Sixers Trade Away McCain, Gordon Before Deadline

Moves leave team with weaker roster but potentially lower luxury tax bill

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Philadelphia 76ers, winners of five straight games heading into the NBA trade deadline, made a pair of moves on Thursday to deal away Jared McCain and Eric Gordon. The trades leave the Sixers with a weaker roster, but could potentially reduce the luxury tax burden for owner Josh Harris.

Why it matters

The Sixers were in a position of strength heading into the deadline, but opted to make cost-cutting moves that will impact the team's on-court performance. This reflects the financial considerations that often factor into trade decisions, especially for teams facing significant luxury tax penalties.

The details

The Sixers traded Jared McCain to the Sacramento Kings and Eric Gordon to the Miami Heat. McCain was a key rotation player for the Sixers, while Gordon provided veteran scoring off the bench. The moves were likely made to reduce the Sixers' luxury tax bill, which can be a major financial burden for team owners.

  • The trades were completed before the NBA's trade deadline on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Jared McCain

A rotation player for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Eric Gordon

A veteran scorer who came off the bench for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Josh Harris

The owner of the Philadelphia 76ers.

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What they’re saying

“We had to make some tough decisions to put the team in the best position moving forward, both on the court and financially.”

— Daryl Morey, President of Basketball Operations, Philadelphia 76ers (The Morning Call)

What’s next

The Sixers will look to integrate the new players acquired in the trades and try to maintain their strong play despite the roster changes.

The takeaway

The Sixers' trade deadline moves highlight the delicate balance teams must strike between on-court performance and financial considerations, especially for teams facing significant luxury tax penalties.