The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to make a move that’s been brewing for a while now-converting Dominick Barlow’s two-way contract into a standard NBA deal. It’s a logical next step for a player who’s not just filled a roster spot, but genuinely earned his minutes on the floor.
Right now, the Sixers have 14 players on standard contracts, which means they’ve got one open slot. That gives them the flexibility to upgrade Barlow’s status without needing to waive anyone or shuffle the depth chart. It’s a clean, straightforward move-one that reflects how much trust the organization has built in Barlow over the course of the season.
Now, if the Sixers also decide to convert Jabari Walker’s deal down the line, that’s when things could get a little more complicated. They’d need to clear a roster spot to make that happen. But for now, the focus is on Barlow-and for good reason.
Barlow’s path to this point hasn’t been the typical NBA story. After going undrafted in 2022, he bounced around a bit, spending time with the Spurs and Hawks before landing in Philadelphia last July.
But once he arrived, he made the most of the opportunity. He stood out in training camp, catching the attention of the coaching staff with his energy, versatility, and willingness to do the little things.
That work ethic translated into real playing time. In 29 games this season-including 26 starts-Barlow has averaged 8.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in just under 25 minutes a night.
Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they’re steady, efficient, and-most importantly-impactful. He’s shown he can hold his own in the rotation, whether he’s banging down low, switching on defense, or crashing the boards.
And here’s the kicker: two-way players are limited to just 50 regular-season games and can’t suit up in the playoffs. So if the Sixers are serious about keeping Barlow in their postseason plans-and his play suggests they should be-this conversion becomes more than a reward. It’s a necessity.
Barlow’s story is a testament to what can happen when talent meets opportunity. The Sixers saw something in him, gave him a shot, and he’s delivered. Now, with a standard contract likely on the horizon, he’s poised to become a more permanent part of a team that’s eyeing a deep playoff run.