With the NBA trade deadline ticking down, the Philadelphia 76ers are staying active, continuing to reshape the back end of their roster with an eye toward flexibility and long-term value.
On the heels of sending Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for draft picks, the Sixers have now reportedly moved veteran guard Eric Gordon to the Memphis Grizzlies. In return, Philadelphia receives a 2032 second-round pick swap - a move that’s more about clearing space than chasing immediate returns.
Gordon, now in his 18th NBA season, had a brief stint in Philly. He appeared in just six games this season, averaging 5.5 points while shooting a scorching 57.1% from three.
That kind of efficiency in limited minutes speaks to the kind of microwave scoring he’s still capable of providing, even in the twilight of his career. But with the Sixers focused on building a younger, more flexible roster, Gordon became the odd man out.
This move opens the door for Philadelphia to convert Dominick Barlow from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal. Barlow has shown enough promise to earn a longer look, and the Sixers clearly value his upside and want to lock him in as part of their core moving forward.
The same goes for Jabari Walker, another player currently on a two-way deal. The Sixers’ front office has been deliberate in creating both roster spots and financial flexibility to keep both Barlow and Walker in the fold - a sign that they see these young contributors as more than just temporary fill-ins.
Bottom line: this isn’t about splashy headlines or blockbuster trades. It’s about smart roster management.
Philadelphia is playing the long game here, prioritizing development and sustainability. And in a league where depth and versatility often separate contenders from pretenders, moves like these can quietly pay off in a big way down the line.