The Philadelphia 76ers are staring down an unusual roster dilemma as the February 5 trade deadline approaches. It’s not about blockbuster trades or injury returns-this one comes down to a little-known NBA rule that’s suddenly front and center in Philly’s front office conversations.
Two of the Sixers’ two-way players, Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker, have officially hit a wall. Due to the league’s “Under-Fifteen Game” rule, neither player is eligible to suit up again this season unless the Sixers make a roster move. The rule kicks in Monday when Philadelphia faces the Charlotte Hornets, and it’s all about how many games two-way players can appear in when a team is operating below the 15-player roster threshold.
Here’s the breakdown: The NBA allows teams with fewer than 15 players on standard contracts to use their two-way players for a combined total of 90 games. Barlow, Walker, and recently waived Hunter Saliss have reached that limit together-Barlow with 30 games, Walker with 40, and Saliss accounting for the remaining 20.
That means, as of Monday, Barlow and Walker are ineligible to take the floor unless the Sixers make a move. The good news? There’s a workaround.
Philadelphia currently has an open roster spot, and they can use it to convert either Barlow or Walker to a standard NBA contract. That would free them up to play the rest of the season without restriction. Another option: sign a player to a 10-day contract just to bring the roster up to the 15-player minimum, which would reset the two-way eligibility clock.
For a team still navigating the absence of Joel Embiid and trying to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference, this is more than just a procedural hiccup. Barlow and Walker have both been steady contributors in their minutes-nothing flashy, but enough to provide depth and keep the rotation afloat during stretches of injury and inconsistency.
Now, the Sixers’ front office has a decision to make. Do they use that open spot to lock in one of their two-way guys for the rest of the season?
Do they bring in a short-term rental just to buy time? Or do they look for a more significant roster shakeup ahead of the deadline?
Whatever they decide, it’s a reminder that NBA roster management isn’t just about stars and trades. Sometimes, it’s the fine print that forces your hand.