The Sixers have reached an agreement with last month’s 41st overall pick, Adem Bona, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The UCLA center has signed a four-year contract valued at $8 million.
Earlier this month, reports suggested Bona was likely to receive a standard NBA contract and join the Sixers’ 15-man roster. Now, it is confirmed that he will be part of the team for up to four years.
Bona, who won’t turn 22 until the end of the 2024-25 regular season, has immense potential due to his exceptional length, athletic abilities, and relentless energy.
Philadelphia 76ers No. 41 pick Adem Bona has agreed on a four-year, $8 million rookie contract, per his management group Banner 1 and @RocNationSports. The UCLA center has averaged 6.3 points, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks in 22.7 minutes per night so far in 76ers’ Summer League action. pic.twitter.com/qRXBTPJlJo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 15, 2024
For now, Bona will serve as the Sixers’ third-string center behind Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond. Drummond is under contract for 2024-25 with a player option for the following season, and the Sixers hope Bona can develop into their future backup center given his impressive skills.
The Sixers currently have 12 players on their roster, leaving three spots open. Whether they will fill one of these spots with another center remains uncertain. Bona is still developing, with current weaknesses in managing fouls and contributing offensively beyond catching alley-oop passes.
As the Sixers manage three max contracts with Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, adding and maintaining cost-effective players is crucial. If Bona can evolve into a reliable backup center during his contract, it would greatly benefit the team.
