As the LeBron James domino fell in free agency right into the Philadelphia 76ers' favor, their team will see not just one upgrade with the superstar power forward coming to town. The LeBron influence is already getting put to work, and a former Los Angeles Lakers champion is expected to come to town soon.
Early Saturday morning, the Sixers were reported to be eyeing Kenatvious Caldwell-Pope, who was working on a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, according to Chris Haynes. On Saturday night, ESPN's Shams Charania confirmed that the buyout is agreed to, and Caldwell-Pope will agree to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Sixers when he clears waivers.
The Philadelphia 76ers' updated depth chart
Point guard
Tyrese Maxey, Labaron Philon Jr., Caleb Love (two-way)
The two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey will likely have a different role heading into the 2026-2027 NBA season, as the Sixers added more prominent ball-handlers. Still, Maxey will be the point guard, with the rookie Labaron Philon Jr. trying to crack the day-one rotation.
Shooting guard
VJ Edgecombe, Anfernee Simons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Dalen Terry*
The second-year guard VJ Edgecombe will more than likely continue to grow his backcourt partnership with Maxey. Edgecombe was the third-overall pick one year ago, and he emerged as a top young guard after starting all year.
Anfernee Simons is an exciting new addition to the Sixers. After spending seven seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Simons split time with the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season. He'll have a key reserve role. Caldwell-Pope can play multiple positions, but he's typically listed as a guard. Last year, he averaged 8.4 points on 31.6% shooting from three in 51 games with the Memphis Grizzlies.
As for Dalen Terry, his future in Philly is murky. He just might be an odd man out soon.
Small forward
Jaylen Brown, Justin Edwards
After making a blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics to acquire Jaylen Brown, the Sixers are going to make sure they feature last year's MVP candidate heavily in their offense. Last season, Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. As for Justin Edwards, the young forward has an uphill battle to crack the rotation. He averaged 15.3 minutes per game in 64 games last season.
Power forward
LeBron James, Dean Wade, Dominick Barlow, Jabari Walker*
LeBron James has the ability to play whatever position the Sixers need on the court. On paper, he's going to be the starting power forward. If he's out for a night, the Sixers will likely slide the newly-added Dean Wade into the starting five. Philly added Wade in free agency with a four-year, $38.7 million deal.
Dominick Barlow will be fighting for a rotation spot when the team is fully healthy. Meanwhile, Jabari Walker is another name to keep an eye on as a possible cut candidate. The Sixers need another roster spot opened up, and Walker's money is non-guaranteed.
Center
Joel Embiid, Adem Bona, Ariel Hukporti, Johni Broome, Rayan Rupert (two-way)
Heavy up top with a superstar big man in Joel Embiid, while the rest of the depth is questionable at best. Unfortunately, Embiid's health remains a major question for the 76ers. He hasn't appeared in more than 40 games in each of the past three seasons.
Behind Embiid is the developing Adem Bona, a New York Knicks castoff in Ariel Hukporti, and an underwhelming sophomore big man in Johni Broome. If the Sixers look to upgrade another position, this will have to be it. For now, the Sixers are banking on one of these young players to stand out and become a clear, reliable backup. The five spot is clearly the biggest glaring weakness moving forward.
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