The Philadelphia 76ers traded two second-round picks to draft Shake Milton in 2018, but the current Lakers wing may be cut after Los Angeles drafted Adou Thiero in the second round. Milton has a non-guaranteed $3 million for the 2025-26 season, and the Lakers may just walk away after putting a more defensive-minded replacement on their roster.
Milton became a bucket-getting off the bench in Philadelphia, but he has struggled to find a home since leaving in 2023. The 6’5 wing played for the Timberwolves, Pistons, Knicks, Nets, and Lakers over the last two years. He struggled to get consistent minutes in LA and was not part of their playoff rotation.
Milton has zero guaranteed dollars on his contract, so the Lakers could move on without penalty. The 28-year-old is not part of their future plans and now seems like the perfect time to part ways.
Shake Milton is on the Lakers' chopping block
Los Angeles acquired Milton before their massive February trade for Luka Doncic. That deal opened the door for the 76ers to get Quentin Grimes, but it hurt Milton’s playing time. The former 76ers’ draft pick struggled to make shots and does not fit around number 77.
The Sixers made a franchise-altering pick in VJ Edgecombe, and he is already impacting the franchise. They have a massive Joel Embiid cloud hanging over the franchise, but Morey keeps finding young talent to help them build an exciting roster. The stars haven’t worked. Even with those disasters, Morey deserves credit for finding talent in the draft.
Shake Milton will be an unrestricted free agent if the Lakers do not guarantee his contract. The 6’5 wing is a career 35.8 percent 3-point shooter with size. He should be in the middle of his prime and may find interest on the open market. The 76ers may look to bring him back on a minimum contract to add to their depth.
Milton has been disappointing since leaving Philadelphia. He may be running out of NBA chances. Can the 6’5 wing rebuild his value if the Lakers move on? It is certainly a question heading into an uncertain offseason.
The Philadelphia 76ers have several crucial decisions of their own to make this summer. It appears Embiid and Paul George will be on their roster to start the 2025-26 season. The two superstars must bounce back to give Philly any hope of contending. The Eastern Conference is wide open. Hopefully, the Sixers can surprise, but fans should not count on it.