Heading into the 2026-2027 NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers have one of the best rosters in the league on paper.
By the time the Sixers get closer to the trade deadline, they might have to decide on making some notable moves. I would like to think that they got the blockbusters out of their system after making a trade with the Boston Celtics for Jaylen Brown.
The addition of LeBron James came by way of a minimum contract, but it's still the biggest free agent acquisition of the offseason. Still, you can never cement a roster as complete in the NBA. Notable players will inevitably become available, and productive front offices will also pick up the phone to at least inquire.
Looking at five possible trade block candidates well before the 2027 deadline, let's think about if any of them are possible candidates for Philadelphia, depending on how the first half of the season plays out.
The "you can forget about it" tier
Kyrie Irving, Mavericks
Bleacher Report ranked Irving as one of five NBA stars who could "dominate" trade rumors this season. I don't care how many times Kyrie Irving has been linked to the LA Lakers because of LeBron James in the past; this one isn't going to happen.
The Sixers are beyond sold on Tyrese Maxey's present and future of the franchise, and VJ Edgecombe is nearing that territory. Kyrie Irving is too good to take a bench role. There many teams out there who can and will take him on for a hefty price.
Darius Garland, Clippers
The Clippers are in a weird spot, thanks to the infamous Kawhi Leonard situation. Garland might've been a future building block, but BR predicts he'll get plenty of trade interest. The same idea applies here. The Sixers have two young guards who are star-caliber.
The "probably won't happen" tier
Tyler Herro, Bucks
Would Tyler Herro be open to getting back to his Sixth Man days in Philadelphia? I wouldn't hate that, but he's going to be priced out and could get a starting role somewhere else. This would be an absolute long shot these days.
Norman Powell, Bulls
Powell is the most likely player to get traded on this list, due to the fact that the Bulls are young and not in a position to really compete in the competitive Eastern Conference. He just got a $44 million contract, with the second season being a team option. There is a world where Powell could be a bench option for the Sixers, but that won't happen until another team rejects his $22.5 million salary next year, sending him to free agency.
The "expect to hear about it" tier
Anthony Davis, Wizards
And then there was one. The Wizards haven't received trade demands from Davis just yet, but many around the league seem to believe he won't be in DC long-term. One of the downsides to having LeBron is that his team is always connected to rumors regarding his closest hooper friends.
For some reason, plenty of analysts and fans believe that the Sixers are better suited with Davis over Joel Embiid. So, yes, expect to hear about AD trade rumors as long as he's not locked in with the Wizards long-term. If Davis had a better track record in the health department, then it would be an interesting idea. But as long as he's consistently hurt--and still not as dominant offensively as Joel Embiid--the Sixers are better off keeping the Embiid-Maxey duo in place, while working in Jaylen Brown and LeBron James.
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