76ers have one player they simply can't keep if LeBron James signs

The Sixer Sense · Jul 22, 2026 14:10 · 2 min read

76ers have one player they simply can't keep if LeBron James signs — Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) prior to game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on May 1, 2026. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The 76ers have an obvious roster cut if they manage to win the LeBron James sweepstakes.

The Philadelphia 76ers have had a sterling offseason thus far, yet the front office is still eyeing another blockbuster move. LeBron James remains undecided as to his next and possibly final landing spot, and the franchise remains in the running to land his services for the upcoming season. Winning the bidding war will force the team's brain trust to make other follow-up moves, and there is an obvious one they can make –– cutting ties with Jabari Walker.

As the roster currently stands, the 76ers are flirting with the first apron, which prevents them from offering LeBron or any other free agent anything more than the minimum. That, however, changes if they shed some salary. Walker, who is on a non-guaranteed deal anyway and plays the same position as James, is the obvious candidate to get cut if the team wants to preserve some more flexibility.

Jabari Walker is the obvious casualty if the 76ers sign LeBron James

Walker, whom the 76ers snagged from the open market last summer as one of their two-way additions, ended up appearing in all but 18 regular season games for the team. He eventually saw his deal converted into a standard NBA contract midway through the campaign, which was expected given his relatively fine showings as an emergency big.

Be that as it may, among all players currently on the roster, Walker is arguably the most expendable one. He finds himself dangling in a lineup now littered with options at the big man position off the bench. While he is a natural power forward, the 76ers are trying to avoid having non-center guys who are not threats from beyond the arc.

Walker can be useful, but the 76ers are in a roster crunch

The soon-to-be 24-year-old does bring some reliable traits to the table. He is one of the best rebounders on the team and is also impactful on the defensive end with his activity and motor. However, his offensive skill set is definitely lacking, as he is neither a stable floor-spacer nor a passable playmaker. He also cannot create his own shot.

If James ends up picking Philly as his ultimate destination, then the need for a last-resort option at forward ceases to exist. Dean Wade would presumably move to the bench, and the 76ers would be better off maintaining some cap flexibility than accommodating a limited player heading into the season.

Jabari Walker is not a bad player by any means, but the 76ers have bigger priorities if they end up getting James. As such, he is the easy call for a roster cut if the team reaches that point.