[Siegel] Hukporti’s injury put the 76ers in a though spot. He was gonna play a key role off the bench and since they’re just $1.8M below the 1st apron, they can’t sign another player. Possible solutions include waiving Walker to clear space, trading for a center or signing Tacko Fall to a 2-way deal
The Philadelphia 76ers face a difficult roster and financial situation after losing backup center Ariel Hukporti for the entire 2026-27 season.
Hukporti suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Monday’s preseason opener against the New York Knicks and underwent surgery on Tuesday.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, Hukporti had been expected to play an important role behind Joel Embiid, especially with fellow center Adem Bona missing training camp because of a left foot sprain.
Furthermore, Embiid has missed 150 regular-season games over the last three seasons, and Philadelphia is expected to continue closely managing his workload.
According to Siegel, Philadelphia is approximately $1.8 million below the first apron and is not allowed to cross that threshold this season.
The Sixers currently have only 14 players on standard contracts, leaving one roster spot open, but their financial constraints prevent them from simply signing another player to a standard minimum deal.
Philadelphia’s payroll sits at approximately \(207.2 million, compared to a first apron of about \)209 million.
Even receiving a disabled player exception for Hukporti would not allow Philadelphia to exceed the first apron.
One potential solution would be waiving power forward Jabari Walker, whose contract reportedly has only $250,000 guaranteed, to create additional flexibility to add another big man.
However, Hukporti’s injury also makes Walker more valuable to Philadelphia.
Another possibility would be a minor trade for a center on a low-cost contract or a deal that creates additional financial room. Siegel noted that such a move could require the Sixers to attach second-round draft compensation.
Philadelphia could also consider converting Tacko Fall’s Exhibit 10 contract into its final two-way spot.
If the Sixers choose that route, the 7-foot-5 center would join Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert as Philadelphia’s three two-way players.
Fall, however, has also been sidelined during training camp with a left hip strain.
The 30-year-old Senegalese last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he appeared in 11 games. Before that, he was part of the Boston Celtics for two seasons, playing a total of 27 games