The Sixers have agreed to a contract with second-round pick Charles Bassey, the team announces in a press release.
The two sides had been negotiating about the parameters of a deal since the draft concluded. After Bassey signed his tender, it was looking as if he would play on that one-year deal.
The center’s new contract is a three-year pact, as Shams Charania of The Athletic reports. The deal provides a full guarantee in the first year and a partial guarantee in the second year.
Bassey was the No. 53 overall pick in the 2021 draft. The Sixers acquired that selection from the Pelicans in exchange for cash ($2 million).
Sixers coach Doc Rivers joined ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith on First Take just a day after reports spread of Ben Simmons not wanting to play for Philadelphia ever again.
Doc Rivers Believes The Sixers Can Still Win Title With Ben Simmons
Simmons wants a trade, something Rivers confirmed was communicated to the team. Yet, Rivers explained that the team is not giving up on Simmons.
“Ben has a long contract. It’s in our hands and we want him back,” Rivers said.
Rivers also explained that his previous comments about his uncertainty about whether or not Simmons could be a championship point guard were misrepresented.
“We can win a title with Ben Simmons,” Rivers continued.
