The Philadelphia 76ers are heading into the buyout market with flexibility, opportunity, and a few intriguing names on their radar. With two roster spots about to open up - and potentially a third - the Sixers are positioned to make some strategic moves as they gear up for the stretch run.
Let’s start with the logistics. Charles Bassey and Patrick Baldwin Jr. are both on 10-day contracts, with Bassey on his second and Baldwin Jr. on his first.
Those deals expire Saturday, opening up two standard roster spots. On top of that, Paul George - currently serving a 25-game suspension - has already sat out five games.
Once the Sixers move him to the suspended list, they’ll be able to temporarily add a third player without exceeding roster limits.
Now, here's where it gets interesting: the Sixers are walking a financial tightrope. They’re $1.57 million under the luxury tax line and $3.75 million below the first apron.
That gives them just enough breathing room to sign two players to rest-of-season minimum deals without triggering tax penalties. It’s a narrow window, but one that allows for some calculated additions.
Among the names being considered: Chris Boucher, Lonzo Ball, and Haywood Highsmith - all recently waived and available. Khris Middleton is also loosely on the radar, though that’s more of a “wait and see” situation than a confirmed possibility.
Boucher, 33, brings familiarity and length. He only logged nine appearances for Boston this season before being traded to Utah and subsequently waived, but he spent five seasons playing under Nick Nurse in Toronto. That connection can’t be overlooked - Nurse knows how to maximize Boucher’s energy, shot-blocking, and ability to stretch the floor just enough to be a useful rotational big.
Lonzo Ball, 28, is another name worth watching. He played 35 games for Cleveland this season, mostly coming off the bench, and while he hasn't returned to the pre-injury version of himself, he still offers solid backcourt depth.
That could be especially valuable after the Sixers moved Jared McCain and Eric Gordon at the trade deadline. Ball’s passing and perimeter defense could help stabilize the second unit.
Haywood Highsmith, 29, is a bit more of a wild card. Waived by Brooklyn as part of a three-team trade maneuver, Highsmith has yet to play this season after undergoing surgery on a torn meniscus in August.
But he’s reportedly close to returning and drawing interest from multiple playoff teams. For Philly, there’s a bit of a full-circle element here - Highsmith began his career with the Sixers back in 2019 as a two-way player.
If he’s healthy, he brings switchable defense and a reliable corner three, both valuable tools in a playoff setting.
Then there’s Khris Middleton - the biggest name of the bunch. He was part of the Anthony Davis trade that sent him from Washington to Dallas, and while there’s been some chatter about a possible buyout, nothing’s materialized.
In fact, Middleton is expected to make his Mavericks debut Tuesday night. So for now, he’s more of a longshot than a legitimate target.
Internally, the Sixers have another option: Jabari Walker. The versatile forward has reached the 50-game limit on his two-way contract and has been inactive for the last two games.
Promoting him to a standard contract would be a natural next step - he’s been a steady contributor when called upon. But with only two (possibly three) roster spots available, the front office is weighing whether converting Walker is the best use of limited space.
“He’s been a tremendous next man up type contributor,” said team president Daryl Morey. “We hope to have his services going forward, but we do have to weigh optimal use of our sort of scarce two roster spots, and against the other opportunities as well.”
Translation: the Sixers are keeping their options open. With the playoffs on the horizon and a roster that’s already seen significant turnover, how Philadelphia navigates the buyout market could be a key piece of their postseason puzzle. Whether it’s a familiar face like Boucher, a backcourt boost from Ball, a defensive wing like Highsmith, or a homegrown talent in Walker, the Sixers have decisions to make - and not a lot of margin for error.