Report: Eric Gordon Declines Player Option With 76ers, Return to Philly ‘Still Possible’

Eric Gordon is declining his $3.4 million player option and will explore free agency, according to a report from Shams Charania of ESPN.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon is declining his $3.4 million player option to explore free agency, sources tell ESPN. A return to the 76ers is still possible.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025

While Gordon will test free agency, Charania reports “a return to the Philadelphia 76ers is still possible.” Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice added there is “mutual interest” in a reunion between Gordon and the Sixers.

Gordon, a 17-year veteran, averaged 6.8 points while shooting 40.9% from 3-point range in a reserve role with the Sixers last season. He was limited to just 39 games played due to a wrist injury that eventually required surgery.

If Gordon was interested in staying in Philadelphia, why did he decline his player option? There is a chance he will fetch a higher amount on the open market than the $3.4 million he would have received from accepting his player option. However, if no team is willing to offer Gordon more than the veteran’s minimum, slotted at $3.6 million, he could end up returning to the Sixers. In that case, Philadelphia would end up saving some money on their salary sheet. Due to the NBA’s salary cap rules, Gordon’s cap hit for signing a one-year deal for the minimum would come in at $2.3 million. The Sixers would be able to sign Gordon back while also saving roughly $1.3 million in salary.

Should the Sixers have interest in bringing Gordon back for next season? There are two reasons why a reunion would be beneficial for Philadelphia. Gordon’s strong outside shooting still makes him a valuable player towards the bottom of the team’s rotation. In addition to his on-court production, Gordon could also mentor No. 3 overall pick, and fellow Bahamian native, V.J. Edgecombe.

In other Sixers news, the team declined Lonnie Walker IV’s $2.9 million team option. He played well in a brief stint in Philadelphia last season, averaging 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. However, the Sixers’ crowded guard rotation and need to maximize their salary cap space spelled the end of Walker IV’s time on the roster.

NBA free agency officially begins at 6 p.m. on Monday.