ESPN exclusive report: According to the Nico Harrison confirmation at the press conference just now, the franchise was named a free agent and announced as a newly signed franchise for the Philadelphia 76ers after the team paid him $42.5 after terminating his contract for violating the team contract rule. ESPN verified that he signed a permanent contract with the 76ers as a free agent because of…
In a shocking turn of events that has gripped the NBA community, the Philadelphia 76ers have officially announced the signing of a highly talented but recently released player to a permanent contract worth \$42.5 million according to an exclusive ESPN report. The stunning announcement came straight from Nico Harrison who confirmed the transaction at a press conference earlier today.
This move has stunned analysts, fans, and rival franchises alike—not because of the free agent’s talent, which is reportedly All-Star caliber, but because of the circumstances surrounding his availability. The player, whose name remains temporarily withheld pending league approval, was abruptly **released by his former team** after **violating internal team contract rules**, an infraction that, while not criminal, was serious enough to trigger immediate termination.
The Philadelphia 76ers wasted no time. Within hours of the contract termination, front office executives made a bold decision: to pursue and sign the now-available player to a lucrative deal.
Sometimes in this business, opportunities arise from uncomfortable situations,” said Harrison during the press conference. “We did our due diligence, and after in-depth conversations with the player and his representatives, we’re confident this is a step forward — for him and for our team.
The \$42.5 million deal is structured over three years and reportedly includes strict performance incentives code of conduct clauses and morality protections, which ensure the franchise is safeguarded in the event of further off-court issues.
Several teams were reportedly interested in acquiring the player, including the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and Chicago Bulls. However, Philadelphia emerged as the frontrunner due to three core reasons.
A clear starting role in the 76ers’ evolving lineup.
The presence of reigning MVP Joel Embiid and newly extended guard Tyrese Maxey forming a powerful core.
A long-standing relationship** between the player and one of the 76ers’ assistant coaches, which helped rebuild trust and provide a support structure.
Sources close to the player told ESPN that he views Philadelphia as “a place of redemption and ambition,” and he’s eager to return to form on and off the court.
The news of the signing quickly spread across the NBA, with fans and pundits weighing in on the move. Some questioned the ethics of signing a player recently released for disciplinary reasons, while others praised the 76ers for seizing an unexpected opportunity.
Philadelphia just pulled off the boldest move of the offseason. You don’t often get a shot at someone this talented in July. If it works, they’re title contenders. If it doesn’t — well, that’s a \$42 million mistake.
Even rival GMs reportedly expressed shock at how quickly the deal was sealed, indicating Philadelphia may have had discussions in place the moment the release was made public.
While the player’s exact violation remains confidential, Harrison confirmed that the issue did not involve the league’s disciplinary arm, meaning there’s no suspension or legal entanglement. Still, the incident was serious enough to end his previous contract early.
The player is expected to be introduced to Philadelphia fans in a media unveiling at Wells Fargo Center within the next 48 hours. He will then join the team’s summer training camp where he’ll begin preparations for the 2025–26 NBA season.
This signing represents a calculated risk for the 76ers — but also a potential masterstroke. If the player can put the past behind him, stay focused, and deliver on the court, this move could transform the Sixers into a championship favorite overnight.