - Defensive Versatility on the Wing
Haywood Highsmith hasn’t logged a minute this season due to meniscus surgery in August, but according to reports, he’s nearing a return. And when healthy, he brings the kind of defensive versatility that playoff teams covet.
Highsmith was another key contributor to that 2023 Miami Heat Finals squad, carving out a role as a switchable wing who can guard multiple positions. He’s not a high-volume scorer, but he’s just good enough from three to keep defenses honest - which is all the Sixers need when he’s sharing the floor with stars like Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
With Paul George currently sidelined, Highsmith could immediately step into rotation minutes. And even once George returns, Highsmith’s ability to defend wings and stretch forwards gives the Sixers a valuable chess piece for postseason matchups.
The Bottom Line
The Sixers didn’t swing for the fences at the trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean they’re done improving. With roster spots open and a clear need for depth, the buyout market offers a chance to add contributors who can help this team make a serious playoff push. Whether it’s a scoring guard like Cole Anthony, a battle-tested vet like Gabe Vincent, or a versatile defender like Haywood Highsmith, the right addition could be the difference between a good season and a great one.
In a wide-open East, every move counts - and the Sixers still have cards to play.