The Sixers have found their backup big. Shortly after reviving his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dwight Howard has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Dwight’s contract is a vet minimum exception of $2.6 million. This shouldn’t take away from the 76ers mid-level exception of $5.7 million still remaining. Howard earlier announced in the night he was staying in LA but quickly deleted his tweet.

Howard averaged 7 points and 7 rebounds in 19 minutes last year for the Lakers, being a key piece during their playoff run. Dwight has been on a downswing the last few years but this season transformed into a fantastic bench piece.

In 2013, Daryl Morey signed Howard to a lucrative 4 year $88 million contract in Houston to help take them to a western conference final.

The 8 time All-Star and 3 time Defensive Player of the Year comes in as the first free agency signing for Daryl Morey and Doc Rivers. After Al Horford was traded there was a major gap at the backup center position.

Dwight can help be a mentor to Joel being a surefire Hall of Fame candidate and the last traditional center to take his team to the NBA Finals. This signing will take the current 76ers roster to 15 players.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press