The Philadelphia 76ers have finalized their 15-man roster with recent signings that highlight their strategic approach to the ongoing season. On Monday, the team announced an agreement with veteran point guard Cam Payne, followed by a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania stating that two-way forward Jabari Walker will be signed to a standard two-year contract. Both transactions are expected to be made official in the coming days, which is significant as the team navigates salary-cap considerations.
The Sixers currently sit just below the $187.9 million luxury-tax threshold. By signing Payne and Walker to veteran-minimum contracts, which would amount to nearly $740,000 for each, the team would then find themselves only a fraction under the tax line. Interestingly, the cost of such contracts decreases daily, allowing the Sixers to potentially save approximately $80,000 if they delay the official signing until later in the week, bringing them closer to $180,000 beneath the tax threshold.
Walker, who reached the maximum limit for two-way players prior to the trade deadline, has been inactive for recent games. However, the shift to a standard contract means he can now rejoin the rotation and is eligible for postseason play. This season, Walker has averaged 3.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 12.1 minutes per game, with a challenge in his shooting efficiency—40.3 percent overall and a low 27.0 percent from beyond the arc. Despite this, he excels in rebounding, ranking in the top percentage for offensive and defensive rebounds among forwards.
While the signing of Walker might appear modest, it effectively closes off the Sixers’ options in the buyout market, where players waived before the March 1 deadline could still compete in the postseason. This lack of flexibility may be a disadvantage as rival teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons have made significant moves to bolster their rosters.
Notable for the Sixers is the filling of two open slots created by converting Walker and Dominick Barlow from two-way contracts. They have already secured Dalen Terry for one slot and are reportedly looking to sign forward Tyrese Martin to occupy the other. Martin comes from the Brooklyn Nets, where he contributed 7.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, demonstrating potential even with shooting struggles at 39.2 percent.
The upcoming decisions reflect the Sixers’ ambitions to enhance their roster amid stiff competition. While questions remain about the impact of these signings, the management retains hope that these players, particularly Martin, could emerge as valuable assets for the team’s playoff aspirations. With a mix of new talent and established players, the Sixers continue to navigate their season with the goal of strengthening their position in the league.