About 10 minutes before Thomas Robinson could clear waivers, the Philadelphia 76ers have claimed him, not allowing him to sign a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets as planned, according to Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Nets and Robinson had reached an agreement on a deal Monday afternoon, but Robinson had to clear waivers before he could officially sign with them. However, the Sixers made a last minute steal to snatch him away from Brooklyn.
The rebuilding Sixers will add Thomas Robinson to their foundation of young talent. Initially, Robinson wanted to go to the Nets because he would receive a significant role, but Philadelphia could also give Robinson plenty of minutes as a backup power forward and center.
According to Wojnawowski, the Sixers could still end up waiving Robinson, allowing the Nets to sign him for the rest of the season. The Sixers might have just claimed him to satisfy the obligation of being over the salary floor.
Thomas Robinson, 23, has played in 32 games this season with the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 3.6 points and 4.2 rebounds. He was traded before the deadline to the Denver Nuggets along with Victor Claver and Will Barton for Arron Afflalo. As requested by Robinson’s agent, the Nuggets bought him out and waived him.