76ers Exploring Trades for 2 Key Players Before Start of 2025-26 NBA Season: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 4:45 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers are entering the new season looking to bounce back after their disappointing season last year.

Of course, the 76ers finished last season with a 24-58 record, which was the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference behind the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets.

Many things led to their struggles last season but the main issue was the injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George.

Now with both players set to enter the 2025-26 season healthy, along with their new addition of V.J. Edgecomb, who they selected third overall in the 2025 draft, Philadelphia is looking to compete for a top seed in the East this season.

While the 76ers are looking to make a run at a top seed in the East behind their star trio of Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxey, they are reportedly also looking to move two of their key players ahead of the start of the regular season.

76ers Exploring Trades for Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre Jr.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the 76ers are exploring trade options for Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre Jr. to open up cap space to re-sign restricted free agent Quentin Grimes.

“There has been buzz all summer long about the Sixers looking to potentially move one of, if not both, Drummond and Oubre,” Fischer said. “If they are able to find a deal for one of those two guys as we get closer to camp, that would open up some more wiggle room for Philadelphia to be able to pay grimes a little bit more.”

This is a massive report by Fischer but one that is not a complete surprise as both Drummond and Oubre Jr. have been in trade rumors for most of the offseason.

Of course, moving both players would free up over $12 million in cap space for this upcoming season which would allow the 76ers to re-sign Grimes for more money.

If the 76ers do elect to move both Drummond and Oubre Jr., they should both draw interest from many teams around the NBA.

For Drummond, he is a great rebounder and defender and is also a solid inside scorer who could be a valuable asset to many contending teams searching for frontcourt depth.

Oubre Jr. is a great scorer and a solid defender who would bring a solid wing player to a contending team.

While moving both players would free up space to sign Grimes to a larger deal, they both would be major losses to the 76ers as both have played a key role in Philadelphia over the past few seasons, though they should be able to receive a solid trade package in return.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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