The Philadelphia 76ers were rewarded with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018. On paper, the 76ers had one of the best star trios in Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. However, injuries prevented the team from reaching its true potential in its first year together.
Because they secured a top-three pick for the upcoming draft, the Sixers can do two things with it. The organization could either use the pick and draft a young prospect or trade for additional assets. Using the latter would strengthen their roster and give them more depth to contend for a championship.
NBA Trade News
Philadelphia 76ers president of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey speaks with the media.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, there's a belief among some league executives that the 76ers will trade back ahead of the draft.
"NBA teams are pondering what the Sixers will do in the upcoming draft. Regardless of what Daryl Morey states publicly, some league executives believe trade-back talks could occur before the draft," Pompey posted on X. "One executive said a couple of teams behind the Sixers in the draft are doing heavy research on the possibility of moving up to No. 3."
The Sixers have enough star power to make noise and be championship contenders. However, injuries have prevented the team from asserting dominance and a certain level of power in the NBA.
Using the pick could be a safer bet for the Sixers since it would secure the team's future. That is, if they potentially move on from Embiid and trade George with his $212 million contract.