The counterattack of the undraft! The 76ers bet on Edwards, a three-year contract to lock in potential forward line

On June 28, Shams, a well-known NBA reporter, brought big news: The Philadelphia 76ers completed an unexpected operation! The team quickly finalized a new three-year contract with forward Justin Edwards after refusing to execute a $1.9 million team option. According to ESPN sources, negotiations between the two sides are progressing smoothly and a new contract has been reached.

Salary experts analyzed that 76ers played very smart in "rejecting first and then signing". Refusing to execute the team option Although Edwards temporarily became a free agent, the team acted quickly and re-signed it with a new contract. Details of the new contract show that Edwards will earn $2 million next season, 100,000 more than the rejected option, and the contract includes two-year guarantee clauses, providing the young forward with a more stable future. It is reported that the 76ers management is in-depth negotiations with Klutch Sports’ ace broker Rich Paul and his team member Josh Haleston.

Edwards' story is an inspirational example of the NBA last season. As the University of Kentucky’s undraft last summer, his NBA journey started with an inconspicuous two-way contract. With his training and fighting spirit in the game, he successfully impressed the management after the trading deadline in February this year, officially promoted to the 76ers' 15-man official roster, completing a key leap from marginal players to rotation players. After entering the official list, Edwards seized the limited opportunity to prove himself. He played 44 games for the 76ers throughout the season, and delivered a comprehensive report card of 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals per game during an average of 26.3 minutes of playing time. His 45.5% shooting percentage and 36.3% three-point shooting percentage demonstrate his solid scoring efficiency and ability to open up space as a forward player. Although there is still room for improvement in the free throw percentage (69.6%), the defensive enthusiasm and offensive versatility it shows are the key to the 76ers' preference and willingness to invest in the long term.

76ers' contract renewal of Edwards is not only an affirmation of his progress last season, but also a focus on the depth and flexibility of the future lineup. The 21-year-old striker won the opportunity to continue growing in Philadelphia with his actual performance. With the signing of the new contract, Edwards is expected to gain a more stable role positioning in the new season, and his continued improvement will also be an important puzzle for the Sixers to remain competitive. At a time when the salary space is carefully calculated, locking in young rotations with room for growth at a reasonable price is undoubtedly a wise move for the Philadelphia management.