The Philadelphia 76ers need to keep one eye on the big-man market as the offseason gives way to the first quarter of the regular season, because right now that market is thin. If the situation behind Joel Embiid gets ugly enough, a trade could still end up on the table. But the cleaner path would be getting enough from Adem Bona or Ariel Hukporti to avoid having to chase an emergency fix.
That’s why one potential name should probably stay off the board: Taj Gibson.
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported Friday morning that Gibson’s $3.82 million salary for the upcoming season is non-guaranteed, which makes him a possible waiver candidate. Gibson signed a two-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies in February, and that salary becomes guaranteed on January 10, 2027.
Gibson is 41 and has been around the league since 2009. His NBA journey has taken him through Chicago, Oklahoma City, Minnesota, New York, Washington, Detroit, Charlotte, and most recently Memphis.
He spent many years with the Bulls, had stints with the Thunder and Timberwolves, then a four-year run with the Knicks split between two separate stays. After that came time with the Wizards, Pistons, and Hornets before landing with the Grizzlies.
Memphis used him in 10 games, and he averaged 9.7 minutes a night. In that role, he put up 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game off the bench.
It’s easy to see why Gibson might register for a contender late in the year. He has 71 playoff games on his résumé across nine seasons, and he brings the kind of steady locker-room presence teams like to have around. The Sixers, though, already have enough of that.
The front office led by Mike Gansey and Jameer Nelson hasn’t really shown its hand in a true buyout-market chase yet. Philadelphia recently added Kentavious Caldwell-Pope after his buyout with the Grizzlies, and he’s on a very different timeline than Gibson. At this point, nobody should be completely dismissed, but the Sixers would be better off steering away from Gibson if they can.
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