3 Philadelphia 76ers Who Won't Be Back in 2026-27

The Philadelphia 76ers shocked the Boston Celtics by coming back from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat them in the first round. But it was business as usual for Philly once they reached the second round, getting swept in four straight by the New York Knicks. It's the 6th time in the last nine years that Philly has bowed out in the second round, with two other first-round exits and one year out of the playoffs altogether.

Their failure once again to advance has now cost GM Daryl Morey his job, but there will be others around the team who will not be back next season as well.

Sure, there will be big questions asked about Joel Embiid and Paul George (good luck moving off of that contract), but more simply, we can say that these three Sixers are some of those who won't return for 2026-27.

Quentin Grimes

Grimes is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after playing out a one-year qualifying offer that he accepted last offseason after much haggling. Grimes did not have nearly the impact this season that he had in his 28-game trial last season, averaging 13.4 points per game this season on 33% shooting from long range. And his playoff performance was dismal, averaging just 6.7 ppg in 22 minutes a game. It's highly unlikely the Sixers will try to re-sign him.

Kyle Lowry

Now 40, Lowry played on the veteran's minimum this past season, but barely saw the floor. Effectively, he was more of a coach than anything, and whether the two sides agree to bring him back in that capacity is another question. But his playing days are likely over.

Trendon Watford

Watford played a minimal role during the regular season, and no role whatsoever in the playoffs. He seemed to be an excellent signing last offseason, but whether or not the team will pick up its $2.8M option for next season is in question. Despite a shocking triple-double back in November, and some solid two-way play on the edge of the rotation, he fell out of favor with head coach Nick Nurse, quite likely due to his 20% shooting from three-point range.