Entering a critical offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers hold the third overall selection in the 2025 NBA draft. This comes despite the team having championship aspirations for the upcoming 2024-25 season after signing All-Star Paul George. Their 24-58 record in the past season places significant focus on this high draft pick and numerous crucial questions.
A primary concern revolves around Joel Embiid, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after participating in only 19 games last season. With injury issues potentially affecting the top teams in the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia sees an opportunity to contend. However, this hinges entirely on Embiid returning to full health, unlike the limited version seen previously.
Similarly, Paul George`s performance and availability were inconsistent in his first season with the Sixers. His return to form, matching the level expected when he signed as a max free agent a year ago, is vital for the team`s aspirations.
If both stars are healthy, the 76ers could indeed compete at the top of the East. Their ability to achieve this remains one of the Eastern Conference`s biggest uncertainties.
Beyond the draft, Philadelphia must also address the status of restricted free agent Quentin Grimes and unrestricted free agent Guerschon Yabusele. Both players were standout performers last season and are likely to attract interest from other teams.
Before those decisions, the Sixers face a fascinating choice with the No. 3 pick. Additionally, they possess a potentially valuable early second-round pick (No. 35), acquired in the Caleb Martin trade, which could be used to add another contributor.
Sixers` Strategic Options Ahead of the Draft
Securing the No. 3 pick through lottery luck presents the 76ers with a chance to acquire a significant talent. Current projections, including analysis from Jonathan Givony, suggest VJ Edgecombe as the most probable selection. The Baylor shooting guard is reportedly a front-runner after a positive visit to Philadelphia.
While the Sixers should be receptive to offers from teams looking to trade up, they could also prioritize selecting the best available prospect, especially following a challenging, injury-riddled season.
Edgecombe offers considerable potential as a scoring guard, known for his explosiveness and ability to attack the basket. Although he might not fill an immediate positional gap, he possesses the qualities of a potential franchise cornerstone. His strong intangible qualities also bolster his case. He is generally considered a safer option compared to Ace Bailey for this selection slot.
With less control over the choice at pick No. 35, the Sixers will ideally target a player who can provide immediate roster depth. An experienced collegiate player, like Ryan Kalkbrenner, could be a sensible target to provide necessary backup for the often-injured Embiid.
Potential Trade Scenarios for the 76ers
Trade Idea 1: Swapping the No. 3 Pick for No. 7 and Herb Jones
76ers Receive:
No. 7 pick
Herb Jones
New Orleans Pelicans Receive:
No. 3 pick
Kelly Oubre Jr.
In this proposed trade, Philadelphia would move down four spots in the draft but gain Herb Jones, an All-Defense First Team selection in 2023-24, though he played only 20 games in 2024-25 due to a labrum tear. While Jones doesn`t offer significant offensive punch (his 42% 3-point shooting in 2023-24 appears an anomaly, and defenses often ignore his jumper), his elite point-of-attack defense would be invaluable for a team with smaller guards like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.
The 76ers` defense ranked poorly last season, their worst defensive rating since the “Process” era, and this was true even before the late-season downturn. Adding Jones, alongside a healthy Embiid, would drastically improve their defensive capabilities.
Whether New Orleans would agree to this trade is less certain, as their new front office`s strategy for roster changes is unknown after a disappointing season. However, the Pelicans theoretically could explore all options, including trading a valuable player like Jones, who is on a favorable contract but will turn 27 soon and may have peaked. Based on draft value charts, the difference between the No. 3 and No. 7 picks is substantial, roughly equivalent to a pick in the early 20s. Convincing New Orleans to accept a return centered on Oubre might be difficult. But if the Pelicans believe a potential star is only available at No. 3, this exchange could benefit both teams.
Trade Idea 2: Trading Paul George to Denver
76ers Receive:
Michael Porter Jr.
Zeke Nnaji
Dario Saric
Denver Nuggets Receive:
Paul George
If the 76ers decide to keep the No. 3 pick, making significant roster upgrades will be challenging. With only Embiid, George, and Maxey earning high salaries, salary matching for a star requires including one of the big three. Embiid and Maxey are likely untouchable, while George`s contract appears unfavorable after his difficult first season in Philadelphia. This scenario suggests a potential “challenge trade,” focused on swapping players who might benefit from a change of scenery, with no draft picks involved.
Denver has long been rumored to be interested in George, who is seen as a potentially excellent fit at small forward – a two-way secondary star with a reliable outside shot. If the Nuggets` new front office decides to take a high-risk, high-reward gamble to compete with rivals like the Oklahoma City Thunder, exchanging Porter for George could be their move. Porter`s development in Denver has seemingly plateaued, and George offers a higher potential ceiling if he returns healthy in 2025-26.
For the 76ers, Porter`s contract is smaller and has one less year remaining than George`s (considering George`s 2027-28 player option), providing greater long-term financial flexibility. As a skilled three-point shooter with good size, Porter would offer valuable spacing around Embiid and Maxey and better aligns with Maxey`s career timeline than the nearly decade-older George.
Evaluating the Proposed Trades
Based on analysis, the trade scenario involving Denver appears to be the most beneficial. A three-for-one player exchange helps balance the Sixers` roster while also removing the substantial $56.6 million owed to George in 2027-28.
The potential trade with the Pelicans is considered a win-win situation. The 76ers reportedly had a shortlist of five players they would consider at No. 3: Edgecombe, Khaman Maluach, Bailey, Tre Johnson, and Jeremiah Fears. By moving back to No. 7, Philadelphia could still potentially draft one of these players while significantly boosting their defense by adding the All-NBA defender Herb Jones. This trade`s feasibility is contingent on Kelly Oubre opting into his $8.4 million contract for the upcoming season.
