Philadelphia 76ers announced on July 6 that they will guarantee Adem Bona’s $2.29 million salary for the 2026‑27 NBA season, securing the 23‑year‑old’s spot on the roster for a third year.
What did the Sixers decide?
The front office filed the guarantee before the July 7 waiver deadline, meaning Bona will not be released and will collect his full salary. The move also triggers a $2.4 million team option for the following season, which the Sixers must evaluate before the 2027‑28 campaign. If they decline, Bona becomes a free agent in 2028 after completing a four‑year, $7.8 million contract.
How has Bona performed so far?
Bona entered the league in 2024 after a two‑year stint at UCLA, where he was selected 41st overall. In his rookie year he appeared in 58 games, averaging 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 15.6 minutes per contest. His sophomore season saw him in 71 games, starting 18, with 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and the same 1.2 blocks while logging 17.4 minutes per game. Those numbers suggest a developing rim protector who can contribute off the bench.
Why does the guarantee matter now?
The Sixers are still re‑tooling after a blockbuster trade that sent Paul George to another club. With Joel Embiid anchoring the paint, the team needs a reliable backup center. The recent loss of Andre Drummond in free agency left a void that the club filled by signing former Knicks big man Ariel Hukporti. Bona’s guaranteed contract gives the coaching staff a cost‑controlled option to compete for that backup role without risking a mid‑season roster cut.
What’s the broader context?
The Sixers entered a rough patch, dropping their last five games – a 0W‑0D‑5L stretch that includes a 114‑144 defeat to the New York Knicks on May 10, 2026. The losing streak has put pressure on head coach Nick Simmons to find ways to tighten the defense and improve rebounding, areas where Bona’s shot‑blocking can help. Keeping him under contract signals that the organization believes his development aligns with the long‑term plan.
What’s next for Bona and the Sixers?
Bona will enter training camp fighting for the primary backup slot behind Embiid. If he can translate his G‑League hustle into consistent minutes, he could see his role expand, especially with the team looking to shore up interior defense after the recent drubbing. The decision on the $2.4 million team option will come after the 2026‑27 season, when the Sixers will assess whether his growth justifies the extra cap hit.
The guarantee reflects a broader strategy: retain young talent, manage cap flexibility, and aim to reverse a five‑game skid that has left the Sixers searching for a spark.
