Dominick Barlow has landed a standard contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, one that is unusual in its structure. The deal includes a team option for next season and covers the remainder of this year's campaign. What's notable about Barlow's new arrangement is his $3.4 million salary for the rest of 2025-26 โ a significant payday that would be four times what he would have earned if he signed at the minimum as many two-way-turned-standard players do.
This raises concerns about how it might impact the team's luxury tax situation. However, PhillyVoice was told that there's nearly $1.6 million of breathing room in this regard, which seems sufficient to fill out the remaining roster spots with prorated minimum deals.
In related news, Jared McCain, who was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder last week, has given some insight into his new surroundings. He recently spoke with reporters for the first time since joining the Thunder and touched on a few topics, including how he thinks he'll fit in the team's rotation once they reach full health.
McCain's comments suggest that he understands the importance of capitalizing off of the Thunder's strong rebounding game. "Most teams are crashing," he said, "so unless a put-back is clear, personally I think that the best decision is usually a kick-out." This mentality will be crucial for McCain as he looks to make an impact in Oklahoma City.
On another note, Trendon Watford has been emerging as a key contributor off the bench. His pass-first style has allowed him to blend into the team's system seamlessly, and his scoring aggression has become increasingly effective at keeping defenses honest.
One question on everyone's mind is what happens to Jabari Walker now that he no longer fits into the Sixers' rotation. While the team hasn't ruled out signing him, they've been surprisingly noncommittal about it. If they don't end up re-signing him, Walker will be left to find another opportunity elsewhere โ potentially in the G-League or overseas.
This raises concerns about how it might impact the team's luxury tax situation. However, PhillyVoice was told that there's nearly $1.6 million of breathing room in this regard, which seems sufficient to fill out the remaining roster spots with prorated minimum deals.
In related news, Jared McCain, who was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder last week, has given some insight into his new surroundings. He recently spoke with reporters for the first time since joining the Thunder and touched on a few topics, including how he thinks he'll fit in the team's rotation once they reach full health.
McCain's comments suggest that he understands the importance of capitalizing off of the Thunder's strong rebounding game. "Most teams are crashing," he said, "so unless a put-back is clear, personally I think that the best decision is usually a kick-out." This mentality will be crucial for McCain as he looks to make an impact in Oklahoma City.
On another note, Trendon Watford has been emerging as a key contributor off the bench. His pass-first style has allowed him to blend into the team's system seamlessly, and his scoring aggression has become increasingly effective at keeping defenses honest.
One question on everyone's mind is what happens to Jabari Walker now that he no longer fits into the Sixers' rotation. While the team hasn't ruled out signing him, they've been surprisingly noncommittal about it. If they don't end up re-signing him, Walker will be left to find another opportunity elsewhere โ potentially in the G-League or overseas.