As we inch closer to the 2025 NBA Draft, rumors and speculation across the league are spreading like wildfire. Between Kevin Durant’s fallout with the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks firing Tom Thibodeau, it’s been a chaotic time in the NBA community. However, many have claimed that the offseason begins with the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the third overall pick. Still, Philadelphia has been ominously silent, but why?
The main reason uncertainty looms around the 76ers is that after Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper are likely to be taken with the first two picks, there isn’t a clear-cut prospect falling into their lap. Fans have spent the past month debating whether Philadelphia should select Ace Bailey or V.J. Edgecombe or trade down entirely. Based on conflicting and open-ended reports that came out throughout the past week, it seems like the 76ers’ front office is doing the same thing.
The latest on the 76ers' draft process
On Friday, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony posted his top 100 Big Board and had some controversial insight on Bailey, who is largely the 76ers fan favorite prospect. Givony revealed that Bailey has reportedly been a polarizing player for NBA executives with an understanding that he’ll need time to adjust to the professional level before becoming a contributor to winning.
“There are also ‘varying levels of confidence’ around the NBA as to whether he will reach his ceiling, creating a layer of risk that has held him back from becoming the consensus option at No. 3,” Givony said. “The possibility that Philadelphia, angling to win more games next season, opts to go a different direction could “move him down the board a spot or two.”
Brian Windhorst of ESPN doubled down on the theory that the 76ers could trade the third overall pick depending on what trade offer may emerge or what prospect has their attention on NBA Today last week: “I think the [NBA Draft] will be very big this time,” Windhorst said. “Either [pick 2 or 3] I think have a chance to be in play. And I don’t know what’s going to happen with them … Maybe the Sixers will trade up with the Spurs? Maybe the Sixers will trade back? Maybe they’ll trade out? That’s going to be an interesting night.”
The 76ers are doing the right thing
While Givony and Windhorst’s intel is purely speculation at this point, it’s important to point out that both of them said that Philadelphia is open to anything heading into June 25th. If this is truly the case, then the 76ers front office is taking the right approach in terms of doing due diligence in exploring any trade offer that comes their way. On the other hand, these reports could be smokescreens as Philadelphia continues to navigate any potential outcome.
If Philadelphia doesn’t feel strongly about a player with the third pick, it could likely trade downward into the lottery while snagging a starting-caliber player. Teams like the Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans, and even the Utah Jazz will possibly try to trade up after a disappointing draft lottery and players such as Cam Johnson and Herb Jones should entice the 76ers. What Philadelphia should not do is pursue a star-caliber player in any deal involving its pick, especially if that star is Durant.