LeBron James to 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers waive Dalen Terry to create roster space for LeBron James
Anonymous
The Philadelphia 76ers have waived guard Dalen Terry, clearing roster space to sign LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, according to Delaware County Times. James has announced his intention to join Philadelphia on a two-year deal — the first year at the veteran minimum and the second with a player option — in what would mark one of the most stunning moves of his NBA career.
Terry's release is just the first step in a complex series of roster moves the Sixers must complete before James can officially sign, The Morning Call reported. The team still needs to create additional room under the NBA's first apron salary threshold, with more cuts or trades likely coming soon.
Who Is Dalen Terry and Why He Was Cut
Terry, 23, appeared in 14 games for the 76ers this season. He averaged 4.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Those numbers were not enough to keep his roster spot when a four-time NBA champion came calling, according to Citizens Voice.
Terry was a former second-round pick who never firmly established himself in the league. His waiver clears one roster spot, but the Sixers need at least one more opening to fit both James and Caldwell-Pope onto the books, The Reporter noted.
LeBron's Deal Structure and What It Means for Philadelphia
James's two-year contract is structured to keep his cost low in year one. The veteran minimum is the smallest salary the league allows for a player of his experience. The player option in year two means LeBron can choose to stay or walk after the 2025-26 season, according to The Trentonian.
This structure gives Philadelphia flexibility. It also gives James an escape hatch if the experiment does not work. At 40 years old, LeBron would be joining a Sixers squad built around Joel Embiid and trying to contend in the Eastern Conference.
More Roster Moves Still Needed Before the Deal Is Done
Waiving Terry alone is not enough. The 76ers must stay under the NBA's first apron — a hard salary cap that limits how teams can build their roster. To get there, Philadelphia is weighing additional moves, Pottstown Mercury reported.
Two names are on the table. The team could trade or waive forward Jabari Walker. They could also look to extend center Johni Broome under a different contract structure. Either move would free up the space needed to make both signings official, according to The Morning Call.
Caldwell-Pope Also Set to Join Philadelphia
LeBron is not coming alone. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a proven three-and-D wing, is also expected to sign with the Sixers as part of this roster overhaul, Citizens Voice reported. Caldwell-Pope won a title with LeBron in Los Angeles in 2020.
Together, the two additions would reshape Philadelphia's roster. The Sixers are betting that James's star power — even late in his career — can push them past teams like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers in the East. More official moves are expected in the coming days.
Sentiment
NeutralNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
6
Articles
6
Reach
6
A
AnonymousAuthor
