Morey Defends Inaction, Depth of 76ers at Trade Deadline

76ers GM says team couldn't find deal to "move the needle" despite lacking major additions

Feb. 6, 2026 at 3:23pm

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In a press conference following the NBA trade deadline, Philadelphia 76ers general manager Daryl Morey defended the team's lack of major moves, saying they "didn't find a deal that made sense" to improve the team this season. Morey discussed the trade of Jared McCain, the team's luxury tax situation, and the depth of the current roster under head coach Nick Nurse.

Why it matters

The 76ers are a contending team in the Eastern Conference, and their moves or lack thereof at the trade deadline can have a significant impact on their chances of making a deep playoff run. Morey's comments provide insight into the team's strategy and priorities as they navigate the second half of the season.

The details

Morey acknowledged the team was "trying to add to the team" at the deadline but couldn't find a deal that would "move the needle" on their ability to win this year. The team's trade of Jared McCain to Oklahoma City was defended as "selling high" on the 21-year-old, despite his struggles this season. Morey also discussed the team's luxury tax situation, saying ownership has been willing to exceed the tax line in the past, but they didn't see a move that would have put them over it this year.

  • The NBA trade deadline was on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • Jared McCain was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on the trade deadline.

The players

Daryl Morey

The general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, who was defending the team's lack of major moves at the trade deadline.

Jared McCain

A 21-year-old forward who was traded by the 76ers to the Oklahoma City Thunder on the trade deadline.

Joel Embiid

The star center for the Philadelphia 76ers, who had previously expressed hope that the team would not "duck the tax" and would keep the core together.

Paul George

The 76ers player who was suspended for 25 games due to a positive drug test, which impacted the team's luxury tax situation.

Nick Nurse

The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, whose utilization of the team's roster was discussed by Morey.

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What they’re saying

“We were trying to add to the team, and we didn't find a deal that made sense, that we thought could move the needle on our ability to win this year.”

— Daryl Morey, General Manager, Philadelphia 76ers

“I took his comments to heart, and that stars like Embiid were kept updated throughout the process.”

— Daryl Morey, General Manager, Philadelphia 76ers

What’s next

The 76ers will have to navigate the next 10 days without Jabari Walker, who has played 45 games but is out of two-way eligibility without getting a standard contract.

The takeaway

Morey's comments highlight the challenges the 76ers faced in finding a trade that could significantly improve the team this season, while also balancing the luxury tax concerns of the team's ownership. The 76ers will now look to the buyout market and the rest of the season to continue building a contending roster around their star players.