In the last few weeks, the Philadelphia 76ers have kept their last roster spot warm for Quentin Grimes. That was until they chose to create some more flexibility. Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports announced that the 76ers have waived Council, who had a non-guaranteed $2.3 million salary for next season. Once he clears waivers, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. Now, Philadelphia has two roster spots, one of which will presumably be used on Grimes whenever that business is settled.
The 76ers add another roster spot
Heading into the season, Daryl Morey has tended to save one last roster slot for a rainy day. This is typically a wise decision, but considering the 76ers’ uncertainty at power forward, it might be in their best interest to get some insurance. Fours such as Trey Lyles or Chris Boucher – if he and Nick Nurse can work together – would be a solid addition on a veteran minimum.
As it stands, the 76ers are around $4.3 million below the $187.9 million luxury tax threshold and $12.3 million from the $195.5 million first tax apron. This doesn’t factor in Grimes’ $12.9 million cap hold nor Johni Broome’s $1.3 million salary as the second-round pick exception is still intact until July 31st. Once Grimes is re-signed, Philadelphia will inevitably cross into the first tax apron, but alleviating Council’s salary was the right decision.
An updated look at the #Sixers payroll after Ricky Council IV was waived pic.twitter.com/kWRTXidK2v
— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) July 25, 2025
It's crazy how quick things change
Nonetheless, it’s crazy what a difference a year can make. In July 2024, if you told 76ers fans that Council was waived to create flexibility, there would’ve been so much outrage. It would've been for good reason though. Council’s 2023-24 rookie campaign was filled with fun moments filled with elite athleticism, high-energy, and immense rim pressure. As a result, Philadelphia rewarded him with a four-year/$7.4 million contract late in the 2023-24 season.
The issue was that those flashes Council displayed were just that – flashes. His skill set was, and still is raw as he’s only a consistent threat in the open floor. His creation, shooting, and decision-making showed little progression from year one to year two. This past season, he appeared in 73 games – averaging just 7.3 points per game on 38.2% shooting from the field.
Even during Philadelphia’s late-season tank, Council wasn’t able to take advantage of the opportunity given to him. Between his lack of progression and Justin Edwards’ breakout in the home stretch of the season, the writing was unfortunately on the wall.