Sixers training camp storylines: Charles Bassey’s contract
This seems small on the surface, but as of last week, the Sixers and Charles Bassey had not yet agreed to terms on his rookie contract. The hold-up is simple: Bassey told prospective teams he wanted two years of guaranteed money on his rookie deal, but the Sixers drafted him, and only wish to guarantee one year of salary. If not agreement can be met, Bassey is expected to sign the mandatory one-year tender and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Here’s the weird thing — Bassey still has not officially signed anything. He held out of Summer League because of the contract dispute. He has been in the team facility, and no doubt training with coaches, but does he show up to training camp without a contract? And, can he really afford to play hard ball as the 53rd overall pick?
The Sixers selected Filip Petrusev a few spots ahead of Bassey. He’s not in the NBA this season, but has eagerly expressed his desire to join the NBA roster. Petrusev could very well take Bassey’s spot on the roster next season, which is — perhaps — why Bassey wants two years of guaranteed money, and why the Sixers want to keep their options open. On the flip side, however, it’s bold of Bassey to test Philadelphia’s patience so early in his career.
It is widely expected that Bassey will spend most of next season with Delaware in the G-League. The Sixers have three centers ahead of him on the depth chart, and a few small-ball options they would likely explore before going to Bassey in pivotal moments. It is getting harder and harder, the longer this drags on, the picture Bassey as a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s young core moving forward. He’s a tremendous second-round prospect in a lot of ways, but it seems like he and the Sixers are on different pages.
UPDATE: Bassey and the Sixers agreed to a three-year rookie contract on Friday, Sept. 24, with one year fully guaranteed and the second year partially guaranteed.