Sixers waive Ricky Council IV. What does it mean for their final roster spot?

After a successful rookie season, Ricky Council IV struggled in his second season and was waived by the Sixers on Friday.

The Philadelphia 76ers announced Friday afternoon that they have waived Ricky Council IV.

Council joined the Sixers as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NBA Draft, in which the team had no selections. He signed a two-way contract and went on to play a prominent role with the Sixers’ G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. Council capitalized on his NBA opportunities and eventually earned a conversion to a multi-year standard deal. Over two seasons, he appeared in more than 105 games. His contract for the 2025–26 season was non-guaranteed, with a guarantee date set for early January. As a result, waiving him has no impact on the Sixers’ salary cap.

The move also opens up another roster spot for the Sixers, who now have two open slots on the NBA’s mandated 15-man roster. That count does not include Quentin Grimes, who remains a restricted free agent.

So, what could this move signal? The answer might be: nothing. Grimes is expected to eventually sign with the Sixers, which would bring the roster to 14 players — meeting the league’s minimum under normal circumstances. That leaves the possibility open for the Sixers to enter the season with one roster spot unfilled, which is realistic for a couple of reasons.

First, the team is projected to be pushing up against the salary cap aprons, and carrying an open roster spot could provide valuable financial flexibility. Second, Daryl Morey has a history of prioritizing in-season flexibility, and that final spot could eventually go to one of their two-way players: Dominick Barlow or Jabari Walker. Both are NBA veterans, and many around the league were surprised they didn’t land standard contracts. Converting one of them midseason would be a straightforward way to fill the final spot without requiring a trade or other roster move.

The Sixers could also opt to fill that final roster spot now or in the coming months of free agency. A few years ago, they signed Trevelin Queen to a partially guaranteed deal. While Queen didn’t make an impact in Philadelphia, the move allowed the team to take a low-risk chance on an intriguing young talent before other teams could.

We likely won’t know the Sixers’ exact plans for the final roster spot any time soon. For now, this move marks the end of Ricky Council IV’s tenure in Philadelphia. Best of luck to C4 as he looks for his next opportunity.