Eric Gordon Faces Decision On Player Option Amid Uncertain Role with Sixers

Veteran guard Eric Gordon can lock in a guaranteed payday by exercising his $3.4 million player option with the Philadelphia 76ers — but doing so may come with a reduced role in a crowded backcourt.

As noted by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, Gordon is weighing his options after a frustrating, injury-shortened 2024-25 campaign that saw him average a career-low 6.8 points in just 19.7 minutes per game. The 36-year-old appeared in only 39 contests before undergoing season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist on Feb. 26.

Despite the limited action, Gordon remained efficient from long range, connecting on 40.9 percent of his 3-point attempts — still showing flashes of the floor-spacing prowess that’s defined much of his 16-year career.

“It was tough, because I wanted to play as many games as I could,” Gordon said.

If Gordon opts in, he’ll secure guaranteed money, but minutes could be hard to come by with Philadelphia prioritizing younger perimeter options and potentially adding more depth this summer.

He’s expected to decide on the option before free agency begins.

So now the question is simple: Take the guaranteed check and a reduced role in Philly, or hit the open market, health permitting, and try to carve out something more substantial elsewhere?

Either way, Gordon’s veteran presence and shooting still hold value — just maybe not as much as they once did.

Sixers Notes:

• Two-way grinder: Jeff Dowtin remained on a two-way contract through season’s end despite appearing in 41 games, including three starts. He averaged 7.0 points in 15.1 minutes. “There’s always going to be obstacles,” Dowtin told The Inquirer. “But it’s just how I’m built.”

• Breakout rookie: Undrafted forward Justin Edwards had his two-way contract converted to a standard deal after averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 44 games (26 starts). Philadelphia holds a $2 million option on Edwards, who told Gina Mizell of the Inquirer: “I just made the best out of the opportunity, and it all worked out.”