Jeff Dowtin Jr. Leaves Sixers for Maccabi Tel Aviv, Joins Lonnie Walker IV
Jeff Dton Jr. leaves Sixers for Makabi Tel Aviv, joins Lonnie Walker IVth. The Overseas Exodus. Another Sixer bids farewell to the NBA. Imagine playing for your dream team only to find yourself limited by the very contract that brought you there. This is the story of Jeff Dton Jr., the 28-year-old guard who’s trading in his Sixers jersey for a chance to shine brighter in the Euro League with Makabe Tel Aviv. But here’s where it gets interesting. He’s not the first and possibly not the last sixer to make this sweep. As reported by Mark Stein, Dton Jr. is set to join forces with fellow 20242 Sixers guard Lonnie Walker IV in Tel Aviv, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory. The catalyst, a two-year deal that promises more than his previous two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers could offer. A brief history with the Sixers, Doutton Jr. Hugh journey with the Sixers began on a two-way contract towards the end of the 2023 24 season. His prior experience playing under new Sixers head coach Nick Nurse in the Toronto Raptors organization had clearly left a lasting impression with Nurse advocating for Doutton’s move to Philadelphia. The following summer, Doutton Jr. returned on another two-way deal, a testament to his reliability in a season marred by injuries. Notably, he remained healthy throughout, a beacon of consistency in turbulent times. However, due to the contractual limitations, his availability was capped at 50 games, all of which the Sixers utilized in their push through the season’s final months. The inevitable pivot. While Doutton Jr. has proven himself worthy of an NBA two-way deal, the lingering question of his value beyond this scope remained unanswered. With his two-way eligibility now expired, the move to Makabe, Tel Aviv signals a strategic career move. One that could potentially unlock more substantial opportunities. And this is the part most people miss. The exodus of players like Dton Jr. and Lonnie Walker IV to European leagues sparks an intriguing debate. Are two-way contracts truly beneficial for players on the cusp of breaking through, or do they inadvertently create a glass ceiling? Share your thoughts. Do you think this trend will continue, and what implications might it have for the NBA’s talent pool? Stay connected. Follow Adam on Twitter at Sixers Adam. Follow Philly voice on Twitter at the PhillyVoice. Related stories. Christopher Sanchez throws another gem, earning Philly series win over Tigers. Report: Ricky Council fourth signs with Brooklyn Nets after being waved by Sixers. Eagles 2025 training camp practice notes. Day eight, the rise of awkward moral ojimo.
Jeff Dowtin Jr. is leaving the Philadelphia 76ers and heading overseas to join Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague.
He will be signing a two-year deal with the team, following fellow 2024-25 Sixers guard Lonnie Walker IV.
Dowtin, 28, joined the Sixers on a two-way contract near the end of the 2023-24 campaign and returned on another two-way deal the following summer.
However, with his two-way eligibility having run out, a move overseas appeared to be the likeliest pivot for Dowtin.
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