The Sixers' Only News Today Is Someone Else's Rumor

By the 76ers Nightly Desk · Saturday, September 19

Nothing moved on Philadelphia's books in the last day; the only new line is a Sixer Sense report that Charlotte has trade options worth exploring, unconfirmed by the team. Camp injuries to Bona and Caldwell-Pope are unchanged, and the preseason opener is 16 days out.

76ers Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

What's the newest 76ers story out there today?

The Sixer Sense's Justin Grasso reported Friday that the Hornets have multiple trade options the 76ers could explore, no names attached and no motion from the front office. That's a beat report, not a transaction. Bob Myers hasn't confirmed anything, and the roster and cap sheet haven't moved since. Worth watching, not a done deal.

Is Adem Bona ready for camp?

Bona's foot and leg issue still has him out, targeting an October 1 return. Caldwell-Pope carries the same target date for a right-arm finger issue. Neither has logged a full practice yet this month, and the preseason opener is 16 days away, so the runway is thin, not gone.

When do the Sixers actually take the floor?

Preseason opens October 5 at home against the Knicks, then at Brooklyn October 8, at Boston October 10, and Boston again October 16 at home. The one that counts is October 20, on the road at Madison Square Garden, airing on NBC, streaming on Peacock. Five weeks from today.

How bad is the tax bill, really?

Payroll sits at $213.2 million, above the $209.0 million first apron and closing on the $221.7 million second, with a luxury-tax line at $200.4 million. Embiid's deal pays $58.1 million this year, Brown $57.1 million, Maxey $40.8 million. Every restriction that comes with breaching that line is already in effect.

Is the front office actually looking to shop someone?

The Hornets rumor is the only smoke on that front, and it's someone else's reporting, not Philadelphia's confirmation. With a $213.2 million payroll and no flexibility left, any move has to be about fit, not addition. Until Myers or Nurse says otherwise, assume the roster you see today is the one that opens October 20.

The verdictThe record is still 0-0 and the payroll is still $213.2 million above the first apron; nothing in the last day changed either fact. The calendar, not a rumor, is what actually moves this team forward.

When do the 76ers play their first game?

Preseason opens October 5 at home against the Knicks. The regular-season opener is October 20 at the Knicks, carried by NBC and streamed on Peacock.

Are the camp injuries serious?

Not long-term: Bona (foot/leg) and Caldwell-Pope (right-arm finger) are both targeting an October 1 return.