The Philadelphia 76ers weren't entering the 2026-2027 NBA season with the mentality of finding their top backup center between Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti, and shipping out the loser of the battle.
However, it was necessary to keep in mind that one of those guys might be trade bait deeper into the year, when the trade action starts to rev up. At this point, it's becoming clear that if one of those two centers is on the move, Hukporti just might end up being the odd-man-out. As Philly Voice's Adam Aaronson noted, it's the "harsh reality of life in the NBA," but that's the "likely scenario," and there is an expectation he could get moved in January or February, the insider noted on the Sixers Collective.
Disaster start for Hukporti
Adem Bona entered training camp with a setback, but it's not concerning enough to call his preseason over just yet.
Hukporti was working on getting a head start in the battle, but he suffered an Achilles tear in the first preseason game against the New York Knicks. Not only is he finished for the preseason, but he's out for the remainder of the regular season. If the "likely scenario" comes to life, then Hukporti's debut with the Sixers won't come.
That's a sad development for the Sixers, considering he was just starting to emerge after a quiet first couple of days of training camp. When Nick Nurse addressed the veteran center after Wednesday's practice, he noted that the Sixers were "super excited" by what they've seen out of Hukporti. Bad luck in the health department prevents them from getting what they wanted out of him.
The Sixers can't hold on
Likely doesn't mean guaranteed, but the Sixers can't hold on if there's a positive, win-now move on the table. It doesn't even need to be a move for a center. Who knows, Bona or somebody else could give the backup five spot a comfortable look, while the Sixers start to lack depth or value in other areas, depending on how the season plays out.
During the offseason, the 76ers allowed Andre Drummond to take a walk in free agency and chose to recruit the Hukporti from the Knicks. The veteran center did not receive a qualifying offer from the defending champions, which allowed him to test the market before his third season.
The 76ers agreed to a $3.4 million salary with Hukporti. It's not one that can help swing a major deal, but it could certainly be helpful.
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