Sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Friday that the Philadelphia 76ers intend to sign Justin Edwards for a three-year contract after turning down his $1.9 million team choice.
Justin Edwards to earn $2 million next season, the Sixers
Sources said the Sixers negotiated the new deal with Krach Sports’ Rich Paul and Josh Hairston for Edwards, which will receive a new deal for two years.
Edwards will now make $2 million next season after the Sixers rejected his 2025-26 club option. In the 2024-25 season, he made only $425,619.
His deal could include a third-year team choice as it would allow the Sixers to make him a restricted free agent in 2027, rather than allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent in 2028.
The contract will not be officially signed until July 6.
Edwards, who was 22 in December, did not select the University of Kentucky last summer and signed a two-way contract with the Sixers.
Edwards
His two-way deal was converted to a regular contract after the February trade deadline after injuries to Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey.
“I think the biggest thing is…he’s the needs and role that fits our team right now,” said head coach Nick Nurse on February 6. “We need a wing, we need a defender, we need a chance scorer. … He works very hard on DD.
“He seems to be doing great offense, whether it’s capture, shooting or grabbing and beating close up, or wielding the ball. He’s really trying to do everything with super high effort, which is a great place to start when you were young.”
In 44 games (26 games), Edwards averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 26.3 minutes per game while shooting 45.5% from the field and 36.3% from the field.
He scored a season-high 25 points on Jan. 14 with the Oklahoma City Thunder and in a 128-120 defeat against the Sacramento Kings on March 21.
Andre Drummond
Since Philadelphia’s payroll is tied to Embiid, George and Maxie, 77% (approximately $146 million) lacks roster flexibility. The 76ers’ offseason finance will also be influenced by contract decisions by Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon and Kelly Ober Jr.
Drummond won his $5 million player option on Friday’s Charania for Friday’s 2025-26 season. As Embiid was in the game for most of the season, Drummond spent nearly 19 minutes per game (23 games).
He averaged 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the field. In the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Sixers selected Auburn big shot Johni Broome, his choice was promoted.
If Gordon rejects his choice, the 76ers will get $1.5 million in flexibility
If Gordon and Oubre Jr. also choose by June 29, the luxury tax for the 76ers is correct, down from $7.5 million for the first apron. The options for the two players next season are worth $12 million.
If Gordon rejects his choice and re-signs it with a lower number, the 76ers will get $1.5 million in flexibility. They do have a $9.5 million non-guaranteed contract, and team choices for Ricky Council IV, Jared Butler and Lonnie Walker IV.
The 2025 NBA free agent period begins at 6 pm on June 30.
