76ers have glaring plot holes that can make or break their championship hopes

One week removed from the beginning of free agency, the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2025-26 roster remains more of a mystery than a resolution. With Guerschon Yabusele’s departure, stagnant Quentin Grimes negotiations, and many questions surrounding positional needs, Philadelphia has lots of stuff it needs to address. Still, the Eastern Conference is wide open and the 76ers’ roster is a few tweaks away from contention – on paper.

Unfinished business with Grimes

Above all, let’s address the elephant in the room – Grimes. Until a new contract is agreed upon, the 76ers can only do so much to improve. Currently, Philadelphia is $10.1 million below the first tax apron. It needs to prioritize that flexibility to offer Grimes a new deal or match a potential offer sheet from another team. If the 76ers used the $5.7 taxpayer mid-level exception, they wouldn't be able to cross the second tax apron at any point throughout the 2025-26 season.

Normally, this wouldn’t matter since Philadelphia tends to duck the luxury tax threshold let alone the second apron. However, teams like the Utah Jazz or Brooklyn Nets could clear enough cap space to throw Grimes a lucrative offer. If a hypothetical deal is above a certain amount, there’s a world where the 76ers wouldn’t be able to match it if they were hard-capped at the second apron. 

Without that restriction, Philadelphia is a place where it can match any contract that a team may offer Grimes. But, there isn’t much of a market for restricted free agents due to the implications of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. As it stands, the 76ers are essentially competing with themselves and it’s a matter of when – not if Grimes re-signs. Philadelphia inherited his full bird rights and it could offer him as much as $38.6 million next season.

Who starts next to Maxey?

Even when Grimes is retained, the 76ers’ back-court faces a big question – who starts next to Tyrese Maxey? With Grimes, Jared McCain, and V.J. Edgecombe, Philadelphia can tinker with its rotations and starting lineup throughout the season. As of now, it would be ideal to start Grimes alongside Maxey and let McCain lead the second unit. Before you McCain believers get out your pitchforks, hear me out. 

With Jared Butler’s exit from Philadelphia, it lacks a viable reserve point guard to maintain the offense – regardless of Kyle Lowry. Since McCain showed flashes of on-ball excellence, he can be the offensive engine the 76ers desperately need. Also, due to Maxey’s defensive limitations, Philadelphia having a two-way guard in Grimes paired with him maximizes the starting five. Not to mention, Maxey and McCain could undoubtedly close out games together depending on the situation.

Power forward woes

While the 76ers’ back-court faces uncertainty, it’s of a luxurious variety. Unfortunately, you can’t hold the same optimism for their front-court. Philadelphia aimed to address its power forward void by signing Trendon Watford to a two-year deal and adding Jabari Walker on a two-way contract. There’s a world where both players turn into productive rotational players and the 76ers’ power forward problem is solved. However, there’s also a chance that Watford ends up being solid, but not starting-caliber and Walker doesn’t mold into a reliable four. 

Philadelphia is in a tricky spot because it can offer only one more standard contract, which is more than likely being used on Grimes. However, the 76ers could free up another slot if they waived Ricky Council IV since his $2.2 million salary is non-guaranteed next season. Players like Trey Lyles and Chris Boucher are available, but if either wants more than a veteran minimum, Philadelphia should pivot. 

Wildcard factors

Then, there’s Johni Broome, who could play either the four or the five depending on the matchup. While he had a strong Summer League debut, his questionable athleticism and limited shooting could prevent him from making an immediate impact in year one. 

Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond also accepted their player options, which added $13.4 million to the 76ers’ payroll. However, with Justin Edwards and Adem Bona’s promising rookie campaigns, there isn’t a clear role for either veteran next season. Philadelphia should try to package them with draft capital to boost its frontcourt, albeit with the understanding that it may not yield exciting offers. 

Sure, there are a few kinks the 76ers need to iron out, but they’re in a decent spot to make noise in a conference that lacks an alpha. Once Philadelphia handles its business with Grimes, it can fill out the rest of its roster and easily be at least a top-four team in the East barring any injuries.