The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a one-year, $3.4 million contract with free-agent center Ariel Hukporti, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
The deal was finalized on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Hukporti spent his first two NBA seasons with the New York Knicks. The seven-foot center will now compete for backup minutes behind Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.
According to Hoops Rumors, the contract exceeds Hukporti's projected minimum salary of $2.45 million. His arrival could potentially displace veteran center Andre Drummond from the 76ers' roster.
Knicks Declined Qualifying Offer
New York allowed Hukporti to enter unrestricted free agency by declining a $2.65 million qualifying offer before the deadline.
The Knicks prioritized roster flexibility to stay below the second luxury tax apron.
During his two seasons in New York, Hukporti appeared in 79 regular-season games.
He also made critical defensive plays during the 2026 NBA Finals, helping the franchise secure its first championship in 53 years.
Declining the qualifying offer saved New York money and avoided an automatic no-trade clause.
The Knicks can still pursue minimum-salary depth options to fill out their frontcourt rotation behind Mitchell Robinson.
Cap analyst Yossi Gozlan reported that Philadelphia remains $4.6 million below the luxury tax line after the transaction.
The 76ers used their remaining non-taxpayer mid-level exception to finalize the agreement alongside forward Dean Wade.
