The Philadelphia 76ers are actively seeking a trade for Johni Broome, aiming to create salary cap space and roster flexibility to integrate veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. This strategic maneuver underscores the team's ongoing efforts to enhance its roster following a significant offseason that saw the acquisition of notable players to bolster their championship aspirations.
According to reports from Keith Smith, the Sixers are exploring various trade scenarios for Broome. Should a trade not materialize, the team is considering waiving and stretching his contract to achieve the necessary financial adjustments. This decision needs to be finalized before Caldwell-Pope officially clears waivers, ensuring Philadelphia has the requisite space to onboard him.
Broome, a 24-year-old former Auburn standout, is currently in the second year of a four-year, $3.4 million rookie-scale agreement. After being selected 35th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, he saw limited action during the 2025-26 season, appearing in 11 games. During his brief time on the court, Broome averaged 0.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 5.0 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 16.7% and no successful three-pointers.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the 76ers, led by new president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, to transform the team into a formidable championship contender. The offseason has been marked by significant moves, including securing Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics and adding LeBron James to a core featuring Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
The previous season saw the Sixers finish with a 45-37 record, earning them the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. They advanced past the Boston Celtics in a demanding seven-game first-round series but were subsequently swept by the New York Knicks in the conference semifinals. With their reconfigured roster, Philadelphia is prioritizing seasoned players who can make an immediate impact alongside their star players.
Recent additions to the team include Dean Wade, who signed a four-year, $39 million contract, and Anfernee Simons, secured on a two-year, $12.3 million deal. These acquisitions, along with other depth pieces, have intensified competition for roster spots. While Broome's contract represents a relatively minor financial commitment, moving it would provide crucial flexibility for the Sixers to complete their offseason roster adjustments. Utilizing a stretch provision would enable the team to spread his remaining salary over multiple seasons if a trade cannot be arranged.
Philadelphia already possesses a solid frontcourt, with players like Joel Embiid, Adem Bona, and the recently signed Ariel Hukporti. Bona notably played 71 games in the 2025-26 season, contributing 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in an average of 17.4 minutes per game. Caldwell-Pope's potential arrival would introduce another reliable perimeter defender and shooter, complementing the team's star offensive creators. The 34-year-old guard has a career history as a dependable "three-and-D" player, having won championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and the Denver Nuggets in 2023.