Grading how the Philadelphia 76ers fared in the 2025 trade deadline

In arguably the most chaotic trade deadline in NBA history that featured eight all-star players moved, the Philadelphia 76ers attempted to thread the needle between buying and selling. As a result, some 76ers fans feel underwhelmed and weary of Philadelphia’s direction following the Feb. 6th trade deadline. 

The 76ers added guards Quentin Grimes and Jared Butler alongside five second-round picks that span from 2025-2030. On the flip side, Philadelphia gave up guard Reggie Jackson and forwards Caleb and KJ Martin as well as a 2026 first-round pick and three second-round picks. It’s also worth mentioning that Butler (two-way) and Grimes ($4.3 million) are both on expiring contracts and will enter restricted free agency this offseason.

The 76ers aimed to inject youth into the roster as they acquired two players that can contribute to both short and long-term success. Philadelphia also strived to get below the $170.8 million luxury tax threshold to gain more flexibility heading into the offseason. The 76ers now have three open roster spots and are $3.5 million below the threshold. 

Without further ado, here are my thoughts on every trade Philadelphia made:

Quentin Grimes trade

Grimes was the 76ers’ biggest catch by far. As a 24-year-old, three-and-D wing, he’ll provide elite spot-up shooting, high-end point-of-attack defense, and athleticism, especially as a slasher. With such talents, Grimes will seamlessly fit around Philadelphia’s big three of stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George. 

Before this trade, the 76ers didn’t own a draft pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA draft. In what’s seemingly a bonus to adding Grimes, Philadelphia obtained a 2025 second-round round pick in a draft that’ll be stockpiled with talent. 

However, it’s unfortunate that Martin was involved in this trade considering his two-way prowess. Not to mention, with both Martins gone, Philadelphia has created a notable void at power forward with Guerschon Yabusele being the only true four on its revamped roster. 

KJ Martin trade

Trading Martin in this fashion was undoubtedly a head-scratching move. When Martin signed a “balloon” two-year, $16 million contract, many speculated that he would serve as salary-filler in a needle-moving trade at the deadline.

However, with the 76ers (20-31) 11 games below .500 and 1.5 games behind the Chicago Bulls (22-30) for the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia’s front office decided a salary dump was the best way forward. 

Martin’s $8 million salary for next season is unguaranteed, meaning that this trade served no other purpose than for the 76ers to dodge the luxury tax threshold. While Martin likely didn’t hold strong trade value, throwing in two second-round picks to get off of his contract seemed excessive.

Jared Butler trade

Philadelphia acquiring a single guard below the age of 25 seemed like an achievement, but two? That should be yet another reason to throw a parade on Broad St. 

Butler has shown flashes of being a high-level pick-and-roll engine as well as an elite floor spacer. Look no further than when Butler notched 26 points on 11-19 shooting from the field and seven assists in Washington’s 109-103 loss to Philadelphia on Jan. 8th. He can potentially be the 76ers’ backup point guard of the future.

Philadelphia shedding off Jackson while receiving four second-round picks is equally, if not more so valuable. With the 76ers having to give a second-round pick to the Mavericks in the Grimes trade and handing the Pistons two second-round picks in the Martin Deal, they essentially gained back what they lost. 

My grade for Philadelphia’s trade deadline: B-