Following the signing of All-Star Paul George, the Philadelphia 76ers approach the 2024-25 season with championship aspirations despite a challenging 24-58 record last year. This pivotal offseason includes holding the No. 3 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA draft, raising significant questions for the franchise.
A primary concern is the health of Joel Embiid, who underwent knee surgery after playing just 19 games last season. With the Boston Celtics` Jayson Tatum suffering a significant injury, the top of the Eastern Conference appears more open. Philadelphia believes it can compete, but only if Embiid is fully healthy, not the compromised version seen previously.
Paul George`s performance is another question mark. He also struggled with health and consistency in his first season with the Sixers. Can he regain the form expected of him when he signed as a max free agent?
If both stars are healthy, the 76ers could be contenders in the East. However, their ability to stay on the court remains a major uncertainty for the conference.
Beyond the stars, the team must decide on the future of restricted free agent Quentin Grimes and unrestricted free agent Guerschon Yabusele, both of whom impressed last season and are likely to attract interest from other teams.
The most intriguing decision, however, revolves around the No. 3 pick. Philadelphia also possesses a potentially valuable early second-round pick (No. 35), acquired in the Caleb Martin trade, which could yield another useful contributor.
Sixers` Options Approaching the Draft
Landing the No. 3 pick in the lottery provides the 76ers a significant opportunity to add a high-impact talent. While open to trading the pick to create value, the team might prioritize selecting the best available prospect, particularly after a difficult, injury-plagued season.
Current projections, based partly on a positive visit, suggest VJ Edgecombe, a shooting guard from Baylor, is the front-runner for the No. 3 selection. Edgecombe offers promising upside as a dynamic shot-creator with explosive athleticism who can attack the basket. Although he doesn`t directly address a positional need, his potential as a foundational piece and strong intangible qualities make him a compelling option, viewed by some as a safer choice compared to Ace Bailey.
With the No. 35 pick, the Sixers will likely target a player who can provide immediate depth. An experienced college player such as Ryan Kalkbrenner could be a sensible choice to bolster the frontcourt, particularly given Joel Embiid`s injury history.
Analyzing Potential Trade Offers for the 76ers
The 76ers have flexibility with their pick and roster, leading to speculation about potential trade scenarios. Here are two possibilities:
Offer No. 1: Sixers Trade No. 3 for No. 7 and Herb Jones
Proposed Deal: The 76ers receive the No. 7 pick and guard Herb Jones. The New Orleans Pelicans receive the No. 3 pick and Kelly Oubre Jr. (contingent on Oubre opting into his contract).
Rationale: This trade would allow Philadelphia to move down slightly in the draft while acquiring Herb Jones, a first-team All-Defense player in 2023-24 (though he played limited games in 2024-25 due to injury). While Jones` offensive contribution is minimal and his shooting is inconsistent, his elite point-of-attack defense is precisely what a team that ranked 26th defensively last season needs, especially with smaller guards like Tyrese Maxey. Adding Jones, alongside a healthy Embiid, could significantly improve their defense. For New Orleans, moving up to No. 3 could offer a chance to draft a potential star who might not be available at No. 7, potentially trading an older, albeit well-valued, player in Jones.
Offer No. 2: Philadelphia Trades Paul George to Denver
Proposed Deal: The 76ers receive Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, and Dario Saric. The Denver Nuggets receive Paul George.
Rationale: If the 76ers intend to keep the No. 3 pick, making significant upgrades through trades is difficult due to salary constraints involving their core stars. This proposal is presented as a “challenge trade” without draft picks, aiming for a fresh start for players. Denver has reportedly had interest in George, seeing him as a potential two-way wing fit with a reliable three-point shot. A high-risk, high-reward move could position them better against teams like the Thunder. Porter`s development has plateaued in Denver, and George, if healthy, offers a higher ceiling. For Philadelphia, acquiring Porter means taking on a smaller contract with one less year compared to George`s deal, providing financial flexibility. Porter`s size and three-point shooting would offer excellent spacing around Embiid and Maxey, and he fits better with Maxey`s timeline than the older George.
Evaluating the Trade Offers: Which Fits Best?
Considering the proposed scenarios, the trade involving sending Paul George to Denver appears to be the more advantageous one for the 76ers. This three-for-one exchange helps balance the roster by bringing in multiple players and critically removes the $56.6 million owed to George in the final year of his potential contract (2027-28).
The trade with the Pelicans, however, is also presented as a potential win-win. By moving back from No. 3 to No. 7, Philadelphia could still potentially draft a player from their target list (which reportedly includes prospects like Edgecombe, Khaman Maluach, and Ace Bailey, among others) while gaining an All-NBA defender in Herb Jones. This deal`s feasibility relies on Kelly Oubre Jr. opting into his $8.4 million contract for the next season.
