Andre Drummond has opted into his $5 million player option with the Philadelphia 76ers. The veteran big man will continue to be part of Nick Nurse’s frontcourt rotation next season. However, the Sixers center will now become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the news via X on Friday, June 27.
“Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond has picked up his $5 million player option for the 2025-26 season, sources tell ESPN,” Charania posted.
Drummond, 31, played in 40 games for the Sixers last season. Despite the league moving to a perimeter-based game over the past 10 years, Drummond remains one of the best rebounders in the NBA. His physicality and size also make him a valuable interior threat on both sides of the ball.
Given the Sixers’ limited frontcourt depth, Drummond could find himself playing an important role next season. Daryl Morey has slowly pieced together an impressive young core. Having genuine veteran leadership in the rotation will be important. Furthermore, Drummond can provide reliable back-up to Joel Embiid, who continues to struggle with injuries.
Morey Gives Update on Embiid’s Recovery
On April 9, 2025, Joel Embiid underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. It’s the second surgery Embiid has received in the past year. On Thursday, June 26, Daryl Morey provided an update on the former MVP.
“Spoke to Joel today. He’s very engaged, attacking rehab,” Morey said. ”Doing everything he can to be out there. He had a meeting with (the surgeon) this week. All things, to use a NASA term, are nominal. Things are going well and expected and we expect that to continue.”
Embiid played in 19 games for the Sixers last season. Nurse will need his star player back and close to 100% to begin the new campaign. Otherwise, the Sixers could struggle to contend for the second straight season. With the Eastern Conference projected to be wide open, this could be Embiid’s best shot at adding a championship to his resume.
Sixers Could Struggle to Keep Guerschon Yabusele
According to a recent report from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Sixers could struggle to retain Guerschon Yabusele.
“With a trio of Sixers veterans — Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon — all expected to soon activate the player options in their respective contracts for next season, it looks as though it will be increasingly challenging for Philadelphia to re-sign beloved big man Guerschon Yabusele,” The duo reported. “The former first-round pick from France, who played last season on a minimum deal, is projected to have a strong market in free agency.”
If the Sixers lose Yabusele, Drummond’s presence will become all the more important. Yabusele was a key contributor last season. His perimeter shooting threat, screening and rebounding were all key additions to the second unit. Unfortunately for the Sixers, cap restrictions could force their hand this summer and allow Yabusele to leave after just one season with the franchise.
The veteran forward has earned a pay rise. Therefore, it can’t be held against him if he chooses to sign a deal with a new team in the offseason.
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