The Philadelphia 76ers have three player options for the 2025-26 season that could hamper their already limited flexibility. One domino has already fallen in Andre Drummond, who has accepted his $5 million player option to return to Philadelphia next season, via Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Drummond had a rough season with the 76ers
Philadelphia signed Drummond to a two-year/$10 million contract last summer to be its primary backup center. The 76ers envisioned him as someone who could provide desperately needed rebounding on both ends of the floor and start in place of Joel Embiid for games he’d inevitably miss. However, Drummond was limited himself, primarily because of a left toe injury, and only appeared in 40 games this past season.
Drummond notched 7.3 points per game on 53.5% true-shooting, which isn’t an inspiring mark because he attempted 57.3% of his shots within three feet of the basket. The veteran big man also produced 7.8 rebounds, but a 23.4% total rebound percentage – his lowest output since the 2013-14 season.
Drummond’s elite rebounding pedigree wasn’t apparent during his limited stint in Philadelphia this past season and the eye test confirmed it. His lack of mobility and increased age allowed him to be out-hustled on multiple occasions and the 76ers finished last in the NBA in rebounds per game at 39.8.
Drummond’s decline was also evident on the defensive end on the floor where he was often targeted in drop coverage off pick-and-rolls. Offensively, his poor touch at the rim resulted in many missed opportunities, which limited his impact as a roll-man and a glass cleaner. He ended his season with a -10.5 on/off swing – an accurate representation of his presence.
The 76ers are running on a budget
The 31-year-old was wise to accept his player option as no team would likely offer him $5 million in free agency. However, with Philadelphia’s intention to re-sign Quentin Grimes and Guerschon Yabusele, which is growing more worrisome by the day, it should look to shed Drummond’s salary. If the 76ers can attach a second-round pick to Drummond, perhaps a team in need of center depth could be interested, but this may only be a wish.
That $5 million on Philadelphia’s payroll could be the difference between it entering the first tax apron or not. There are lots of moving parts for the 76ers as Kelly Oubre and Eric Gordon both need to decide on their player options by June 29th. Philadelphia also has to decide on Jared Butler’s team option today as well as those of Justin Edwards and Lonnie Walker IV on the 29th.