Andre Drummond is one possibility for a salary dump, two sources tell us. Losing his $5M expiring would help 76ers get some relief under CBA. What might Nets want? Don’t know but how about a reduction in protections on that 2028 first, now protected 1-8? Nets have 19 seconds!
— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) September 8, 2025
The Brooklyn Nets were one of the main teams in the NBA this offseason that were looking to make deals in exchange for draft capital while renting out their cap space. Brooklyn has already pulled off at least three trades this summer that were made with getting draft picks in mind, but there is the possibility of them bringing one of their former players back to New York City.
“The Sixers are currently below the luxury tax but will go above it after Grimes’ situation is resolved. They could look to move both Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond to get under the tax,” NBA cap expert Yossi Gozlan wrote on his Third Apron website when discussing Brooklyn’s updated cap situation (h/t to NetsDaily). To be clear, Gozlan’s article was written prior to the Nets officially re-signing forward Ziaire Williams on Monday, but the plan could still be the same.
“All these teams could make moves at the trade deadline, and the Nets will be equipped to help,” Gozlan continued. It seems that part of the reason that the Nets did not make too many free-agent acquisitions this offseason was so they could still maintain some flexibility within their cap just in case another deal arises. NetsDaily alluded to the fact that Brooklyn could be intent on using more of their cap space via trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.
“Andre Drummond is one possibility for a salary dump, two sources tell us. Losing his $5M expiring would help 76ers get some relief under CBA,” NetsDaily wrote on X on Monday. Oubre ($8.38 million) and Drummond ($5 million) are both on expiring contracts and like Gozlan wrote, the 76ers could be dealing with luxury tax implications once they figure out what they’re doing with restricted free-agent Quentin Grimes.
With Philadelphia still in a position to compete for a championship with players like center Joel Embiid and forward Paul George still on the team, the 76ers may not be too worried about paying extra money for their roster. If Philadelphia changes its mind, however, the Nets could be there to scoop up two players that could contribute this upcoming season, including a reunion with Drummond.