The Philadelphia 76ers are gearing up to be major players on the buyout market-and they’ve got the roster flexibility to make some real moves.
With 10-day contracts for Charles Bassey and Patrick Baldwin Jr. set to expire this weekend, the Sixers will have at least two open roster spots to work with. That alone gives them some breathing room, but there’s more.
Paul George’s suspension opens the door for a temporary roster shift, allowing Philly to move him to the suspended list and free up another spot. In short: the front office has options, and they’re not wasting time.
Names are already starting to surface. According to reports, keep an eye on Chris Boucher, Lonzo Ball, and Haywood Highsmith. Khris Middleton was also floated as a potential target, though there’s been no concrete sign of a buyout in his case just yet.
Let’s talk money, because that’s going to be a key factor here. The Sixers are operating about $1.6 million under the luxury tax threshold and roughly $3.8 million below the first apron.
That gives them just enough room to add two players on rest-of-season minimum deals without triggering any tax penalties-but the margin is razor thin. Every dollar counts.
Now, let’s break down the potential fits.
Chris Boucher could be a seamless addition. He’s got a history with head coach Nick Nurse from their time together in Toronto, and he’d bring some much-needed depth to the frontcourt. Boucher’s length, shot-blocking, and energy off the bench could give the Sixers a different look, especially in second-unit rotations.
Lonzo Ball, recently waived by Utah, is a bit more of a swing. He hasn’t played an NBA game in quite some time due to injuries, but if he's healthy-or even close-he could be a stabilizing force in a backcourt that’s seen some turnover. With Jared McCain and Eric Gordon now out of the picture, Ball’s playmaking and defensive instincts would be a welcome addition.
Haywood Highsmith is another intriguing option. He’s working his way back from meniscus surgery but has already drawn interest from multiple playoff contenders.
Highsmith started his NBA career in Philly, and there’s a full-circle feel to the idea of him returning. He brings defensive versatility and a willingness to do the dirty work-traits that tend to shine in the postseason.
Of course, the Sixers could also look inward. Jabari Walker has reached his two-way contract limit, and Daryl Morey has acknowledged that the team is considering converting him to a standard deal. Walker’s been solid in his limited opportunities, and keeping him in the fold would be a lower-risk move that maintains continuity.
Bottom line: the Sixers are in a position to add talent without breaking the bank or disrupting their cap structure. With the postseason push heating up, every roster spot matters-and Philly’s front office knows it.
The pieces are on the board. Now it’s about making the right moves.