Sixers sign Jabari Walker to a new two-year contract

Drew Smith
February 16, 2026
Sixers
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The Sixers are taking care of one of the only guys who’s actually shown up every single night. According to Shams Charania, Philadelphia is signing Jabari Walker to a two-year standard contract, rewarding the 23-year-old forward after he burned through all 50 of his two-way active days in the team’s first 50 games of the season.

Sixers sign Jabari Walker to a new two-year contract

The Philadelphia 76ers intend to sign forward Jabari Walker to a new two-year contract, sources tell ESPN. 76ers and Klutch Sports' Rich Paul and Anthony Fields negotiated the new deal for Walker, who earned a rotation role after maxing out the games allowed on his two-way deal. pic.twitter.com/1f0Qcxwiv6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 16, 2026

Jabari Walker was the only Sixer available for every one of those contests. In a year where availability has been a rotating headline, that matters.

Walker signed a two-way deal in July after three seasons and 188 games with Portland. He admitted at the time that landing on a two-way contract wasn’t exactly part of the vision he had for himself. He thought he’d be on a standard deal somewhere. The market said otherwise. Instead of sulking, he leaned into the opportunity.

He said back in camp that the goal was always to earn a standard contract, but he also understood the reality of the league and how quickly spots disappear. He talked about friends who were already out of the NBA and reminded himself to be grateful just to have a locker. That perspective showed up in how he played.

Nick Nurse has consistently praised Walker’s rebounding, physical defense, and willingness to stay ready even when he’s not locked into the rotation. He’s not flashy. He’s not demanding touches. He just does the dirty work. On a roster that has spent the year juggling injuries and experimenting at power forward, that kind of stability has real value.

Dominick Barlow has grabbed more consistent rotation minutes and already secured his own standard contract, but Jabari Walker has been a reliable innings-eater who’s had a few legitimate impact performances sprinkled in.When the Sixers needed energy, he gave it. When they needed size and rebounding, he delivered. When they needed someone to simply be available, he was there.

The timing also makes sense. After bringing back Cam Payne earlier in the day, the Jabari Walker deal fills the final standard roster spot. The Sixers are clearly prioritizing depth pieces who compete, rebound, and don’t complain about role fluctuations.

In a season defined by uncertainty around stars and long-term direction, this is a small but smart piece of business. Jabari Walker earned this the old-fashioned way. He showed up, did his job, and forced the organization’s hand.