The Philadelphia 76ers may have only made one move at the trade deadline this season—sending Jarred McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 2026 first-round pick—but behind the scenes, they were swinging for the fences. According to a report from Philly Voice’s Adam Aaronson, the Sixers had their eyes on several impact role players, and one of the most intriguing targets was a beloved Golden State Warriors guard.

That guard is Brandin Podziemski, the Warriors' energetic $16 million fan favorite. Aaronson revealed that the Sixers made runs at Podziemski, along with Naji Marshall, Donte DiVincenzo, and Ryan Dunn, but none of those players ended up being moved. It’s a missed opportunity that could have reshaped Philadelphia’s second unit.

Podziemski, who played a key role for Golden State this season, averaged 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 45.5% from the field and 37.1% from beyond the arc in 82 regular-season games. That kind of production would have fit perfectly into Nick Nurse’s system, especially as a replacement for the spark McCain provided before his trade. Like McCain, Podziemski brings a confident, immediate-impact style off the bench, with a smooth shooting stroke that keeps defenses honest.

Of course, no player is perfect. Podziemski has limitations, particularly as an off-the-dribble playmaker and finisher around the rim. But for a Sixers team looking to bolster its depth and add a high-energy guard who can stretch the floor, the pursuit made all the sense in the world. Sometimes, the best trades are the ones that almost happen—but this one could have been a game-changer for Philadelphia.