There’s been a lot of talk lately about what the Philadelphia 76ers will do with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Some reports suggest they might try to move up to the No. 2 pick, which the San Antonio Spurs currently own. The team is said to be very interested in top prospects like Ace Bailey and V.J. Edgecomb, two young players expected to be picked early in the draft.
However, according to NBA writer Gregg Swartz from Bleacher Report, the 76ers are expected to keep their No. 3 pick instead of trading it. Swartz explained that even though trading the pick to get a player like Kevin Durant and move off Paul George’s expensive contract might seem appealing, it would be a short-term move. The smarter option, he believes, is for the team to hold on to their draft position and build a stronger foundation for the future.
Last year, Philadelphia signed Paul George to a four-year contract worth $160 million. But his first season didn’t go well. He only played 41 games due to injuries and averaged 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, numbers below his usual standards. His injuries also affected the team’s performance, and they ended the season with a poor record of 25 wins and 57 losses.
Even so, the 76ers are in a strong spot going into this year’s draft. With the third pick, they’ll have the chance to choose one of the best remaining players after the Spurs and Mavericks make their selections. And if Paul George can stay healthy, he’s still one of the top players in the league.
Add that to the return of Joel Embiid, who continues to be one of the best centres in the NBA, and the rising star Tyrese Maxey, who has shown All-Star potential when healthy, and the future still looks bright for the Sixers. Whether or not they make a big trade, their focus seems to be on making smart, long-term moves that will help them grow stronger in the seasons ahead.