In the least shocking announcement of this NBA trade deadline, ESPN insider Shams Charania confirmed that Philadelphia 76ers veteran guard Eric Gordon has been traded to the Memphis Grizzlies along with a 2032 second-round pick swap. This may not be the blockbuster deal that many Sixers fans had dreamed of after Jared McCain was shipped to the Oklahoma City Thunder; however, it will allow the franchise to convert Dominick Barlow's two-way contract.
The Philadelphia 76ers are trading Eric Gordon and a 2032 second-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell ESPN. This gives the 76ers the flexibility to complete conversion of two-way Dominick Barlow.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
Eric Gordon has been on the outskirts of the rotation for the majority of the 2025-26 season after signing a reported one-year minimum contract, believed to be worth around $2.29 million. The 37-year-old has only featured for the 76ers on six occasions, averaging 5.5 points while shooting 57.1% from the floor.
Despite scoring a season-high 12 points in 17 minutes during Philadelphia's 114-106 defeat to the Brooklyn Nets on December 24, Gordon has failed to register another appearance for the franchise. Now, his destiny lies in Memphis, and the Philadelphia 76ers can sanction a deal that will delight the fan base.
Dominick Barlow can be rewarded with Gordon's roster spot
Arguably, Dominick Barlow has been one of the shrewdest acquisitions of the offseason after struggling to make a substantial impact with both the San Antonio Spurs and the Atlanta Hawks. The 22-year-old forward has appeared to find a home in the City of Philadelphia, while establishing himself as the perfect dance partner for Sixers superstar Joel Embiid.
During his time with the franchise, Barlow has rapidly altered the fans' perception of his ability on the floor, transforming his minor role in the rotation to an integral piece of the Sixers' tactical plan. The former Spurs wing has played in 40 games this season, averaging 8.4 points and 5.1 rebounds in each matchup. Most importantly, Barlow has shouldered much of Embiid's heavy lifting, preventing the 2023 MVP from aggravating a knee injury that has recently plagued his career.
Philadelphia already wielded the power to convert Barlow's contract without trading Eric Gordon to the Memphis Grizzlies. However, this move allows the franchise more flexibility to convert Jabari Walker's two-way contract to a long-term deal while keeping one roster spot open. Additionally, it will enable the 76ers to dodge the luxury tax threshold, which has been a clear point of emphasis over recent days.
Now that Eric Gordon's move to the Memphis Grizzlies has been sanctioned, the Philadelphia 76ers' fan base can rejoice that Dominick Barlow's two-way contract will be converted -- even if hopes of a blockbuster deal have seemingly been decimated.