The next move for the Sixers after signing LeBron involves an unexpected sacrifice
The Sixers are preparing a trade to sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as they need a spot on the roster for the upcoming season.
The revolution of the Philadelphia 76ers is not over with the signing of LeBron James. After acquiring the all-time leading scorer in the NBA, the franchise continues to make moves to complete a roster with clear championship aspirations. The next target is to add Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but before that, they will need to make room on the roster, and the prime candidate to exit is Johni Broome.
As reported by Jake Fischer (The People's Insider), the Sixers are exploring different options to part ways with the young center, either through a trade or, if they do not find a satisfactory agreement, through a release. The operation would allow Caldwell-Pope to join immediately, with his buyout from the Memphis Grizzlies scheduled for this Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. (ET).
Johni Broome, the leading candidate to depart
Philadelphia's priority is to free up a spot without disrupting the core of the team that will compete for the title alongside LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown.
In this context, Johni Broome emerges as the player with the most chances to leave the franchise. The Sixers are trying to find a team interested in acquiring his services before opting for a contract release, an alternative that remains on the table if negotiations do not succeed.
The departure of the young center would create the necessary space to finalize the signing of Caldwell-Pope, considered one of the top defensive specialists in the market.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the next reinforcement for LeBron
Caldwell-Pope's arrival would mark a new reunion with LeBron James. Both won the NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and maintain a great relationship both on and off the court.
The veteran guard comes from playing the 2025-26 season with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he averaged 8.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, playing a significant role as a defensive specialist and outside shooter.
His experience with title-contending teams fits perfectly with the philosophy that Philadelphia aims to establish around LeBron and Embiid.
Jabari Walker also emerges as an alternative
Although Broome is the primary candidate to leave the roster, it is not the only possibility that the Sixers are considering.
Another option would be to part ways with Jabari Walker, whose contract offers a significant economic advantage to the franchise. His salary of $2.6 million will not be fully guaranteed until January 10, which would allow for a release if needed.
However, reports suggest that Philadelphia prefers to keep the forward as they believe he can provide depth and energy to the rotation during the season.
For this reason, the priority remains to find an exit for Johni Broome before making any other decisions.
Philadelphia continues to build a title-contending team
Since LeBron James arrived, the Sixers have not stopped strengthening a roster designed to compete immediately for the championship.
The addition of Caldwell-Pope would bring experience, perimeter defense, and a highly valued profile in the playoffs, in addition to resurrecting a partnership that yielded excellent results alongside LeBron in Los Angeles.
As the market enters its decisive phase, Philadelphia continues to adjust the final pieces to present one of the most complete rosters in the NBA and end a title drought that has persisted since 1983.
Status of the Sixers' roster
| Player | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Johni Broome | On trade market | Free up a roster spot |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Top priority | Will sign after completing buyout with Memphis |
| Jabari Walker | Could be cut, although not the preferred option | His contract is not guaranteed until January 10 |
| LeBron James | New signing | Will lead the project alongside Embiid and Maxey |
If the Sixers manage to resolve Johni Broome's situation in the coming hours, everything indicates that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will be the next reinforcement for a project that has gained momentum since the arrival of LeBron James and aspires to contend for the championship from the start of the season.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El siguiente movimiento de los Sixers tras fichar a LeBron pasa por un inesperado sacrificio
