The Philadelphia 76ers lucked into the No. 3 pick in June’s NBA Draft thanks to some lottery fortune.
That also made Philly more of a player in trade markets. The tough part is deciding what actually could be dealt.
On Monday, ESPN’s Jeremy Woo laid out how the Sixers might use that pick if they don’t just draft with it:
“Some teams expect the Sixers to be active in trade conversations, with names such as Kevin Durant (Phoenix) and Lauri Markkanen (Utah) as potential targets in packages that could include Paul George and the No. 3 pick.”
That sounds like tough decision time.
Durant is obviously one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, but he’s not exactly a young dude.
Markkanen puts up great stats on bad teams but has never quite been a key contributor to a huge winner in recent years.
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If the 76ers stay put, they may be able to draft Rutgers scoring dynamo Ace Bailey or one of the point guards, Dylan Harper (Rutgers) or V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor).
Philadelphia’s decision could depend in part on what they know about Joel Embiid’s health. Taking a huge swing on someone like Durant is less valuable if Embiid stays out with injury.
If Embiid can be healthy, though, and Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain form a strong backcourt, then the 76ers are one piece away from being huge contenders again. George and the No. 3 pick are a worthwhile package to relinquish in order to try and win an NBA title.
Keep an eye on Philly, because the rumors certainly aren’t done.
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