NBA Roster Moves: 76ers Add Depth, Celtics Reward Development, Nuggets Clear Cap Space
As the trade deadline nears and playoff positioning starts to matter just a little more, several teams around the league are fine-tuning their rosters - whether it's adding depth, rewarding player development, or managing the cap sheet. Let's break down three notable moves from the Sixers, Celtics, and Nuggets that may not dominate headlines but could carry meaningful implications down the stretch.
76ers Bring Back a Familiar Face in Charles Bassey
The Philadelphia 76ers have signed center Charles Bassey to a second 10-day contract, per the NBA transaction log. While he hasn’t logged any minutes for Philly this season, Bassey is no stranger to the organization - he was originally drafted by the Sixers in the second round back in 2021.
This is a depth move, plain and simple. With the Sixers navigating injuries and some roster uncertainty, Bassey provides a serviceable option in the frontcourt. He’s been doing work in the G League with Santa Cruz, averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds per game - production that suggests he’s more than capable of holding his own if called upon.
Bassey’s journey this season has been a winding one. After a strong Summer League stint with Boston, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Hawks in September but didn’t make the final roster. He later joined the Grizzlies on a 10-day hardship deal and got into two games before that contract expired.
Now back in Philadelphia, Bassey has a short window to show he can contribute. With Joel Embiid sidelined and the Sixers looking to stay afloat in the East, even a few solid minutes from a backup big could make a difference.
Celtics Convert Amari Williams to Standard Deal
The Boston Celtics are rewarding rookie big man Amari Williams with a standard contract, promoting him from his two-way deal, according to Marc Stein. The new agreement is a two-year pact reportedly worth $2.7 million. While the exact breakdown isn’t public, Boston may have used a portion of their taxpayer mid-level exception to make the numbers work.
Williams, the 46th pick in last year’s draft, was technically selected by Orlando before being rerouted to Boston on draft night. He’s appeared in 13 NBA games so far, including two starts, but his impact in limited minutes has been modest - 1.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.
Where he’s really turned heads is in the G League. With the Maine Celtics, Williams has averaged 15.3 points, 11.3 boards, 5 assists, and nearly 2 blocks per game. That’s not just box-score stuffing - it’s a sign of a player who’s developing into a versatile, modern big.
The timing of the promotion isn’t coincidental. Boston’s recent trade of Chris Boucher to the Jazz cleared some room in the frontcourt rotation, and Williams now has a clearer path to meaningful minutes.
For a team with championship aspirations, every roster spot matters. Williams won’t be expected to carry the load, but his size, passing, and feel for the game could give Boston a useful wrinkle off the bench.
Nuggets Shed Salary, Add Flexibility in Trade With Nets
The Denver Nuggets made a subtle but strategic move, sending forward Hunter Tyson and a 2032 second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for the least favorable of the Clippers’ or Hawks’ 2026 second-round picks, per Shams Charania.
On the surface, it’s a minor trade. But the implications go deeper. By offloading Tyson’s salary, Denver moves just under the luxury tax line - a small but meaningful financial win for a team that had been hovering just above it.
The move also opens up a second roster spot. One of those is expected to go to Spencer Jones, who is reportedly being signed to a standard deal, according to Michael Scotto. Even after that, Denver maintains flexibility heading into the buyout market - a space where contenders often find key rotation pieces for the stretch run.
Tyson, a second-round pick in 2023, never quite found his footing in Denver’s rotation. But the Nuggets do create a $2.2 million trade exception as part of the deal, giving them another tool to use either now or during the offseason.
Bottom Line
None of these moves will dominate the highlight reels, but they all reflect smart, calculated decisions based on each team’s current situation. The Sixers are patching up the frontcourt, the Celtics are investing in a promising young big, and the Nuggets are playing the long game with cap management and roster flexibility.
As we inch closer to the trade deadline, these are the kinds of under-the-radar adjustments that could pay off when the games really start to matter.