The Philadelphia 76ers made three key roster decisions Monday, exercising the team options of Dalen Terry and Dominick Barlow while declining Trendon Watford's option, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic. For the Sixers, this brings back two key contributors to the roster for another season while possibly closing the door for Watford's return.
Dalen Terry joined the Sixers late last season after being waived following the trade deadline frenzy. He quickly rose from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract with a team option. The Sixers exercised Terry's option after he appeared in just 14 games, averaging 4.1 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists. His deal remains non-guaranteed until Jan. 10, according to PSN's Zach Ciavolella.
Barlow was quietly one of the Sixers' most important role players. He began the year on a two-way deal with the Sixers and eventually earned himself a standard contract. While both sides likely would've wanted to get a long-term deal done after his breakout season, this option allows the Sixers another season to evaluate the young forward. Last season, Barlow averaged career highs across the board, averaging 7.7 points and 4.8 rebounds across 71 games. His team option is worth roughly $3.4 million.
Watford joined the Sixers last offseason and appeared in 53 games, averaging 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists a night for the Sixers while shooting 51.5% from the field. Philadelphia had the option to decline Watford's deal and re-sign him to the veteran minimum, giving Watford a pay raise this season while saving the Sixers money against the luxury tax. However, that does not seem to be the plan and this may simply be the end of Watford's time in Philly, according to Adam Aaronson of Philly Voice.
Sixers' new lead executive Mike Gansey has made some of his first moves in reshaping the roster. With the 76ers toeing the line when it comes to their cap sheet, tough decisions were going to be made sooner or later for the Sixers. With these decisions, the Sixers can retain their highest value assets while maintaining their financial flexibility as free agency draws closer and closer.
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