In the least shocking announcement of this NBA trade deadline, ESPN insider Shams Charania confirmed that Philadelphia 76ers veteran guard Eric Gordon has been traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, along with a second-round pick swap in 2032. This may not be the blockbuster deal many Sixers fans had dreamed of after Jared McCain was shipped to the Oklahoma City Thunder; however, it will allow the franchise to convert Dominick Barlow’s two-way contract.
The Philadelphia 76ers are trading Eric Gordon and a 2032 second-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell ESPN. This gives the 76ers the flexibility to complete the conversion of two-way Dominick Barlow.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
Eric Gordon has been on the fringes of the rotation for most of the 2025-26 season after signing a one-year minimum contract reportedly worth around $2.29 million. The 37-year-old made just six appearances for the 76ers, averaging 5.5 points while shooting 57.1% from the floor.
Despite scoring a season-high 12 points in 17 minutes during Philadelphia’s 114–106 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on December 24, Gordon has failed to make another appearance for the franchise. Now his fate lies in Memphis, and the Philadelphia 76ers could approve a deal that will surprise the fan base.
Dominick Barlow could be rewarded with Gordon’s roster spot
Dominick Barlow has undoubtedly been one of the smartest signings of the season after struggling to make a significant impact at both the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks. The 22-year-old forward appears to have found a home in the city of Philadelphia as he has established himself as the perfect dance partner for Sixers superstar Joel Embiid.
During his time with the franchise, Barlow has quickly changed fans’ perceptions of his skills on the floor, transforming his secondary role in the rotation into an integral part of the Sixers’ tactical plan. The former Spurs wing has played in 40 games this season, averaging 8.4 points and 5.1 rebounds in each game. Most importantly, Barlow has done much of Embiid’s heavy lifting, keeping the 2023 MVP from aggravating a knee injury that recently plagued his career.
Philadelphia already had the power to convert Barlow’s contract without trading Eric Gordon to the Memphis Grizzlies. However, this move gives the franchise more flexibility to convert Jabari Walker’s two-way contract into a long-term deal while leaving one roster spot open. Additionally, it will allow the 76ers to avoid the luxury tax threshold, which has been a clear focus in recent days.
Now that Eric Gordon’s move to the Memphis Grizzlies has been approved, the Philadelphia 76ers fanbase can rejoice that Dominick Barlow’s contract will be converted – even if hopes for a blockbuster deal have seemingly been decimated.
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