Jabari Walker Misses Portland Homecoming Due to Contract Limit, Remains Optimistic on Deal Conversion
Jabari Walker was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Philadelphia 76ers faced the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, missing his highly anticipated on-court return to the city where his NBA career began. The 23-year-old forward was scratched from the lineup not due to injury, but because of the specific constraints of his current two-way contract.
According to NBA roster rules, players on two-way deals are permitted to be active for a maximum of 50 regular-season games. Walker reached this cap prior to the Sixers’ trip to the Moda Center, rendering him ineligible to play for the NBA club until his contract is converted to a standard roster spot. Despite the disappointment of missing the homecoming game, Walker expressed confidence that the administrative hurdle would be cleared, stating he is optimistic the situation will be “figured out” soon.
Contractual Hurdles and Roster Implications
While Walker’s optimism suggests a resolution is imminent, the Philadelphia front office faces complex decisions regarding his future. Converting Walker to a standard NBA contract would require the 76ers to commit one of their final roster spots and potentially increase their luxury tax bill. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has historically been strategic with roster flexibility, often preserving open spots for buyout market candidates or to maintain financial maneuverability.
Recent roster moves, including the trade of Jared McCain, have created some breathing room below the luxury tax apron, potentially opening a pathway for Walker’s promotion. However, if the franchise decides to prioritize tax savings or pursue a veteran free agent instead, Walker could remain in limbo. Without a conversion, he would be barred from NBA action for the remainder of the season, restricted solely to playing for the Delaware Blue Coats in the G League.
From Late Pick to Reliable Rotation Piece
Walker’s journey to this point highlights his development as a legitimate NBA rotation player. The son of former NBA champion Samaki Walker, Jabari was selected by the Trail Blazers with the 57th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He spent his first three professional seasons in Portland, where he earned a reputation for high-energy rebounding and defensive versatility before signing a two-way deal with Philadelphia in July 2025.
Since joining the Sixers, Walker has been a consistent presence, appearing in all 50 games he was eligible for this season. His reliability has made the contract limit a pressing issue for Philadelphia, as head coach Nick Nurse loses a key depth piece in the frontcourt until the front office finalizes a decision.
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