As expected, the Philadelphia 76ers finally cut ties with Eric Gordon. As reported by Shams Charania, the front office shipped him off to the Memphis Grizzlies while also parting with a second-round pick swap to sweeten the pot. The deal ends the veteran’s uneventful stint in Philly, which was something that should have never even subsisted past last season.
The biggest winner from this is trade is pretty easy to identify — Dominick Barlow. With this deal, the 76ers now have three open roster spots (not counting Charles Bassey’s uncertain fate with his 10-day deals), allowing them to convert his (and Jabari Walker’s) two-way deal into a standard NBA contract. The team would still have another open spot for a subsequent addition to the roster through the buyout market.
As everyone knows, Barlow has been a revelation this season in Philly. The front office and the coaches probably did not even expect him to become one of the most vital players on the roster as a two-way addition, but he has been exactly just that. His game has quickly flourished, and it is difficult to envision the 76ers not sticking with him for the near future.
Dominick Barlow can now compel the 76ers to give him a pay raise
Much to the chagrin of many, one reason why the 76ers acted the way they did before the deadline is to maintain some more financial flexibility. Now, the team has more financial legroom, which gives Barlow some negotiating power to demand some pay raise or a contract that is above the minimum rate.
By all means, the young big man has earned it. He is perhaps the most industrious player on the team in the hardwood,and he does all the little things that impact winning. After all, if you are a non-floor spacing big who logs a lot of minutes next to Joel Embiid, that means you are doing everything else nearly perfectly.
There is a good chance that Barlow ends up being the starting power forward for this team moving forward. He is young and agile big who is also very willing defender. He knows how to make decisions with the ball in his hands. Simply put, there is a lot to like about his natural fit on this group.
Due to league rules, the 76ers have no choice but to move with urgency as they convert his deal. Hopefully, Dominick Barlow ends up getting what he deserves.