A slow start for Wizards could give 76ers a real shot at Khris Middleton

James Taylor •September 26, 2026 at 8:26 AM, New York •News

The upcoming NBA season shouldn't include the Philadelphia 76ers in many blockbuster trade rumors--if any--after their massive summer.

If we're thinking realistically, the team that just acquired Jaylen Brown and LeBron James to pair with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe might only need a bench addition, depending on how the first half of the 2026-2027 NBA season plays out.

Looking at realistic trade targets across the league, the Washington Wizards have some options for the Sixers, but before we get to who they should target, let's quickly highlight the one they should avoid.

Steer clear, 76ers

If there is one blockbuster trade rumor the 76ers could see themselves in this year, it's Anthony Davis. Without an extension in place, Davis' future with the Wizards is currently up in the air. While DC's front office doesn't want to deal him away after just trading for him less than a year ago, many are banking on the idea of Davis forcing their hand if the Wizards start the year on an underwhelming note.

It shouldn't matter if LeBron James wants Anthony Davis. The Sixers don't need to sign another major extension with an injury-prone big to please a player who could bounce as early as next summer. The Joel Embiid contract is bad, but the Sixers would just end up handcuffing themselves to another player with the same durability concerns for longer.

The realistic target

Right now, the Sixers seem like they are going to need a center, but Khris Middleton is an intriguing frontcourt option for deeper into the year.

This comes with the assumption that the rookie Labaron Philon might not be ready for steady minutes, placing Anfernee Simons as a backup ball-handler frequently, and having Kentavious Caldwell-Pope be VJ Edgecombe's backup.

The 35-year-old Middleton is simply a quality shooter, a good locker room presence, and a former champ. Being in the NBA since 2012, he has appeared in over 800 regular-season games and been a part of nine playoff runs.

Throughout his career, Middleton averaged 16.1 points, while knocking down 38.5% of his threes. He also averaged 3.9 assists and 4.7 rebounds. His playoff averages include 20.6 PPG (39.0% 3PT), 6.5 RPG, and 4.8 APG. Middleton's availability would likely come down to the Wizards' progress through the first half of the year. He isn't trade-eligible until December 15.

The 76ers don't have a ton of flexibility and are extremely limited on tradable contracts. If the Wizards creep into that territory of searching for younger players, Justin Edwards could be an intriguing player to mix and match with one of the Sixers' young bigs, Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti. Dominick Barlow could be another option to mix in as well, since the Sixers have him buried behind LeBron James and Dean Wade.

Any trade for Middleton comes with a possible multi-season commitment. Over the summer, the veteran forward agreed to a sign-and-trade to acquire a three-year, $17.6 million contract. After he makes $5.5 million this season, Middleton's salary could go as high as $6.1 million in 2028-2029. However, the contract is barely guaranteed beyond year one. Next year, only $908K is guaranteed before June 28.