The Philadelphia 76ers are finalizing their roster configuration for the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season by converting Jabari Walker’s two-way contract into a standard deal while adding veteran guard Cam Payne as a free agent. Additionally, they have signed shooting guard Tyrese Martin to fill their open two-way roster spot.
Jabari Walker, who has appeared in 45 games this season including six early starts, averages 3.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 12.1 minutes per game. Despite seeing limited action since late January, when he played only 40 minutes across six games, Walker’s status had been uncertain following the trade deadline due to the expiration of his two-way eligibility and a full roster. The Sixers had to wait for 10-day contracts to expire before converting his deal, which caused Walker’s inactivity in the last four games.
Walker, along with Dominick Barlow, began the season on two-way contracts. Barlow’s contract was converted earlier on February 5. By securing Walker’s conversion, the Sixers assure themselves of his eligibility for postseason play.
Cam Payne Returns to Philadelphia to Strengthen Backcourt
At 31 years old, Cam Payne brings veteran experience to the Sixers’ backcourt, providing an additional guard option to ease the burden on Tyrese Maxey. Payne spent part of this season with Serbian club KK Partizan after participating in preseason activities with the Indiana Pacers, and he now returns to the NBA with the Sixers.
During the previous NBA season, Payne played in 72 games with the New York Knicks, starting five of them, and averaged 6.9 points, 2.8 assists, and 15.1 minutes per contest. He contributed 2.1 points across 14 postseason appearances for New York. Notably, Payne boasts a career three-point shooting accuracy of 36.8 percent, improving to 39.0 percent this season.
Payne has a history with the 76ers, having been acquired at the 2024 trade deadline in exchange for Patrick Beverley. In that stretch, he appeared in 31 games, including eight starts, and posted averages of 9.3 points, 3.1 assists, and 19.4 minutes per game. His performance was critical in the playoffs, highlighted by an 11-point outing in Game 3 against the Knicks during the first-round series.
Selected 14th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, Payne’s career has spanned 477 NBA games with several teams including Oklahoma City, Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix, Milwaukee, the Sixers, and the Knicks.
Tyrese Martin Joins the Sixers on a Two-Way Deal
To fill the newly opened two-way slot, the Sixers signed Tyrese Martin, a 26-year-old shooting guard from Allentown. Martin, who completed his high school career at Allen High and in Virginia, entered the NBA as a second-round pick in 2022.
Martin’s professional journey includes 16 games with the Atlanta Hawks in his rookie year, followed by 97 games over two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets until his waiver at the trade deadline. Initially signed on an Exhibit 10 contract, it later became a two-way deal. This season, Martin has averaged 7.3 points and 1.9 assists in 18.8 minutes per game while shooting 34.2 percent from beyond the arc in his career.
Roster Changes Reflect Strategic Adjustments Before Playoffs
These moves shift the Sixers’ two-way player situation significantly. Before the trade deadline, the team had Jared McCain, Eric Gordon, Dominick Barlow, and Jabari Walker under two-way contracts needing conversion to contribute in the playoffs. Post-deadline, the roster now features Cam Payne alongside two-day contracts for players like Jalen Terry and Tyrese Martin, streamlining their lineup.
Additionally, the 76ers secured four draft picks, including a valuable first-round selection in 2026 obtained partly through the trade involving Jared McCain. Along with the roster adjustments, these transactions may have helped the team avoid paying luxury tax, a key consideration for the ownership group.
The Broader Impact on the 76ers’ Season Outlook
The conversion of the Jabari Walker contract and the addition of Cam Payne fortify the Philadelphia 76ers’ depth and versatility heading into the playoffs. Walker’s standard contract enables his participation in postseason games, while Payne offers reliable backcourt support with proven experience and shooting ability. Tyrese Martin’s signing adds athleticism and a perimeter threat with potential to develop.
Given the tense and competitive environment of the NBA postseason, these roster decisions reflect the Sixers’ intent to balance their lineup while managing salary cap implications. Their moves also underscore an urgency to optimize player rotations as they seek to advance in the playoffs and maximize their draft assets for sustained success.
