Examining 76ers' Salary Cap, Decisions for 2026 NBA Free Agency after Knicks Loss
After a one-year hiatus, the Philadelphia 76ers returned to the postseason, albeit as a play-in team. While the Sixers' season didn't quite go as planned, it was an improvement over last year's 24-58 campaign.
One of the hurdles Philly faced involved 2024 addition Paul George, who was suspended 25 games for taking "improper medication." The 76ers managed to overcome George's absence, however, and pushed into play-in tournament and won a first-round series against the Boston Celtics.
Led by stars like Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Kelly Oubre Jr., the Sixers actually entered as the top seed in the play-in tournament.
Now that Philadelphia's postseason has ended with a second-round loss to the New York Knicks, it's time for head coach Nick Nurse and general manager Elton Brand to begin preparing for next season. Here, we'll examine the 76ers' salary cap outlook, top offseason contract decisions, and potential targets for 2026 free agency.
2026 Salary Cap
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The 76ers are in a fairly good spot heading into the offseason. They're slated to have 11 players under contract or facing a team option. The group includes Edgecombe, Maxey, George, and Joel Embiid, who once again missed time due to injury and late-season appendicitis surgery.
While Embiid hasn't been as durable or reliable as Philly fans would like, the Sixers are carrying a strong core into the offseason. They're also in better financial shape than a few of their postseason contemporaries.
While Philadelphia won't be loaded with cap space, it is projected to be $26.2 million below the first luxury-tax apron and $39.2 million below the more restrictive second apron. While Brand may not be overly aggressive this offseason, he should be able to utilize the midlevel exception while adding a few minimum contracts.
The 76ers will also have a chance to add a contributor with a first-round pick in what is considered to be a very deep 2026 NBA draft.
Top Contract Decisions
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With George, Embiid, and Maxey locked into pricey contracts, most of the offseason will be spent constructing a budget-friendly supporting cast. The toughest decision will likely involve Oubre, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent.
The 30-year-old forward started 41 games this season and averaged 41.1 points and five rebounds. His numbers were down from the previous season, but Oubre was still a key contributor when on the court.
Quentin Grimes is another quality role player who will be an unrestricted free agent. The 26-year-old largely came off the bench but appeared in 75 games and averaged 13.4 points.
Additionally, Andre Drummond and Kyle Lowry are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents. Tyrese Martin and MarJon Beauchamp will be restricted free agents, while the Sixers have team options with Trendon Watford, Dalen Terry, and Dominick Barlow.
Free Agents to Pursue
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Considering the 76ers may be one contract away from the luxury tax threshold, there's a very real chance that Oubre is their big free agent signing of 2026. Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley recently labeled him as Philadelphia's "dream" target.
"There may not be universal agreement among Sixers fans with this, but Oubre feels like the most important internal free agent to bring back," Buckley wrote. "He competes on defense, he races out in transition and his scoring outbursts can be game-changers."
Buckley also mentioned Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (restricted) and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams (team option) as possible targets for Philly if they become available.
Jose Alvarado (player option), Tyus Jones, and John Collins are other names that Brand is likely to consider. If the Sixers are able to retain Oubre, they'll probably look to add bench scoring and fill in depth at center with league-minimum deals.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.
