The NBA offseason hasn’t technically begun, but the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2025-26 roster is starting to take shape. The 76ers have made a flurry of moves over the past few days, with a couple of essential decisions still forthcoming.
Philadelphia 76ers 2025-26 Roster Starting To Take Shape With Host of Moves
Philadelphia was the oldest team in the NBA, with an average of 28.31 last year. While the 76ers are still expected to be one of the oldest squads in 2025-26, they have become a little younger. The Sixers drafted 19-year-old VJ Edgecombe with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 draft on Thursday. They then added 22-year-old Johni Broome in the second round on Thursday and secured deals with youngsters Justin Edwards and Hunter Sallis yesterday.
While the 76ers still have some important decisions left, Andre Drummond is back in the fold as expected. Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reported that Drummond picked up his $5 million player option on Friday.
Drummond was limited to 40 games due to a nagging toe injury. But the 31-year-old, who was a priority free agent for the 76ers last offseason, was effective as he averaged 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds along with 1.0 steals in 19 minutes of action. He produced five doubles and grabbed 10+ rebounds 11 times.
Drummond was one of the 76ers to hold players’ options this year. Kelly Oubre ($8.3 million) followed Drummond’s lead on Sunday, but Eric Gordon ($3.4 million) chose to decline his option. However, ESPN’s Shams Charania said that Gordon could still return to the Sixers.
“Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon is declining his $3.4 million player option to explore free agency, sources tell ESPN, Charania tweeted. “A return to the 76ers is still possible.”
76ers Pre-Free Agency Decisions
While waiting for their decisions, Philadelphia made other roster moves. They signed Justin Edwards, who went undrafted in 2024, to a three-year contract after declining their team option. The 21-year-old wing excelled in his rookie campaign and earned a standard contract after starting the year on a two-way deal.
Edwards averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 steals with shooting splits of 45.5/36.3/69.6. He scored in double figures in 21 of his 44 appearances and posted one double-double.
The Sixers declined the team options on Lonnie Walker IV and Jared Butler. Both players performed well after being late additions. Walker’s contract was worth $2.9 million while Butler’s deal was worth $3.4 million. Walker and Butler are now unrestricted free agents.
In addition, Philadelphia assured itself of the right of refusal with Quentin Grimes by offering him a qualifying offer. The qualifying offer is worth $8.7 million. The 76ers have stated that the 25-year-old guard is a free agent priority, although he is expected to garner a lot of attention on the market.
Grimes was the 76ers’ best player after being acquired from Dallas just before the NBA trade deadline. Grimes averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. He also drained 2.9 threes a contest with shooting splits of 46.9/37.3/75.2 in 28 games.
Sixers Roster and Finanacials
Philadelphia projects to have 11 players on standard contracts by July 6, including Edgecomb and Broome, with a salary cap hit of $183.3 million. Therefore. Leaving the Sixers approximately $4.5 million below the tax threshold. They are also about $14.4 million beneath the first apron and $25 million below the second apron.
While the 76ers could look to move off of Drummond to give them a little more flexibility, they should be able to re-sign Grimes. NBA Insider Marc Stein reported that Grimes should get a deal worth at least $16 million. However, Tony Jones of The Athletic reported that Grimes is seeking around $25 million per season.
“The Sixers have been in contact with Grimes and his camp, although the price may end up being steep,: per Jones. “Grimes is looking for a contract that averages $25 million per season, league sources tell The Athletic.”
The 76ers are also said to be interested in retaining free agent Guerschon Yabulese. Yabulese was fantastic in his return to the NBA after spending five seasons playing overseas. However, the Sixers are limited in what they can offer Yabulese, and he has reportedly garnered interest from several teams. So, don’t expect him to return to Philly.
If Gordon does return to the 76ers, he would likely receive a raise if he signs a one-year, $3.6 million contract. But the Sixers would also benefit as his salary cap hit would be just $2.3 million. Meaning that the 76ers would still be able to sign Gordo, if the Sixers go over the second apron.
Projecting The Sixers 2025-25 Rotation
Starting Lineup: Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, Quentin Grimes (if he re-signs), Kelly Oubre
Bench: Jared McCain (6th man), Andre Drummond, VJ Edgecombe, Johni Broome, Justin Edwards,
Deep Bench: Ricky Council IV, Adem Bona
Players on a two-way deal: Alex Reese, Hunter Sallis
As is evident, Philadelphia needs to sign at least three players. Let’s assume Grimes re-signs; he would then move into the starting lineup. Now, if the Sixers can somehow keep Yabulese, he would be the Sixers’ sixth man and would bump Broome out of Nick Nurse’s rotation.
If Gordon returns, he doesn’t project to be in the 76ers’ regular rotation. Now, if Grimes, Yabulese, and Gordon return, the Sixers would likely enter the season with 14 players on standard deals.
Philadelphia may have just one two-way spot available . Reese is a holdover from last season, while the Sixers signed Sallis to a minor league deal after he went undrafted a few days ago.
Photo Credit: © Kyle Ross, Imagn Images
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