NBA free agency: Guerschon Yabusele heading to the Knicks; Sixers land a power forward; latest updates and rumors
The Sixers finally made a move hours after the start of the NBA's free agency period.
NBA free agency is underway, and the Sixers plan to sign former Brooklyn Nets power forward Trendon Watford.
Watford's deal makes it unlikely that Guerschon Yabusele will return to the Sixers next season.
In other NBA news, the New York Knicks reportedly reached out to Dawn Staley about being their next head coach. Staley could also join the ownership group of Philly's new WNBA franchise.
NBA teams may officially begin signing free agents on July 6. The Sixers kick off their Summer League schedule on July 10.
Sixers center Guerschon Yabusele heading to Knicks
Guerschon Yabusele is taking his game to the Big Apple.
Sources confirm the former 76ers post player has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the New York Knicks on Tuesday. ESPN was first to report the deal.
The Sixers had hoped to retain Yabusele. However, the squad always knew it would have a tough time retaining him in free agency due to salary restrictions. And his return became more unlikely after the Sixers acquired post player Trendon Watford Monday night.
One notable omission from the Sixers' Summer League roster
The Sixers announced their roster for this year's Summer League – and it has one notable omission.
Jared McCain, who is coming off a torn meniscus, will not take part in the Sixers' appearances in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. The rookie was one of the rare bightspots during a dismal 2024-25 season.
That only lasted so long, however, as he went from Rookie of the Year frontrunner to bystander only two months into the season.
Sixers roster: Were things stand as free agency continues
There have been far fewer Sixers-related fireworks to start free agency, especially compared to their flashy big swing to add Paul George last summer.
So far, the Sixers have lost fan-favorite big man Guerschon Yabusele, who on Tuesday agreed to sign a two-year deal with the rival New York Knicks.
Here is where the roster stands, as of Tuesday afternoon:
Hunter Sallis signs two-way deal with Sixers
Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly 'not pleased' after Bucks waive Damian Lillard
In their move to add Myles Tyrner, the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly waiving Damian Lillard.
Apparently, that's not sitting well with Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Antetokounmpo is "not pleased" by the team's decision to cut Lillard, who tore his Achilles tendon during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.
ESPN: Myles Turner leaving Pacers to sign with Bucks
Myles Turner is leaving the NBA finalist Pacers to join the Milwaukee Bucks on a four-year, $107-million deal, ESPN reported.
Turner played ten seasons with the Pacers, after the team drafted him in 2015 at No. 11 overall. Turner averaged 15.6 points per game in 2024-25 and is an elite two-way player, one of just four players in the NBA with at least 100 blocked shots, 100 three-pointers and 50 steals in 2024-25.
To fit Turner in, the Bucks are waiving guard Damian Lillard, who tore his Achilles in the postseason.
ESPN: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander agrees to super-max contract extension with Thunder
Not surprising Sixers' free agency has been mostly quiet
It wasn’t all that surprising that the 76ers were mostly quiet on the first night of NBA free agency.
Even before Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond exercised their player options, the team didn’t have enough salary-cap space to pursue high-priced difference makers. The focus instead has been on building around their Big Three of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George.
After close to four hours into free agency, they reached their first deal. Trendon Watford, a 6-foot-9 power forward, will receive a two-year, $5.3 million contract, according to sources. He can sign his deal after noon Sunday. Per a source, Watford’s acquisition makes it unlikely that post player Guerschon Yabusele will return.
Sixers to sign free agent guard Trendon Watford to a two-year deal
The 76ers locked up a much-needed power forward in free agency.
A source confirms they agreed to sign Trendon Watford to a two-year, $5.3 million contract Friday night.
The 6-foot-9, 240-pounder averaged a career highs of 10.2 points and 2.6 assists to go with 3.6 rebounds in 44 games with the Brooklyn Nets last season. Watford is a career 34.9% three-point shooter. The Sixers view him as someone that can play a key role in the rotation.
Latest NBA free agent signings and trades
Here's a roundup of notable NBA free agency moves that happened overnight:
Nuggets trading Michael Porter Jr. to Nets for Cam Johnson: Denver is also sending an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to Brooklyn, according to the Associated Press.
D'Angelo Russell to resign with Mavericks: Russell is signing a two-year, $13 million deal, ESPN reports.
Gary Trent Jr. to sick with Bucks: The sharpshooter has agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million deal, according to ESPN
Nickeil Alexander-Walker heading to the Hawks: Alexander-Walker's sign-and-trade deal is for four years and $62 million, the Athletic reported.
Guerschon Yabusele likely won't return to Sixers next season
It's unlikely Guerschon Yabusele will return to the Sixers next season after the team agreed to sign power forward Trendon Watford, according to a source.
Yabusele averaged career highs of 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 27.1 minutes and shot 38.0% on three-pointers this past season for the 76ers. The 6-7, 280-pounder made 43 starts in 70 games.
Things were always complicated for the Sixers in their attempt to re-sign him partially because they didn’t have his Bird rights as a player on a one-year minimum deal. They could have only offered him a limited salary raise — typically 120% of his previous season’s salary — unless they use a mid-level exception.
NBA salary cap for the 2025-26 season has been set
The projections for the NBA salary cap and luxury tax restriction levels have turned into realities.
On Monday, the league announced the salary cap, as has been predicted, is $154.6 million for the 2025-26 season. In addition, the first apron level is $195.9 million and the second apron level is $207.8 million, as expected. Meanwhile, the minimum team salary is $139.1 million.
In regards to the mid-level exceptions, the non-taxpayer is $14.1 million and the taxpayer is $5.68 million. The mid-level for teams under the salary cap is $8.7 million.