Sixers to Snatch Knicks Center in Second Free Agency Addition

Philadelphia bolstered its center depth in a way that not many people expected: Ariel Hukporti.

Apr 12, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Ariel Hukporti (55) reacts after a basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Sixers figured out a new way to try to beat the New York Knicks—snatching their players.

Philadelphia intends to sign Ariel Hukporti to a one-year, $3.4 million contract, Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Wednesday morning. The seven-footer joins a Sixers center room that includes Joel Embiid, Adem Bona, and Johni Broome, with Andre Drummond in unrestricted free agency.

Hukporti played 79 games in two seasons with the Knicks, where he was primarily their third-string big behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. He tallied 2.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game in 54 appearances this season. New York made it known that it’s trying to avoid the second tax apron, which may have played into the Sixers’ hands.

What Hukporti adds to the Sixers

The 24-year-old is unpolished but has shown glimpses of rim protection, able screen-setting, and offers pressure off the boards. He posted 8.5 points, 11.5 rebounds (four offensive), 2.1 assists, and 1.9 blocks per 36 minutes this season via Basketball Reference. Those numbers aren’t end-all, be-all, but they're proof that Hukporti could be an impact player with more minutes.

Philadelphia now possesses an interesting frontcourt, but it’s unclear who the primary backup center is. At a baseline level, Hukporti adds more size and rebounding compared to Bona in limited action—skills that will be valuable in certain matchups. Yet both still struggle with foul trouble.

The New York Knicks declined to extend a qualifying offer to 24-year-old center Ariel Hukporti, making the 7’0”, 246-pound German an unrestricted free agent after 79 games (6 starts) across two seasons. With elite physical tools—including a 7’2.5” wingspan and 9’3” standing… pic.twitter.com/X2MyeVwKSE

— BRANDON - HAWKS HOMECOURT 🏀📺 (@Hawks_HomeCourt) June 30, 2026

Hukporti’s arrival may also signal Drummond’s departure as the Sixers now have four bigs. It also makes you wonder what’s next for Broome, who has an approximate $2.2 million salary for next year. The team will almost certainly end up inches away from the first tax apron when it’s all said and done, so Broome may now be disposable.

What's next?

While the details of Hukporti’s contract have yet to be revealed, he signed above the veteran minimum, meaning the Sixers either used some of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception or the bi-annual exception to acquire him. Philadelphia has two roster spots remaining and all three two-way slots open to continue to build the roster.

Here's an updated look at the Sixers' salary cap sheet after signing Ariel Hukporti. His exact salary has yet to be announced and it's unknown whether he was acquired with the NTP-MLE or BAE.

Philadelphia has two roster spots left and are $13m below the 1st apron. pic.twitter.com/2sSYMBGb9g

— Jacob Moreno (@jacob_moreno_) July 1, 2026

He and Dean Wade are to be Mike Gansey’s first two free-agency signings, adding necessary depth to a Sixers frontcourt that lacked it in 2025-26. The additions will be official on July 7—when the moratorium period ends. The Sixers still have room to make some marginal upgrades, as they are projected to be $13 million below the first tax apron, which the Wade signing hard-capped them at.

Sign up for our free newsletter and follow us on X and Bluesky for the latest news.