Sixers Trade Deadline Targets Include Former Guard De’Anthony Melton Amid Suspension Chaos
With the February 5, 2026, NBA trade deadline approaching, the Philadelphia 76ers face a complex landscape altered significantly by Paul George’s 25-game suspension. While the suspension provides a luxury tax credit of approximately $5.9 million, the team remains roughly $1.26 million above the tax line, creating a dual mandate: improve the roster for a playoff push without their third star, or pivot to shed salary and reset for the offseason.
Deep search into league chatter identifies a potential reunion with Golden State Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton as a primary target. Melton, who played for Philadelphia before moving to the Warriors, is viewed as a stabilizing backcourt presence, though his current season has been marred by an ACL injury that might complicate immediate contributions. Alongside Melton, the Sixers are linked to New Orleans Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey, whose value is peaking after a strong recent stretch, and Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason, a high-energy defender who could fill the void left by George.
Objections to a major splash remain significant. The Sixers lack premium trade assets, with their most attractive young pieces—Tyrese Maxey and rookie sensation V.J. Edgecombe (dubbed “VJ Maxx”)—considered strictly off-limits. Furthermore, acquiring impact players like Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe or Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis would likely require aggregating salaries, pushing the team closer to the restrictive second apron, a scenario ownership may wish to avoid given George’s uncertain availability.
Background info suggests that President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey is weighing the departure of current veterans to facilitate these moves. Center Andre Drummond and guard Eric Gordon are the most likely candidates to be moved. Drummond, despite his rebounding prowess, is on an expiring $5 million contract and has been cycled through trade rumors as the team considers younger, cheaper backup bigs like Jock Landale or Jay Huff. Gordon’s expiring deal also presents a pathway to ducking the luxury tax entirely if a suitor can be found.
While blockbuster rumors regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to circulate, sources indicate that such a move is highly improbable before the deadline, with Philadelphia’s focus remaining on marginal upgrades. The “3 former players” narrative appears to center on the potential exit of Drummond (a former Sixer who returned) and the pursuit of Melton, rather than a trio of external stars on the move. The deadline strategy will likely hinge on whether the front office believes this roster, sans George for two months, can genuinely compete in the East.
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