100,000! Gordon refused to sign 3.5 million for 3.6 million, his salary was only 2.3 million, and the 76ers rule was full of money

Reject 3.5 million, and sign 3.6 million with the backhand? ——Eric Gordon’s operation has once again made the NBA salary rules a hot topic!

According to Spurs reporter Paul Garcia, veteran defender Eric Gordon has reached an agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers to officially return to the team. Subsequently, the 76ers officially announced the news.

Surprisingly, Gordon's annual salary signed this time not only did not drop, but instead was $100,000 more than the previous $3.5 million player option - the new contract is a 1-year, $3.6 million veteran's basic salary.

What is even more surprising is that although Gordon's annual contract salary is $3.6 million, according to the rules of the NBA's veteran base salary exception, the money will not completely occupy the salary space of 76ers. In fact, the 76ers only have to bear $2.3 million in salary space, with the rest subsidized by the league.

This operation is called "salary magic" - Gordon got more money, while the 76ers retained the experienced veteran at a lower salary space. Such flexibility is crucial for a team that is determined to compete for the championship, especially when avoiding touching the luxury tax line or the rich line.

Previously, Gordon had a $3.5 million player option in the 2025-26 season, but he finally chose to jump out of the contract and try the free market. At that time, it was generally believed that he might seek a longer contract or join a championship team. However, the 76ers quickly reached a new agreement with him, and their annual salary increased instead of falling. Behind this operation, there may be the tacit understanding between the 76ers management and Gordon. By jumping out of the contract and signing the veteran's basic salary, Gordon can earn an extra $100,000, while the 76ers can retain him with a lower salary space. In addition, this also gives Gordon greater flexibility in future transactions.

Although he is 36 years old, Gordon still showed good competitive form last season. He averaged 6.8 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game, and his three-point shooting percentage was as high as 40.9%, making him an important firepower point for the 76ers' outside. His playoff experience and locker room leadership are crucial to the 76ers' young players (such as Maxi and Edgecomb). Especially in key games, Gordon's big heart projection can still work.

After signing Gordon, the depth of the 76ers' backcourt was consolidated. Next, they may continue to look for frontlines or inside reinforcements in the free market to further enhance their competitiveness in the championship.

The team had a tormented season due to consecutive injuries last season. Now they have regrouped and set out again. As long as the injury problem can be solved, the 76ers in the new season are a team that cannot be underestimated.