Sixers’ intriguing trade piece admits deadline reality ‘stinks’

Heading into the 2026 NBA trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers are likely to work the phones to see if there is an upgrade available. While that doesn’t guarantee that changes are coming, many players on the roster can’t react easily on that front until after Thursday’s deadline.

The Sixers veteran Kelly Oubre is a player that everybody will keep an eye on, as his contract is deemed one of the most tradable on the Sixers’ books.

"It does kind of stink a little bit,” Oubre said of his contract situation, via Sixers Wire. “To have a contract that is easily, like, washable, you would say.”

During the summer of 2024, Oubre hit the free agent market after wrapping up a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract with the 76ers. At the time, he inked a two-year deal, worth $16.3 million.

Last year, Oubre was viewed as a potential trade candidate early on, but the Sixers’ struggles forced them into a different direction. Oubre made his $7.9 million and stuck with the Sixers for the start of the 2025-2026 season. On a player option, he’s making $8.3 million for the year before becoming an undrafted free agent once again.

Typically, players in Oubre’s position are logical trade candidates. Teams tend to seek in-season value before potentially losing them for nothing over the offseason. There have been some past whispers about Oubre, but ultimately, Sixers trade rumors have been quiet. Either way, Oubre is sticking to the script, despite not having any answers heading into the new week.

“I’m putting in the work, showing up every day, showing what I mean to this league and to this team, and hopefully, I can not be in this position again,” he finished.

Amid his third season with the Sixers, Oubre has appeared in 26 games. When healthy, the veteran forward has been one of the team’s most consistent role players. Oubre has averaged 14.2 points per game, shooting 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from deep. 

Along with his scoring, Oubre has come down with 4.7 rebounds per game and has come up with 1.1 steals per game. The 30-year-old has dealt with some nagging setbacks over the past two years, but Oubre has proven to be quite valuable when on the floor.

The future is unclear. By Thursday, Oubre will find out if he’s going to wrap up a third full season with the Sixers or suit up for his sixth team since 2015. 

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