The Philadelphia 76ers face a pivotal offseason following a difficult 24-58 season. Despite championship aspirations for 2024-25 after signing Paul George, key questions remain, particularly regarding Joel Embiid`s health. Embiid played only 19 games last season due to knee surgery. With Boston`s Jayson Tatum injured, potentially weakening the top of the Eastern Conference, the Sixers see a path to contention, but it hinges on Embiid returning to full health.
Paul George also had a challenging first season with the Sixers, struggling with injuries and consistent production. His ability to return to the form expected when he joined as a max free agent is another significant factor.
If both stars are healthy, Philadelphia could realistically compete at the top of the East. However, their health status remains a major uncertainty for the upcoming season.
The team also needs to address the futures of restricted free agent Quentin Grimes and unrestricted free agent Guerschon Yabusele. Both players performed well last season and are expected to draw interest from other teams.
The Sixers` most immediate fascinating decision involves their No. 3 overall pick. Additionally, they hold an early second-round pick (No. 35), acquired in the Caleb Martin trade, which could be used to add another contributor.
Sixers` options approaching the draft
Will the 76ers select VJ Edgecombe with the No. 3 pick?
Having moved up to the No. 3 spot in the lottery, the 76ers have a significant opportunity to add a top prospect. Based on current projections, VJ Edgecombe is considered the leading candidate for the No. 3 pick, particularly after a positive visit with the team.
While they could explore trading the pick to acquire value, the team might also prioritize selecting the best available talent given their recent difficult season.
Edgecombe offers considerable potential as a dynamic shot-creating guard known for his explosiveness and ability to attack the basket. Though he may not address an immediate positional void, he possesses the qualities of a potential future cornerstone. His strong character is also seen as a positive factor. He is generally viewed as a less risky selection compared to Ace Bailey, who is also in contention for this pick but trails Edgecombe in projections.
For the No. 35 pick, the Sixers should ideally target an experienced college player who can provide immediate depth. Ryan Kalkbrenner, for instance, would be a logical fit, especially considering the need for backup behind the injury-prone Embiid.
Two trade offers the 76ers can build around
Offer No. 1: Sixers trade No. 3 for No. 7
76ers get:
- No. 7 pick
- Herb Jones
New Orleans Pelicans get:
- No. 3 pick
- Kelly Oubre Jr.
In this proposed trade, Philadelphia would move down from the 3rd pick to the 7th in exchange for Herb Jones. Jones earned first-team All-Defense honors in 2023-24 but was limited to just 20 games in 2024-25 due to a labrum tear. Offensively, his impact is minimal (14% career usage rate); his 42% three-point shooting in 2023-24 appears to be an anomaly, and defenses often leave him open. However, his elite point-of-attack defense would significantly bolster a Sixers backcourt featuring smaller guards like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.
The 76ers ranked 26th in defensive rating last season, their lowest mark since the “Process” era. Even before their late-season struggles, they were 23rd. Adding a defender like Jones, combined with more healthy playing time from Embiid, would substantially improve their defensive performance.
It`s less clear if New Orleans would agree to a trade that potentially strengthens a conference rival. The new Pelicans front office has not yet indicated its plans for a roster that underperformed this season. Theoretically, New Orleans should consider all options, including moving a valuable asset like Jones. While his contract is team-friendly ($13.9M in 2025-26, $14.9M in 2026-27), he will be 27 by the start of the season and may have reached his peak.
According to standard draft value charts, the difference in value between the 3rd and 7th picks is roughly equivalent to a pick in the early 20s. Acquiring Jones for that value might be ambitious for Philadelphia. However, if the Pelicans believe a potential star player available at No. 3 won`t be available at No. 7, this deal could be mutually beneficial.
Offer No. 2: Philadelphia trades George
76ers get:
- Michael Porter Jr.
- Zeke Nnaji
- Dario Saric
Denver Nuggets get:
- Paul George
If the Sixers choose to retain the No. 3 pick, making significant roster upgrades through trades could be difficult. With only Embiid, George, and Maxey earning large salaries, matching salaries for a star player without trading one of the core trio is nearly impossible. Embiid and Maxey are considered untouchable, and George`s contract appears problematic after a disappointing first season in Philadelphia. An alternative could be a “challenge trade” involving only players, offering a fresh start for those involved.
Denver has reportedly expressed interest in George previously. He theoretically fits well at small forward as a two-way secondary star with a smooth outside shot. If the Nuggets` new leadership feels they need a high-stakes move to compete with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West, swapping Porter for George could be an option. Porter`s development seems to have stalled in Denver, while a healthy George offers a potentially higher ceiling.
From Philadelphia`s perspective, Porter`s contract is smaller and one year shorter than George`s (accounting for George`s potential player option in 2027-28), which provides greater future financial flexibility. As a skilled three-point shooter with good size, Porter would improve spacing around Maxey and Embiid. He also aligns better with Maxey`s age timeline, being nearly a decade younger than George.
Among those trade offers, this one fits best
ESPN`s Bobby Marks evaluates the realism of the proposed trades. The trade involving Denver is considered the most favorable option for Philadelphia. This three-for-one deal helps balance the Sixers` roster and eliminates the significant $56.6 million owed to George in 2027-28.
The proposed trade with the Pelicans is viewed as potentially beneficial for both teams. Philadelphia reportedly had a list of five players they would consider at No. 3: Edgecombe, Khaman Maluach, Bailey, Tre Johnson, and Jeremiah Fears. By moving back four spots to No. 7, they could still potentially draft a player from this list while also acquiring Herb Jones, an All-NBA level defender.
The feasibility of the Pelicans trade depends on Kelly Oubre Jr. opting into his $8.4 million contract for the upcoming season.