76ers Linked to Free Agency Signing of NBA Champion Guard

The Philadelphia 76ers added to their guard room in the 2026 NBA Draft by selecting Labaron Philon Jr.

Still, that leaves them with just three guards under contract in Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Philon. The goal is likely to re-sign unrestricted free agent Quentin Grimes to act as their final rotational backcourt piece, but him leaving this summer for a bigger role is entirely possible.

If that's the case, PhillyVoice links the 76ers to a potential free agency signing of one-time All-Star and NBA champion guard Norman Powell.

"In terms of pure talent, signing Powell at the mid-level exception would be an obviously wise decision for any team," PhillyVoice's Adam Aaronson wrote. "But, despite his undeniably strong offensive arsenal – between spot-up shooting and one-on-one scoring – Powell is not a clean fit on every team. He is a non-creator and not a remotely impactful defender. He is a good player, but a flawed player, who seems to be on his way out as the Miami Heat reorient their cap sheet around Giannis Antetokounmpo."

Powell played last season with the Miami Heat, averaging 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 47.0% shooting and 38.0% shooting from three-point range in 58 games. It was the first time in his career he was named an All-Star. The Heat would undoubtedly like to retain Powell now that Antetokounmpo is secured but are probably not able to match the offers from other teams.

While Powell is a strong player on the offensive end, he is a bit of a liability on defense and is also already 33 years old. It makes far more sense for the 76ers to bring back Grimes rather than pursuing a signing of Powell. Grimes, despite vanishing in the postseason, recorded 13.4 points per game on 45.0% shooting while also contributing on defense.

Rolling out a guard room of Maxey, Edgecombe, Philon, and Grimes is the ideal outcome of this offseason for the 76ers.

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