Sixers expected to be active on buyout market

The 76ers are positioning themselves for a busy run on the buyout market.

Philadelphia is set to open at least two roster spots this weekend, with Charles Bassey and Patrick Baldwin Jr. both nearing the end of their 10-day contracts.

That alone gives the front office flexibility. Add in Paul George’s suspension, which allows the Sixers to move him to the suspended list temporarily, and there’s room to maneuver.

According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, names to watch include Chris Boucher, Lonzo Ball and Haywood Highsmith. Mavericks newcomer Khris Middleton was also mentioned as a theoretical option, though there’s been no indication yet that a buyout is coming.

Money matters here. The Sixers sit about $1.6 million below the luxury tax and roughly $3.8 million shy of the first apron.

That means they can add two rest-of-season minimum deals without triggering tax penalties, but there’s little margin for error.

Boucher has familiarity with coach Nick Nurse from their Raptors days and could provide frontcourt depth. Ball, recently waived by Utah, would help stabilize a backcourt that moved on from Jared McCain and Eric Gordon.

Highsmith, waived by Brooklyn, is nearing a return from meniscus surgery and has drawn interest from multiple playoff teams. He also started his NBA career with the Sixers.

Philadelphia could also keep things internal. Jabari Walker has hit his two-way limit, and head of basketball operations Daryl Morey acknowledged the team is weighing whether to convert him.

Options are there. The Sixers just have to choose carefully.