The Philadelphia 76ers uncovered two hidden gems in Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker, whom they signed to two-way contracts last summer. In order to keep them, however, Philadelphia must reshuffle its roster before time runs out.
Keith Smith of Spotrac noted on Friday morning that the 76ers have only 12 games remaining where both Barlow and Walker can play. This is due to the NBA’s rule allowing teams that roster fewer than 15 players, like Philadelphia, 90 games of two-way player eligibility. The 76ers–employing 14 players–can convert just one of Barlow or Walker to a standard NBA contract, meaning they must open another roster spot if they desire to keep both players in the long term.
Barlow emerged as Philadelphia’s starting power forward, averaging 8.6 points on 53.2% shooting from the field and 5.3 rebounds this season. He has been a seamless fit alongside Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George, with his cutting, rebounding and help defense. At 22 years old, Barlow appears to be a long-term solution at the four and if the 76ers have to choose between him and Walker, he would likely remain.
Walker has found success in his own right, however, posting 4.1 points and 3.5 rebounds while logging 13.4 minutes this year. Similar to Barlow, the 23-year-old has impacted the offensive glass and offered front-court size. He lacks Barlow’s consistency, but if Philadelphia can keep him around on a lengthy, team-friendly deal, it would make for quality depth and value.
That leaves one question: what do the 76ers do now?
In the short term, Smith also stated that Philadelphia could sign players to 10-day contracts to reach roster capacity. As Adam Aaronson of The Philly Voice explained, with a temporarily full roster, the 76ers could use what’s left of Barlow and Walker’s individual 50-NBA-game maximum. That of course, isn't a lasting solution, but Philadelphia still has options.
Barring a separate trade that could open an additional roster slot, the 76ers can salary-dump Kyle Lowry or Eric Gordon. Both guards are on veteran-minimum deals, meaning that Philadelphia may have to attach a second-round pick in a potential trade given their little value by themselves. Considering Lowry’s Philadelphia roots and his connections to Nick Nurse as well as teammates, Gordon seems to be the player most likely to go in this scenario.
If the 76ers clear two roster spaces, they can secure Barlow and Walker in multiple ways. Philadelphia is approximately $1.1 million below the first tax apron, giving it access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception worth $14.1 million. The 76ers could divide the exception between the forwards in whatever way they see fit, but they would have to remain below the first apron. Philadelphia also has the power to offer them a veteran-minimum contract for the rest of the season with a team option for the following year.
Either way, the goal should be to keep at least one of Barlow or Walker for the long haul and Philadelphia has ways of doing so.