76ers counting on good health in quest for bounce-back season

The 76ers entered last season as one of the NBA’s title favorites. They finished it with a 24-58 record, a last-place finish in the East, and serious questions about their core, as detailed by HoopsRumors’ Luke Adams in his season preview.

There was some thought president of basketball operations Daryl Morey might use the summer to shake things up, maybe even explore the market for Joel Embiid or Paul George.

That never happened. Instead, Philadelphia opted for continuity. Morey and head coach Nick Nurse both stayed put. Embiid and George weren’t shopped. Veterans like Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, Kelly Oubre Jr., Justin Edwards and Andre Drummond all returned on new or existing deals. The Sixers didn’t make any major trades.

Restricted free agent Quentin Grimes provided some offseason drama by dragging negotiations out until October 1, but ultimately accepted his $8.74MM qualifying offer. That gives him a no-trade clause and lines him up for unrestricted free agency in 2026, but it also keeps Philadelphia’s 2025-26 payroll manageable.

The front office wasn’t eager to lock into a long-term deal for another guard after drafting Baylor standout VJ Edgecombe third overall and adding Jared McCain last season to a backcourt that already features Tyrese Maxey.

The Sixers have left the door open to duck under the luxury tax line by season’s end, currently sitting less than $7MM above the threshold.

That flexibility could factor into midseason decisions if the club gets off to another shaky start. Ownership seems to be taking a “wait and see” approach before deciding how much to spend on this group.

Meanwhile, some under-the-radar moves could pay off. Edwards re-signed on a three-year minimum deal with a team option, and Trendon Watford came aboard on a similar two-year pact. Both could carve out rotation minutes.

On the flip side, losing Guerschon Yabusele to the Knicks was a blow, but Philadelphia wasn’t willing to sacrifice cap flexibility to retain him.

The Sixers are carrying just 14 standard contracts at camp and don’t appear eager to fill the final roster spot right away. Two-way players Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker bring plenty of NBA experience and could cover rotation minutes if needed. Rookie Hunter Sallis is more of a developmental piece.

It’s been a quiet summer in Philadelphia compared to what many expected. After the chaos of last season, maybe that’s the point.