5 76ers Leaving Philadelphia in the New Year

The Philadelphia 76ers couldn't have asked for a better start to the 2023-24 NBA season. Despite James Harden's departure to begin the campaign, the 76ers have consistently been a top-three team in the Eastern Conference throughout the year and are on pace for about 57 victories, which would be the most since they won 56 in 2001.

But just because the 76ers are among the NBA's best teams doesn't mean the roster will remain untouched throughout 2024. After all, the trade deadline is February and there are a handful of players with expiring contracts this summer.

Needless to say, the roster could change a lot over the coming months.

Here are five 76ers who are likely leaving Philadelphia at some point in the New Year.

5 76ers Most Likely Gone in 2024

1. Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum has been quite a pleasant surprise for the 76ers this season. While he was originally just seen as someone to help make salaries match in the aforementioned Harden trade, the 35-year-old veteran has become a solid contributor to Philly's success.

Since joining the 76ers, Batum is averaging 6.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 56.1% from the floor and 49.0% from the three-point line. While some may view that production as unsustainable, a 17-game period isn't exactly a small sample size.

Still, Batum isn't a lock to remain in Philadelphia. For starters, his $11.7 million cap hit makes him a prime trade candidate if the 76ers want to acquire a third star to play alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Batum's trade restriction ends on Dec. 30, meaning he can be moved any time after that.

And even if he survives the trade deadline, Batum is set to hit free agency in the summer. Whether his play declines or the 76ers aren't interested in bringing back a player on the wrong side of 30, there's a good chance the French forward will leave Philadelphia sometime this year.