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Mar 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) dribbles down the court defended by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
When it’s all said and done, it isn’t far-fetched to suggest the Philadelphia 76ers will have a strong case for being crowned one of the biggest winners of the offseason.
In addition to adding Jaylen Brown to the fold in shocking fashion, the 76ers signed former Boston Celtics sharpshooter Anfernee Simons to give them an electric second-unit scorer with valuable experience in a large NBA market.
Philadelphia also brought $38 million (career earnings) ex-Cleveland Cavaliers elite defender Dean Wade on board.
The Kansas product was reportedly linked to contending organizations such as the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, but the 76ers ultimately closed the deal on June 30 Philadelphia finalized the transaction on Monday.
“Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey announced today that the team has signed Dean Wade,” the 76ers’ press release stated. “Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.”
“Wade joins Philadelphia after appearing in 59 games and making a career-high 38 starts for Cleveland last season, averaging career highs in points (5.8) and assists (1.5) to go along with 4.2 rebounds in 22.3 minutes. His three games with at least three steals and two blocked shots led the Cavaliers in 2025-26.”
“Wade recorded double-digit scoring on 13 occasions and posted a season-high 14 points twice, shooting at least 50% from three in both contests. The seven-year pro appeared in all 18 of Cleveland’s postseason contests in 2026, averaging a playoff career-high 4.4 points on 46.2% field goal shooting and 37.5% three-point shooting) and 3.9 rebounds.”
While Wade is undoubtedly a serviceable offensive player, he makes his money on the defensive end. From holding his own on the interior against bigger, stronger post players to using his lateral quickness to keep speedy wings out of the paint, the 29-year-old is as versatile as it gets as a defender (he boasts a 112.6 career defensive rating)
If Wade plays his role perfectly with the 76ers in 2026-27, he should be in for another impactful campaign as a second-unit defensive specialist.
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