The dominoes are falling as expected so far for the Sixers.
ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that Kelly Oubre Jr. is picking up his $8.3 million dollar player option to return to the Sixers.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. is picking up his $8.4 million player option for next season to return to the team, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025
It’s been reported for a while that Andre Drummond is picking up his $5 million dollar player option to return to the Sixers as well. That just leaves Eric Gordon’s decision on picking up his $3.4 million dollar player option (or perhaps opting out and signing a new minimum deal which will give him a pay bump and save the Sixers some money).
The expectation was that Oubre/Drummond/Gordon would opt-in so this does not come as a surprise. President of basketball operations Daryl Morey said he expected all three back on a podcast appearance, and the Stein Line reported that expectation last month as well.
While this news is basically a formality, our resident cap expert Bryan Toporek made a compelling case for how Gordon opting out benefits both the Sixers and Gordon.
With all three veterans returning, the Sixers will be:
$15.2 million over the cap
$18.1 million below the luxury tax
$26.1 million below the first apron
And of course, they still have a decision to make on restricted free agent Quentin Grimes. All reports indicate the sides will find a common ground on a new deal. The only other free agent of interest in forward Guerschon Yabusele, who is reportedly being wooed by the San Antonio Spurs among other teams.
NBA free agency unofficially starts Monday at 6 p.m. at which time teams are allowed to negotiate with free agents.