The buyout market and how the 76ers can take advantage of it
Jan 22, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) stretches before substituting in during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
Ever since the Jared McCain trade a week ago, the 76ers have simply looked different out there. Granted, McCain didn’t get many minutes out there to begin with, but the fact that Kyle Lowry was getting actual playing time in an NBA game this season goes to show that there is a significant hole in this Sixers squad.
That hole is in Philadelphia’s bench depth. The Sixers’ starters are fantastic and among the best in the NBA, but the rest of the team is lackluster at best. Quentin Grimes has brought in valuable minutes off the bench, but other than him, there isn’t really anyone who can be thrown out onto the court that Sixers fans can put their whole confidence into.
This is where the NBA buyout market comes into play. For those who are unaware, a contract buyout in the NBA is a negotiated agreement where a player gives up part of their remaining salary in order to terminate their contract. These contractless players become unrestricted free agents, and while these buyouts often happen with veterans looking to head to a championship-contending team, it often happens just because a team wants to free up roster spots.
This season, the buyout market could consist of some valuable bench pieces. The headliner, Cam Thomas, is already off the board with him heading to Milwaukee, but there is a world where Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan also get their contract bought out. However, if Philadelphia were to look at some more realistic options, Jeremy Sochan, Chris Boucher, and possibly former Sixer Matisse Thybulle are all prime candidates to be brought to the team.
Sochan was recently bought out by the San Antonio Spurs, and with Philadelphia’s bench only getting servicable minutes out of Grimes, Andre Drummond, Dominick Barlow (when he’s not starting), and Trendon Watford, an additional guard or forward is a necessity for the Sixers. Sochan is a 22-year-old forward who was a top 10 pick in the 2022 NBA draft. He is 6-foot-8, and brings decent defense and an ability to get to the rim and grab boards to the table. Sochan has started in the majority of the games that he has played, but with San Antonio’s depth becoming stronger and stronger, he couldn’t really find a role with the team. Injuries earlier in the season also hurt Sochan’s opportunities to get on the floor. The former All-Rookie team selection averaged over 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in the 3 seasons prior to this year, and could easily fit into Philadelphia’s rotation.
While Sochan is the top option, chances are that Philly isn’t going to drop into and over the tax threshold in order to acquire him. Boucher, however, is more likely to head to South Philly. Boucher is 33 years old and has spent the majority of his career with the Toronto Raptors, where he was most productive, averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds just a few seasons ago, and averaging 10 and 5 just last year. Boucher was shipped off to the Boston Celtics, where he was unable to gain much of a role, leading to his eventual buyout. Adding the 6-foot-8 forward would be a great addition to the weak bench that Philadelphia has while Paul George misses time with his suspension.
Thybulle, a name that Sixers fans are already all too familiar with, is a prime candidate to be bought out in the coming days by the Portland Trail Blazers and could be the perfect fit in the current Sixers lineup. Portland acquired Thybulle from the Sixers back in 2023 and has used him as a defensive tool, while also grabbing the occasional board and getting some buckets inside. Thybulle is a two-time All-Defensive Second Team selection, who could fill a role that the 76ers desperately need. Defense has been an issue all season long when the starters are out, so Thybulle could quickly get minutes back in Philly. Prior to getting injured last season, Thybulle averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. The 28-year-old, 6-foot-5 guard/forward could easily bring in 5-8 points, along with lockdown defense in a bench role, at a relatively low price, should he hit the market.
The buyout market isn’t considered as much as it should be by NBA fans, as real, quality players are out there that can make a big impact for a team looking to push to the next level. Philadelphia has the chance to take advantage of this, and they need to run with it and make a move.
Evan Hartenstein
Evan has been a member of the Philly Sports Reports team since March 2023. He is covering the 76ers and wants to pursue a long-lasting career in Sports Journalism.
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