The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly open to exploring trade offers for the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
With their core built around Joel Embiid and potentially Paul George, both veteran stars on maximum contracts, the team is focused on winning now.
Using a high draft pick on a young, developmental prospect may not align with their immediate championship aspirations.
If the Sixers choose to hold onto the pick, their direction remains uncertain. Ace Bailey is frequently mentioned as the third-best player in this class, but he’s seen as more of a long-term project with tantalizing upside.
However, his current statistical profile doesn’t align well with the analytics-driven approach that President Daryl Morey and his front offices are known for favoring.
Another potential option is VJ Edgecombe, who might be a more natural fit in terms of style and competitiveness.
Still, his size could be an issue when paired with an already undersized backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and rookie Jared McCain.
That said, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic notes that Edgecombe is gaining broader appreciation among NBA decision-makers compared to Bailey.
Other possibilities include Kon Knueppel, who offers positional need and could contribute immediately. However, his ceiling may not justify selecting him at No. 3.
Tre Johnson is an elite shooter, but serious questions surround his defensive capabilities.
Lastly, Khaman Maluach presents intriguing upside as a backup center behind Embiid, but taking him with the third overall pick would be a stretch given his current projection.
Ultimately, the Sixers appear to be weighing the value of immediate impact versus long-term potential, and their decision will likely hinge on whether they stay in win-now mode or shift their approach slightly to include development.
Sixers Expected To Listen To Offers For No. 3 Overall Pick https://t.co/ris81WZa5Z
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 16, 2025
