The Philadelphia 76ers were active and aggressive before the trade deadline. Joel Embiid’s injury did not stop the franchise from making moves. They traded for Buddy Hield, Cameron Payne, and two second-round draft picks while clearing space by moving five players and four second-rounders. The Sixers have open roster spots and figure to be active again in signing replacements.
With the trade deadline passed, the only way for teams to add talent is via free agency. The buyout market allows players to give back money to become free agents and sign with a contender. The Sixers have three open roster spots and figure to add at least one player before the playoffs.
Daryl Morey is always searching for upgrades. Who can he add for the stretch run? These names jump out as potential rotation pieces in the City of Brotherly Love who might get bought out.
6. Evan Fournier
Fournier has been out of the Knicks rotation for two years, but he was traded to the Pistons at the deadline. He will likely be bought out as Detroit has no use for him in their rebuild. Fournier is making $18.6 million this season, which means teams over the first tax apron cannot sign him after he becoms a free agent.
Fournier was a key rotation piece for nine years. What does the 31-year-old have left in the tank? He is a career 37.8 percent 3-point shooter and may be able to play a role in the right situation. Fournier was in head coach Tom Thibodeau’s doghouse, but he has been a productive player for the French National Team over the last two years.
The Sixers are 27th in threes made per game and 19th in 3-point percentage. Buddy Hield will help their shooting, but Philly needs more.
Evan Fournier is a solid option, but the 76ers may opt for a recently traded guard who was an elite shooter during his brief stay in Philadelphia.
5. Seth Curry
Curry played a season and a half for the Sixers starting in 2020. He averaged 13.6 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 31.4 minutes per game over 102 contests. The veteran guard shot north of 50 percent from three in the 2021 playoffs, but the 76ers were knocked out by the Hawks in the second round.
The 33-year-old has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, but he remains an elite shooter. His career 43.2 percent from 3-point range is the seventh-highest in NBA history. Curry rarely misses, and the Sixers desperately need floor spacers.
The 6’1 guard signed a two-year deal with the Mavericks in the 2023 offseason. The second-year is non-guaranteed, and Dallas traded him to the Hornets in the P.J. Washington deal. Charlotte is rebuilding and has no use for the veteran guard. Curry could be bought out and help any contender.
Former Sixers head coach Doc Rivers is his father-in-law, so the Bucks figure to challenge the Philadelphia 76ers to sign Seth Curry. The veteran guard could play a role under head coach Nick Nurse and may prioritize playing time. The Sixers need his shooting, but winning the race for his signature won’t be easy.
If Philadelphia decides to go in a different direction, there are several options worth exploring.
4. Delon Wright
The Sixers could go for more of a two-way option to round out their roster. Wright is a 6’5 point guard capable of guarding multiple positions and making plays. He is on an $8.1 million expiring contract for the rebuilding Wizards. Wright is playing just 15.1 minutes per game and struggling to make shots in the nation’s capital. A buyout may be the best option for both parties.
Wright is a career 35.4 percent 3-point shooter. He averaged 7.4 points, 3.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 24.4 minutes per game last season. The 31-year-old can be an impactful rotation piece on a contender.
The Sixers could use another ball-handler and playmaker. They acquired Cameron Payne in the Patrick Beverley deal, but his defense is problematic. Head coach Nick Nurse would love to have a more defensive-minded option to turn to in the playoffs if the 76ers need a stop.
Delon Wright could play next to Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt and may quickly carve out a 20 to 25-minute per-game role. The Philadelphia 76ers may decide to go in a different direction, but fans cannot expect more than a quality role player to join them via the buyout market.
3. Danilo Gallinari
Hield gives the 76ers some scoring punch, but replacing Joel Embiid’s 35 each night takes multiple players. Philly could use another professional scorer capable of spacing the floor and getting buckets.
Gallinari missed the entire 2022-23 season recovering from an ACL injury. He returned this season but is just starting to ramp up his production. He was traded twice and is now on the rebuilding Pistons. Gallinari is averaging 8.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 15.0 minutes per game over six contests with Detroit. He is shooting 54.5 percent from the field and 58.3 percent on his threes.
The 6’10 forward is 35 years old and in his 14th NBA season. He can no longer handle 30-plus minutes per night, but Gallo can be an impactful shooter and scorer for a contender. His defense is a negative, especially at this stage of his career, but the offensive boost may be worth it in the right situation.
The Philadelphia 76ers could use Danilo Gallinari as their sixth or seventh man behind Tobias Harris at the four. He gives Nick Nurse another trusted veteran with a unique skill set. Nurse can mix and match in the playoffs. Gallo is a scorer, but the Sixers may opt for a ball-handler to round out their roster.
2. Spencer Dinwiddie
Dinwiddie is the surprise addition to the buyout market from deadline day. The 6’5 guard was traded from Brooklyn to Toronto on Feb. 8, and the Raptors are waiving him to avoid paying him a $1.5 million contract bonus. Dinwiddie is a proven role player capable of getting buckets, making plays, and being an impactful piece of a postseason rotation.
Dinwiddie averaged 16.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 2023 playoffs and helped the Mavericks reach the conference finals in 2022. Every contender should have interest in signing the 30-year-old point guard. There have been issues, including the Nets being eager to trade him before the deadline, but he is a proven contributor.
Dinwiddie was making $20.3 million before being bought out, which means teams over the first tax apron cannot sign him. His shooting dropped off after returning to Brooklyn, but the 6’5 guard shot over 40 percent from 3-point range during his 76 games with the Mavericks. Philly would need his shooting to return to make a massive impact.
The Sixers should have interest, but a native of Philadelphia and fellow point guard appears to be their top target. The six-time All-Star has shown interest in joining the 76ers, but can they finally make it happen?
1. Kyle Lowry
The veteran guard is from Philly and has already been linked to the 76ers. He was traded to Charlotte in the Terry Rozier deal but has not suited up for the Hornets. Lowry is waiting to find his next home and returning to where he grew up feels like a strong possibility.
The 76ers need a point guard. The six-time All-Star is no longer at his peak, but he can still make a positive impact. Lowry played 26.0 minutes per game in the playoffs last season as the Heat reached the NBA Finals. He makes plays, spaces the floor, and plays hard on defense. The 37-year-old has drawbacks and cannot play massive minutes, but he could help Philadelphia win in the playoffs.
Lowry is making $29.6 million before his buyout, so teams over the first tax apron cannot sign him. That gives the 76ers an even bigger edge if the veteran becomes available.
Will the Philadelphia 76ers improve their roster via the buyout market? Expect President Daryl Morey to be active and aggressive. They believe Joel Embiid will return for the playoffs, and the Sixers can contend for a title this season if the franchise puts enough talent around him. Stay tuned to see if they can make it happen.