Eric Gordon Reportedly Declines $3.4M Contract Player Option, 76ers Return Possible

Veteran guard Eric Gordon declined his $3.4 million player option to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2025-26 season on Sunday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Charania noted that "a return to the 76ers is still possible," though.

Gordon appeared in 39 games with Philadelphia during the 2024-25 season, which included 13 starts.

He averaged 6.8 points and 1.7 assists in 19.7 minutes per game on 42.6/40.9/75.0 shooting splits.

Gordon was efficient from behind the arc with extended playing time, recording 11.2 points on a nightly basis while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 53.8 percent from three-point territory in 13 appearances as a starter.

He didn't suit up for Philadelphia over the final two months of the season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist. Health issues have plagued Gordon, as he hasn't appeared in at least 70 games in a season since his 2016-17 campaign.

The former Sixth Man of the Year winner's days of operating as one of the best bench scorers in the NBA may be behind him, but he's still proven that he can space the floor and remain an offensive threat without needing the ball in his hands.

Gordon is a 37.2 percent long-range shooter throughout his career and has connected on 38.8 percent of his triples over the past four seasons combined.

While he could leave Philadelphia in free agency, a reunion also appears to be a possibility.

With Gordon opting out, the 76ers can now sign him to a one-year deal with a lower cap hit of $2.3 million (via ESPN's Bobby Marks).

Philadelphia will be attempting to bounce back from a disappointing 24-58 finish last season led by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.