The Philadelphia 76ers are poised to make a roster move that’s been brewing for a while now. With just 14 players on standard NBA contracts-one short of the league’s 15-man limit-it looks like Dominick Barlow is about to earn a well-deserved promotion. According to reports, the Sixers are expected to convert Barlow’s two-way deal into a full standard contract in the coming weeks.
This move makes a lot of sense, both on paper and on the court. Two-way players are capped at 50 regular-season games and can’t suit up in the postseason. Converting Barlow’s deal would lift those restrictions and make him fully playoff-eligible-something that could prove valuable for a Sixers team looking to solidify its depth heading into the stretch run.
The best part? Philadelphia doesn’t have to make any corresponding roster move to make this happen.
With only 14 standard contracts on the books, there’s room to slide Barlow in without cutting anyone loose. Should the team also want to convert Jabari Walker’s deal down the line, that would require clearing a spot-but for now, Barlow’s path is clear.
And he’s earned it.
Since signing with the Sixers on a two-way deal back in July, Barlow has carved out a meaningful role in Nick Nurse’s rotation. He’s appeared in 29 games this season, starting 26 of them, and he’s held his own in the frontcourt. Averaging 8.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in just over 24 minutes per game, Barlow has brought energy, versatility, and a steady presence to a team that’s needed reliable depth behind its stars.
He’s not just filling minutes-he’s making them count. Whether it’s crashing the glass, defending multiple positions, or finishing plays around the rim, Barlow has shown he belongs on an NBA floor. And with the Sixers eyeing a deep playoff run, converting his contract ensures they’ll have another trusted option available when it matters most.
Bottom line: Dominick Barlow has played his way into a standard contract. The Sixers are simply making it official.