The Philadelphia 76ers face a pivotal offseason. Despite adding All-Star Paul George and hoping for a championship run in 2024-25, their previous 24-58 record leaves many questions, especially as they hold the No. 3 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA draft.
A major concern is the health of Joel Embiid, who played only 19 games last season and recently underwent surgery on his left knee. With Jayson Tatum`s injury potentially weakening the Eastern Conference`s top teams, the 76ers see a window to compete, but this hinges entirely on Embiid returning to full health.
Paul George is another question mark. His first season with the Sixers was hampered by injuries and inconsistent performance. Can he regain the form expected of a max free agent signing?
If Embiid and George can perform at their best, Philadelphia could challenge for the top of the Eastern Conference. However, their ability to do so remains perhaps the biggest uncertainty in the East.
Decisions also await on restricted free agent Quentin Grimes and unrestricted free agent Guerschon Yabusele. Identified as notable players last season, their play is likely to attract interest from elsewhere.
However, the immediate focus is the crucial decision regarding the No. 3 overall pick. The 76ers also hold a potentially valuable early second-round pick (No. 35), acquired in the Caleb Martin trade, which could add another useful player.
Sixers` Options Approaching the Draft
Following a favorable lottery outcome that moved their pick up to No. 3, the 76ers are positioned to add a significant talent. Experts currently view VJ Edgecombe, a shooting guard from Baylor, as a leading candidate for the third pick, particularly after a successful visit with the team.
While another team might offer to trade up for the pick, and the 76ers should consider leveraging its value, the team might also prioritize the long-term view after a challenging, injury-filled season and simply select the best player available.
Edgecombe presents significant potential as a dynamic shot creator, known for his athleticism and ability to attack the basket. Although he might not address an immediate positional need, he shows promise as a foundational player. His positive personality and work ethic also support his candidacy. He is generally seen as a less risky choice compared to Ace Bailey, another prospect considered for this spot.
At pick No. 35, the 76ers will have less control over who is available but should aim for a player who can contribute depth right away. An experienced college athlete, perhaps like Ryan Kalkbrenner, could be a good fit, especially given the need for backup support for the frequently injured Embiid.
Two Trade Offers the 76ers Can Consider
Offer No. 1: Sixers Trade No. 3 for No. 7
- 76ers Receive: The No. 7 pick and Herb Jones.
- New Orleans Pelicans Receive: The No. 3 pick and Kelly Oubre Jr.
Under this scenario, Philadelphia moves down to pick 7 but acquires Herb Jones. While Jones earned first-team All-Defense honors, his recent season was limited due to injury. Offensively, he provides minimal scoring, and his three-point shooting seems unsustainable, with opponents often not guarding him closely. However, his elite perimeter defense would significantly bolster the Sixers` backcourt, especially alongside smaller guards like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.
The 76ers struggled defensively this season, ranking among the league`s worst, their lowest mark since the `Process` era. This poor defense wasn`t solely due to late-season games. Acquiring Jones, coupled with increased availability from Embiid, would considerably improve this defensive deficiency.
It`s uncertain if New Orleans would agree to this trade, as their new management hasn`t revealed plans for their underperforming roster. Theoretically, however, the Pelicans should consider all possibilities, including trading a valuable player like Jones. He is on an affordable contract but will turn 27 soon and may have reached his peak performance.
Based on typical draft value assessments, the difference in value between the No. 3 and No. 7 picks is roughly equal to a pick in the early 20s. Persuading New Orleans to trade Jones for that difference might be difficult. However, if the Pelicans feel a potential star player they desire won`t be available at pick 7, this trade could benefit both teams.
Offer No. 2: Philadelphia Trades George
- 76ers Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, and Dario Saric.
- Denver Nuggets Receive: Paul George.
If the 76ers decide to keep the No. 3 pick, significantly improving the roster through trades is challenging. Only Embiid, George, and Maxey have large salaries, making salary matching for a star difficult without including one of them. Embiid and Maxey are considered untouchable. Given George`s challenging first season and contract status, a player-only trade aiming for a fresh start might be a viable option.
Denver has reportedly shown interest in George, who could fit well as a two-way small forward providing scoring and shooting. If the Nuggets` new management seeks a bold move to better compete in the Western Conference, potentially against teams like the Thunder, trading Porter for George might be considered. Porter`s development in Denver seems to have stalled, while a healthy George offers greater potential upside.
From Philadelphia`s perspective, Porter`s contract is more manageable than George`s and ends sooner, offering future financial flexibility. As a tall player and skilled three-point shooter, Porter would create valuable spacing around Maxey and Embiid and aligns better with Maxey`s age profile than the significantly older George.
Among Those Trade Offers, This One Fits Best
The proposed trade with Denver appears to be the most favorable option. This three-for-one exchange helps balance the Sixers` roster while also eliminating a large future salary commitment to George.
The trade involving the Pelicans also presents mutual benefits. Prior to the draft week, the 76ers reportedly had a shortlist of players they would consider at No. 3. Moving back to No. 7 could still allow them to draft one of these targets, while also acquiring an accomplished defender like Herb Jones.
This particular trade depends on Kelly Oubre Jr. deciding to accept his player option for the upcoming season.
