76ers 2026 NBA trade deadline grade after 3 deals

The Philadelphia 76ers are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, fourth in the most competitive Atlantic Division of the NBA. Having won six of their last nine games before All-Star weekend, the 76ers are confident they can make some noise in the 2026 NBA playoffs after missing their chance last season. At the trade deadline, the 76ers made a number of key moves to prepare them for the middle of the year.

Joel Embiid has managed to play in 31 of the 76ers’ 54 games so far, already on pace for his most active campaign in two years. Tyrese McKay has elevated itself to elite company with MVP consideration while VJ Edgecombe makes his own case for Rookie of the Year.

Still, there’s always work to be done from a roster-building perspective, and the 76ers looked to maximize during the 2026 trade deadline with numerous deals to ensure future success.

Sophomore guard Jared McCain was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for a first-round pick in 2026 and three second-round picks through 2027 and 2028. Before joining the defending champions, McCain averaged 6.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG and 1.7 APG with the 76ers, notably missing part of his rookie year due to

Considering the talent on the Sixers, his role has been diminished a bit by the emergence of VJ Edgecombe at point guard, reducing McCain’s minutes (16.8 per game) and potential. As the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to grow behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 76ers believe they could land a goal in the draft in the near future.

Trade of Eric Gordon to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a 2032 second-round pick was also a necessary move, freeing up cap space to sign two-way forward Dominic Barlow. Gordon averaged just 12.3 minutes per game behind Maxey and Edgecomb, making him a more desirable asset for the Memphis Grizzlies who were active at the deadline. Overall, both moves were necessary for the 76ers to make room for future talent and capital through the draft.

76ers sign Dominick Barlow, add Dalen Terry in two-way deal

The Philadelphia 76ers released Dominic Barlow from his two-way contractfinally able to contribute full-time after averaging 8.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 0.6 BPG in 43 games played. He’s gone 26-13-10-13 in four of his last five games, so he’ll have an immediate impact on their interior game in games where Joel Embiid could be on the bench.

The move also opened up room for the 76ers to sign former Chicago Bull Dalen Terry to a two-way contract, offering them a chance to add more depth with another forward. Terry averaged 3.5 PPG and 1.9 RPG in his final season with the Bulls.

Final 76ers 2026 NBA Trade Deadline Score

Overall, as close as Philadelphia is to contention in the East, they presented a fairly weak trade deadline, perhaps already feeling confident about their team. Eric Gordon’s move was necessary as Dominic Barlow provides an immediate upgrade at centre-forward for Paul George’s team.

While some fans may not share the same opinion, the 76ers front office truly believes they made a good sale on Jared McCain and need to be confident in their draft abilities over the next two years. They’ve hit on players like McKay and Edgecombe in recent years, so they’re looking forward to building a roster around them and Embiid during the draft.

While they could have been more aggressive in signing players like Ivica Zubac or Tari Eason to bolster their center position, they hope to use the draft believing they are still 1-2 years away from title contention.

Overall 76ers 2026 NBA Trade Deadline Grade: C