76ers pick up fourth-year option on 2021 first-round pick

The Sixers are picking up their fourth-year option on guard Jaden Springer, sources tell Kyle Neubeck and Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports.

While most rookie scale option decisions are a formality, in part due to their relatively modest cap hits, there was some uncertainty about whether or not the Sixers would exercise their 2024-25 option on Springer, because it would hurt their ability to maximize cap room next offseason, which is a priority for the front office. But evidently, Philadelphia is high enough on Springer to pay him a guaranteed $4,018,363 next season.

The No. 28 overall pick of the 2021 draft after one college season at Tennessee, Springer was one of the youngest players in his draft class. He just turned 21 years old last month and is now in his third NBA season.

Another reason there was a level of uncertainty on Springer’s fourth-year option is the fact that he only played 18 regular season games for a total of 95 minutes over his first two seasons. However, while Springer hasn’t had a regular role at the NBA level, he had a strong season with the Delaware Blue Coats (Philadelphia’s G League affiliate) in 2022-23, earning Finals MVP honors for the NBAGL champions.

Under new head coach Nick Nurse, Springer played well during preseason action and has appeared in two of Philadelphia’s three games thus far in 2023-24, blocking three shots in 12 minutes of playing time. He recently talked about working on staying ready despite an uncertain role.