It has been a quiet free agency period so far for the Philadelphia 76ers. Not armed with a ton of cap space, the Sixers have made smaller moves to improve depth and help around the margins as they move forward with their championship quest.
So far, the Sixers have done the following in free agency:
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Sign Trendon Watford to a 2-year $5.3 million deal
Re-sign Eric Gordon on a veteran minimum
Sign Jabari Walker to a two-way deal
Not exactly moves that are on the same level as the moves made in 2024 when they brought in Paul George, but solid moves nonetheless. Philadelphia needed some depth and versatility, especially, after losing Guerschon Yabusele to the New York Knicks, and these moves do that.
Here is a grade for each move made in free agency:
Trendon Watford
Feb 10, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (9) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
There is a lot to like about Watford’s game. He can dribble, pass, get to the basket, and make an impact once he gets into the paint and draws attention from defenders. He is also athletic enough to make things happen on the defensive end and help the Sixers get out in transition. He will play a role for Philadelphia without Yabusele, but one has to wonder about his 3-point shot. The perimeter jumper is so paramount in today’s NBA and while Watford can keep defenders honest, he only shot 33% from deep in 2024-25.
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Final grade: B-minus
Eric Gordon
Feb 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (23) drives against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
A lot of people will criticize the move to bring back Gordon, but on a vet minimum, he is a positive player to keep in the locker room. He can still knock down the 3-ball–he shot 40.9% from deep in the 39 games he played in 2024-25–and he has a wealth of knowledge and experience to lend to the youngsters. For example, rookie VJ Edgecombe will benefit greatly from Gordon as they have a history together from playing on the Bahamian national team. Gordon will serve as Edgecombe’s vet while playing sparingly and knocking down an open 3 when the opportunity arises.
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Final grade: B
Jabari Walker
Apr 6, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker (34) dribbles the ball on a fast break during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Getting Walker on a two-way deal is insane value. The talent in this league is at an all-time high and the Sixers were able to get a good one in Walker. A former second-round pick of the Portland Trail Blazers, Walker is a rotational player in this league. He is a great rebounder, can knock down a corner 3, and provides a ton of hustle and energy. With Yabusele gone, there is a chance that Walker will earn a rotation spot in Philadelphia which would then lead to a standard contract–which is what he should have anyway.
Final grade: A
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers free agency grades after signing Trendon Watford, Jabari Walker