The Philadelphia 76ers were one of the more fortunate teams in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. The 76ers finished with the fifth-worst record in the 2024-25 season at 24-58 but walked away with the third pick in the draft.
The 76ers will have a big decision to make with that pick. Do they hold on to it and select a prospect like Ace Bailey or VJ Edgecombe, or trade it to acquire someone who is capable of contributing right away and helping them win now?
Well, the 76ers are reportedly open to trade offers for that pick. It appears that if a good enough deal is put on the table, they could well part with that pick.
Ace Bailey talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Ace Bailey talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
David Banks-Imagn Images
Even if the 76ers do hold on to that pick, it looks like Bailey might not be the one they would pick. The 18-year-old averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game for Rutgers in 2024-25 but could slide out of the top three in the draft.
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie does not expect the 76ers to pick Bailey and reports that front offices around the NBA hold Edgecombe in higher regard than him, too.
"It’s expected that the Sixers will listen to offers for No. 3, but it’s unclear whom the team would take if it stays. Rutgers’ Bailey has been seen as the biggest upside swing, and he fills a theoretical position of need for Philly as a big wing. But he is also viewed as more of a project by scouts and executives, and this is a Sixers front office that likely needs to win next year to keep its jobs. I’ve also gotten a wider sense of appreciation from NBA front offices for Edgecombe than Bailey."
Bailey's stock around the league appears to have fallen a bit. He was once in contention to be the second pick, and now might end up only going fourth.
The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft will be held on June 25, 2025.