The Sixers had a blockbuster offseason. How will that change life for their role players?
To this point, the focus has been squarely on the Sixers’ star-studded starting lineup of James, Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe. But what about Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons, and more?
The 76ers’ latest foray into NBA free agency started with a whimper, as was the case for much of the league at large. What was once a sudden rush of signings has become a slow trickle as star players sign mega-extensions rather than hit the open market.
For the Sixers that meant June 30, when teams were allowed to negotiate with upcoming free agents, ended with Dean Wade as their big offseason addition. Then the floodgates opened, as Jaylen Brown was traded to Philly on July 1 and LeBron James, eventually, chose the Sixers on July 24 as the team to potentially close his storied career.
Over the course of mere weeks, Wade went from a surefire starter on a team with playoff aspirations to a key reserve for a franchise with a title-or-bust reality. And he isn’t the only one whose role will shift after the Sixers executed one of the NBA’s flashiest offseasons.
» READ MORE: What the new-look Sixers need from each star, including Joel Embiid’s health and LeBron James’ championship habits
To this point, the focus has been squarely on the Sixers’ star-studded starting lineup of James, Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe. But how has life changed for the Sixers’ new additions and returning role players since James’ signing? Let’s take a closer look.
Dean Wade: Wade will experience the biggest swing from James’ signing. A former Cavaliers forward with connections to president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, Wade signed a four-year, $39 million deal to serve as the Sixers’ starting power forward and defensive closer.
While there is talk of James playing point guard, he will slide into that open power forward spot because of his size and experiencing defending all five positions. That will theoretically relegate Wade to the bench to start and end many games. But James is 41 years old, so he will need to pace himself in the quest for his fifth title. Embiid has also played only 96 games over the last three seasons, so there should be room for Wade to make an impact.
Anfernee Simons: Simons started his career as a score-first complement to Damian Lillard, assuming the role of CJ McCollum in Portland and signing a big four-year, $100 million contract. Trades to Boston and Chicago and an injury entering free agency lowered Simons’ value, making him available on a two-year, $12.3 million deal with a player option, the equivalent of a prove-it deal for a former No. 1 option.
In past seasons, the Sixers have desperately needed scoring punch off the bench. This year, they’ll be searching for more ways to stagger their stars, which could take some opportunities away from players like Simons.
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Labaron Philon Jr.: The Sixers’ lone draft pick this season, Philon Jr., was selected at No. 21 when the Sixers fan base was still worried about replacing the production of Jared McCain, who was sent to Oklahoma City in one of the most unpopular moves of Daryl Morey’s six-year tenure in Philly. Philon made good on that expectation to some extent, with the offensive spark plug flashing scoring and ballhandling ability at NBA Summer League that appears set to translate to real production in the 2026-27 season.
Philon will now transition to a more developmental role on a team with title-or-bust expectations. Maxey and Edgecombe will start in the guard spots and Simons will be the first guard off the bench. But while Philon may have to wait to show what he can do, he will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the league.
Dominick Barlow: Fresh off a lost 2024-25 season, the Sixers were searching for ways to get better on the margins while paying max money to Maxey, Embiid, and Paul George. Enter Barlow, whose two-way deal was converted to a standard contract after he emerged as a key contributor at the power forward position. Barlow played in 71 games, including 59 starts, and averaged 7.7 points and 4.8 rebounds in 2025-26.
He will move to a more traditional backup power forward position this season, with James, Wade, and Brown likely playing forward and crowding a position that was once a weakness. Barlow’s rebounding and ability to run the floor will still be an asset, but in much smaller doses.
Justin Edwards: Edwards is another find for Philly, joining the team after going undrafted out of Kentucky in 2024. Edwards, a former star at Imhotep Charter and a Philly native, averaged 10.1 points and 3.4 rebounds as a rookie. While his numbers dropped, Edwards proved himself in his second season, taking on tough defensive assignments and key minutes in the Sixers’ first-round playoff win against the Boston Celtics.
Ariel Hukporti: After playing a small role on the New York Knicks’ title team, Hukporti picked the Sixers this summer in search of more opportunity. Embiid’s health issues were well-documented, and so were the struggles of Adem Bona and former Sixer Andre Drummond. Hukporti, 24, will still get a shot to fill the position of backup center, though the Sixers might use fewer traditional lineups than they have in the past. Embiid has vowed that his health has improved and he hopes to play more than 38 games this year.
Adem Bona: The Sixers’ returning backup center is in a similar position to Hukporti. He shared minutes with Drummond last season and showed flashes on defense. But Bona struggled on offense in his second NBA season, often struggling with decision-making and finishing at the rim. Bona, who can be retained on a club option next summer, enters a critical year in his young career.
