In just a blink of an eye, 2025 is finally here. The Philadelphia 76ers have a lot to look back on as to what transpired last year, but given the way they are operating as of late, they are certainly trending in the right direction. The only way for the franchise is to move forward, especially with this year packed with so many things to unpack for the club.
The 76ers remain a very hungry bunch as they aim to snap a title drought spanning more than four decades. They do have the talent to tussle with just about anyone, and at this point, it’s all about getting it all together on both ends and of course, getting the injury bug to finally stay away from Philly.
The front office also has a lot of work to do behind the scenes in order to provide what the team truly needs to succeed this season and in the immediate future. And as customary with every flip of the calendar, here are four players the 76ers should have on their wishlist.
4 players the Philadelphia 76ers should have on their 2025 wishlist
1. Herb Jones
The 76ers are still in need of rangy bodies at forward. So far, they have been relying on a concentric circle of players, which is a tad risky whenever one gets injured. Herb Jones, one of the premiere defenders in the league, would be a pipe dream trade target at the moment, but few players can match his ability to function as a tremendous ceiling-raiser on the defensive end.
2. Jonas Valanciunas
As said multiple times before, the 76ers still find themselves wanting for more at center, especially behind Joel Embiid. Reverting to the realistic options out there, they could zoom in on veteran big man Jonas Valanciunas, a starting-caliber center who is a proven mismatch punisher, imposing board crasher, and efficient pot scorer.
3. Marcus Smart
Marcus Smart playing for Philly would be a grand irony, but the 76ers do have some credence in possibly seeking his services. Despite his perennial inefficiency as a shooter, he is still a former Defensive Player of the Year who touts ampleplayoff experience, reliable secondary playmaking, and obviously, defensive resistance at nearly all positions despite his size.
4. Santi Aldama
Three-point shooting big men who can actually defend remain a rather rare commodity in the league, making Santi Aldama a plenty attractive option for anyone in need of help to shore up their depth at center and power forward. Aldama, who can be a lethal spot-up threat with great court vision and positional defense, would be a dream acquisition for the more modest price range.