Brooklyn Nets Sign Forward Ricky Council IV After Sixers Waive Him

The Brooklyn Nets have signed 23-year-old forward Ricky Council IV to a one-year contract following his waiver by the Philadelphia 76ers. Council, an undrafted player in 2023, spent two seasons with the 76ers, playing a team-high 73 games in the 2024-25 season and averaging 7.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, though his shooting percentages declined notably in his second year. Despite signing a four-year deal with Philadelphia in April 2024, Council was waived to open a roster spot as the Sixers aimed to compete for a title with Joel Embiid. The Nets are continuing their strategy of investing in young, athletic players, with Council competing for minutes alongside their five 2025 draft picks and other young talent in training camp. The terms of Council's contract with Brooklyn have not been disclosed, but reports suggest it may be partially guaranteed, reflecting a low-risk, high-reward approach similar to past acquisitions like Ziaire Williams. Brooklyn hopes Council will improve his shooting consistency and contribute to the rotation under head coach Jordi Fernandez.