TITLE: 76ers Choose Stability and Cap Flexibility After 24-Win Season
SLUG: sixers-opt-for-continuity-and-cap-room-after-disappointing-year
CONTENT:
The Philadelphia 76ers head into training camp hoping a healthier roster and a quiet offseason will erase memories of last year’s 24-58 finish, the worst record in the Eastern Conference.
Speculation swirled in the spring that president of basketball operations Daryl Morey might overhaul the core or even test the market for stars Joel Embiid and Paul George. Instead, the front office doubled down on continuity. Morey and head coach Nick Nurse remain in place, and no serious trade talks involving Embiid or George took place.
Veterans Return, No Major Deals
Veterans Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, Kelly Oubre Jr., Justin Edwards and Andre Drummond all re-upped on new or existing contracts, and the club made no blockbuster moves. The only real drama came from restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, who waited until Oct. 1 to sign his $8.74 million qualifying offer. The one-year pact gives Grimes a no-trade clause and positions him for unrestricted free agency in 2026 while keeping Philadelphia’s 2025-26 payroll in check.
Guard Depth Shapes Roster Strategy
Philadelphia was reluctant to hand out another long-term guard contract after drafting Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe third overall and selecting Jared McCain a year earlier. Both join a backcourt already led by Tyrese Maxey.
Cap Room Remains a Priority
The Sixers sit less than $7 million above the luxury-tax threshold and could drop below it by season’s end, giving ownership financial flexibility if the team stumbles early.
Low-Profile Signings Could Pay Off
Edwards re-signed on a three-year minimum deal with a team option, and forward Trendon Watford agreed to a two-year minimum contract. Both are expected to compete for rotation minutes. The club did lose Guerschon Yabusele to the New York Knicks but chose cap space over matching his price.
Roster Spots Still Open
Philadelphia is carrying 14 standard contracts and is in no rush to fill the final spot. Two-way players Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker offer NBA experience and could log minutes if injuries arise, while rookie guard Hunter Sallis is viewed as a longer-term project.
After last season’s turmoil, the 76ers are banking on improved health and roster stability to spark a turnaround.
Source: Hoops Wire
