Sixers
The 76ers apparently aren’t rushing to replace Ariel Hukporti.
Hukporti suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Philadelphia’s preseason opener, leaving Adem Bona, Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker as the primary options behind Joel Embiid.
Still, Marc Stein of The Stein Line reports that the Sixers are unlikely to add another big man, or any player on a standard NBA contract, before prorated minimum deals become available in early December.
Philadelphia is operating close to its first-apron hard cap, which limits its options. The Sixers could create room through a salary-reducing trade or by waiving Walker, but neither path appears likely at the moment.
Magic
Anthony Black and the Magic don’t appear close to an extension.
Stein reports that the sides have not engaged in meaningful negotiations, with Orlando already facing a pricey future around Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane.
Black is coming off a breakout season in which he increased his scoring average from 9.4 to 15.0 points. The question now is whether Orlando can afford to keep both Black and Suggs long-term.
Hornets
Brandon Miller is still viewed around the league as a strong candidate to receive an extension from Charlotte.
According to Stein, some league personnel believe Miller’s eventual deal could exceed the five-year, $208 million extension Amen Thompson signed with Houston.
That would amount to a major bet on Miller’s offensive ceiling, even with questions surrounding his health and defense.
Thunder
The Thunder have opened extension talks with Cason Wallace.
Stein reports that discussions have been in the neighborhood of $25 million per season, with Dyson Daniels and Christian Braun cited as possible comparisons.
Wallace could be looking for something closer to the five-year, $155 million deal Keyonte George received from Utah.
With Luguentz Dort no longer in Oklahoma City, Wallace appears positioned for an even larger role.
Mavericks
Dwight Powell is doing what he can to stick around in Dallas.
Stein reports that Powell has waived his right to block a trade if he makes the regular-season roster. That would allow the Mavericks to move him after Dec. 25 if they choose.
Powell’s roster spot has looked less secure since Moussa Cisse’s salary became guaranteed, but the veteran big man has played well in the preseason and earned praise from Mavericks coach Dusty May. That may end up mattering more than the paperwork.
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