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Sixers

Sixers

A stunningly disastrous 2024-25 season at the Wells Fargo Center has complicated the outlook on the NBA Trade Deadline. The Philadelphia 76ers haven’t withstood injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George well enough to stay in playoff position.

Related Content: Should the Sixers Replace Daryl Morey With Bob Myers?

How will Daryl Morey handle the unexpected circumstances with the deadline fast approaching on February 6 at 3pm Eastern time?

NBA Trade Deadline

While De’Aaron Fox and Jimmy Butler will control most of the headlines around the league, the Sixers are one of the more intriguing teams looking to make moves.

They could justify an aggressive buyer’s approach after entering the season with legitimate championship hopes. Potential additions would likely also have to make sense for the 2025-26 season.

Standing pat with the current roster is also an option, especially if the Sixers expect Embiid and/or George to return healthy for a potential playoff run.

Nick Nurse showed a head coach’s competitive spirit on January 15 when discussing Philadelphia’s plans ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.

“Until you think your team’s perfect, you better be trying to improve it.” -Nick Nurse

Daryl Morey will evaluate the current roster and their chances to make noise in an underwhelming Eastern Conference.

If the Sixers become sellers, however, Morey will consider moving five players with his eyes on the future of the franchise.


  • KJ Martin

    When the Sixers signed KJ Martin during the 2024 offseason, the contract looked like a simple set-up for an in-season trade of an expiring deal.

    The 6-foot-6 forward is capable of providing the type of spark that carves out a role for an NBA bench player. However, a left foot stress fracture has kept him out of action since December 23.

    While Martin looked like the likeliest casualty for the Sixers at the NBA Trade Deadline, it probably won’t matter if he doesn’t return to the court or establish a definitive injury return timeline before February 6.

    KJ Martin #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Wells Fargo Center on December 20, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
    Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

  • Eric Gordon

    The addition of Eric Gordon quickly seemed like a failure. The 36-year-old couldn’t crack Nurse’s rotation early in the 2024-25 season despite a long list of team injuries that should’ve in theory pushed a veteran into an expanded role.

    Gordon scored in double figures only three times before New Year’s Day, at which point the Sixers had played 30 games. He’s played all 16 of Philadelphia’s games in 2025, started 11, and hit double figures 10 times.  

    His thick frame brings some muscle to the court, and his bold tendency to shoot deep three-pointers could appeal to a championship contender looking for the extra push off the bench.

    The remarkable turnaround means increased trade value for Eric Gordon, and it’s made him arguably the most sensible trade chip on the current roster.

    Eric Gordon #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots against Jaylon Tyson #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
    Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images

  • Guerschon Yabusele

    Guerschon Yabusele returned to the NBA this summer on a one-year deal worth only $2.1 million with Philadelphia. He’s somehow contributed more than an injured Joel Embiid and jumped 13-year veteran Andre Drummond on the depth chart.

    A team that’s struggled with injuries as badly as the Sixers inevitably leaves opportunity for breakout seasons from lesser known players.

    Yabusele brought energy in limited minutes behind Drummond in the early weeks of the season and quickly proved himself as a better immediate starting lineup option in Embiid’s absence.

    “He plays hard, and he’s kind of in the right place at the right time. He probably plays much bigger than he is. He scores at the rim over bigger people. He blocks shots like a bigger center.” -Nick Nurse

    Morey’s decision on Yabusele will tell the fan base about the organization’s expectations for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. If they trade him, they’re essentially waving the white flag as a clear seller.

    If the Sixers hold onto their resurgent French big man, it could indicate plans to re-sign him entering 2025-26 and remain in contention with the same core group.

    Guerschon Yabusele #28 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
    Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images

  • Kyle Lowry

    It always seemed like destiny that the North Philadelphia native would wind up wearing a Sixers uniform at some point before the end of his storied NBA career.

    Lowry finally checked the box late in the 2023-24 season. He’s also contributed in a reserve role in the backcourt this season while Tyrese Maxey has continued his ascension toward NBA stardom.

    While the 38-year-old’s affordable, expiring contract and veteran savvy might appeal to a contender, Morey must weigh the potential return package against Lowry’s value on the roster with Maxey and other inexperienced players watching their respected teammate’s every move.

    “He’s very wise. He knows the game a lot… The way you do things, it makes sense why you’re (Lowry is) a Hall of Famer… When he’s on the court with us, the game just becomes so much easier: defense, offense, everything.” -Ricky Council

    The Sixers won’t move all their veteran reserves at the NBA Trade Deadline, and Kyle Lowry brings more value to the current roster than most potential trade chips.

    Kyle Lowry #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the third quarter against the Miami Heat at the Wells Fargo Center on March 18, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
    Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

  • Reggie Jackson

    Nurse has distributed minutes to Reggie Jackson somewhat unevenly throughout his first season with the Sixers.

    The veteran ball handler commands an offense well enough to play a reserve role for a contending team after 14 NBA seasons with five teams and 102 career playoff games.

    He’ll turn 35 during the play-in tournament, and his one-year deal indicates very little future with the Sixers. If Morey can find a trade partner, the Sixers could benefit from any available return.

    Reggie Jackson #00 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots over Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on January 25, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
    Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

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