The Philadelphia 76ers are heading into training camp with one of their last roster decisions still hanging in the balance, and they’ve added another name to the mix. Dillon Jones, a free-agent power forward out of Weber State in 2024, is now part of the group fighting for a spot.
Philadelphia has been stacking non-guaranteed players as camp bodies over the past week, but the real competition is centered on the third and final two-way slot. That spot has been intentionally left open for camp, and Jones is now in the same race as Tacko Fall, Saint Thomas, and Jameer Nelson Jr., all of whom are on Exhibit 10 contracts. If any of those players are cut after the preseason, they could wind up with the Delaware Blue Coats, the 76ers’ NBA G League affiliate.
Jones brings a résumé that stands out in this kind of battle. He entered the NBA as the No. 26 pick in the 2024 draft, was selected by the Washington Wizards, and then traded twice before ending up with the Oklahoma City Thunder for his debut. During OKC’s championship run in 2024-2025, he played in 54 regular-season games, averaging 10.2 minutes, 2.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 38.3% from the field.
His path kept moving after that. Jones started the 2025-2026 NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate, then landed with the New York Knicks in January on a two-way deal.
That made him part of an NBA Championship-winning team for the second straight season. He didn’t appear in the postseason with New York, but he did log 5.6 minutes per game across seven regular-season appearances.
Now the question is whether that background is enough to lock down the final two-way job in Philadelphia. The Sixers will also have the benefit of Jones’ recent G League production, which gives a clearer picture of what he can bring. Over the last two seasons, he has attempted 5.0 threes per game and hit 34.3% of them, while averaging 14.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 46 games.
That kind of versatility is part of why he’s in the conversation. And because the Blue Coats can use the third two-way player, whatever Jones shows in camp will matter.
In Other News...
Former Knicks Bench Piece Just Landed Another Chance To Stick
The Sixers have added another name to the mix ahead of training camp, signing Dillon Jones to an Exhibit 10 contract as they continue filling out their preseason roster. It is the kind of low-risk, competition-heavy move teams make this time of year, especially when they want to see as many bodies as possible before sorting through the final roster picture.
Jones arrives with a little more NBA seasoning than the typical camp invite, having spent time with the Knicks and Thunder and carrying a back-to-back champion label despite limited playing time. Philadelphia has used several Exhibit 10 deals to create a crowded workout environment, and Jones now gets a fresh chance to make enough noise to keep himself in the conversation. [Read more 🡒]
Dean Wade's Bet On The Sixers Already Looks Better Than Expected
Dean Wades decision to leave Cleveland for Philadelphia was always going to be about more than a new contract. He signed a four-year, $39 million deal to join a Sixers team that pitched him on a bigger vision, one that connected his move to a roster built to chase a title and to a reunion with Mike Gansey in the front office.
What makes the bet look better already is how quickly that vision has been reinforced around him. The Sixers talked to Wade about adding major star power after his signing, and the early read on his role is straightforward: a trusted bench piece on a deep, ambitious roster with championship expectations. For a player weighing opportunity, fit and familiarity, thats a pretty appealing landing spot. [Read more 🡒]
Sixers Backup Center Search Just Got More Interesting For Embiid Insurance
Joel Embiid remains the center of everything the 76ers do, which is why the backup plan behind him has become such a meaningful part of the conversation. Brook Lopez has emerged as a possible name to watch, and the fit is easy to understand for a team that wants a veteran big man who can steady the minutes when Embiid sits. At 38, Lopez would not be brought in for long-term upside, but for insurance and structure, the kind of role Philadelphia has had to think harder about as it sorts through its frontcourt options.
The wrinkle is how a deal could come together. Lopez is still attached to a $9.2 million contract, and any move would likely require Philadelphia to send out Anfernee Simons plus a minimum-contract player to get the Clippers attention. Los Angeles has its own reasons to listen, too, since it has a need to replenish draft picks after the Kawhi Leonard situation left the franchise dealing with some lost ground. For the Sixers, the interest is obvious. The question is whether the cost and the roster math line up. [Read more 🡒]