NBA Trade Deadline Wrap-Up: Sixers' Moves & What’s Next
The NBA trade deadline has officially come and gone, and now the attention shifts to the buyout market. Every team in the league, including the Philadelphia 76ers, is keeping a close eye on which players will be available. With the dust settling, let’s break down the moves the Sixers made, who they brought in, who they shipped out, and what it all means for their 2024-25 season aspirations.
Daryl Morey’s Strategy: Balancing the Books & Adding Depth
President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey had a clear plan going into the deadline—getting under the luxury tax, improving financial flexibility for future moves, and adding pieces to keep the Sixers competitive this season. While it wasn’t the kind of blockbuster trade deadline some fans might have hoped for, Morey still managed to make some impactful moves. Let’s take a look at the players who are now wearing a Sixers uniform and those who were sent packing.
Who’s In? New Faces in Philadelphia
Quentin Grimes (from Dallas Mavericks)
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The Sixers acquired Grimes in a deal with the Mavericks.
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In 47 games for Dallas, Grimes averaged 10.2 points per game, shooting a career-best 39.8% from three.
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His outside shooting should provide a much-needed boost to Philadelphia’s offense, especially with spacing around Joel Embiid.
Jared Butler (from Washington Wizards)
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Butler arrives in Philly on a two-way contract after playing for the Wizards.
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In 32 games this season, he’s averaging 6.9 points and 2.6 assists, with a 36.6% three-point shooting percentage.
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While not a game-changing move, Butler provides additional depth at the guard spot, which could come in handy if injuries hit the roster.
Draft Capital Brought In
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The Sixers acquired a total of five second-round picks as part of multiple trades.
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Four came from Washington in the Butler deal, and another was received from Dallas in the Grimes trade.
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Morey did part ways with a future first-round pick (sent to Washington) and a handful of second-rounders in various deals, but overall, he managed to recoup valuable draft assets.
Who’s Out? Departures from Philly
Caleb Martin (to Dallas Mavericks)
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Injuries derailed Martin’s time in Philly, as he was limited to just 31 games.
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Hip and groin issues made it tough for him to stay on the court, leading the Sixers to move on.
Reggie Jackson (to Washington Wizards)
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Jackson served as a steady ball-handler for the bench unit.
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However, after being traded, Washington quickly waived him, making him a free agent.
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He'll now look for a new team to sign with.
KJ Martin (to Utah Jazz via Detroit Pistons)
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Martin was initially sent to Detroit in a salary dump move before being rerouted to Utah.
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The move was primarily to clear cap space rather than a strategic roster shake-up.
What’s Next? Buyout Market & Playoff Push
Now that the trade deadline is behind us, the focus shifts to the buyout market. This is where contending teams, like the Sixers, can add veteran players who were recently waived or bought out of their contracts. Morey and his team will be scanning the market for experienced players who could provide depth for a playoff push.
The Sixers' core remains intact, and with the additions of Grimes and Butler, they have added some offensive firepower and depth. However, whether these moves are enough to keep pace with the top teams in the Eastern Conference remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts
While the Sixers didn’t make any headline-grabbing blockbuster trades, they made smart financial moves, added a reliable shooter in Grimes, and gained future draft capital. The real test will come in the buyout market, where Philadelphia could still find a key piece to bolster their roster.
Fans should stay tuned as the Sixers gear up for a crucial stretch of the season. Will these moves be enough to push them deeper into the playoffs? Time will tell, but the road ahead is definitely going to be exciting!
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