Over recent years, the Philadelphia 76ers have made no secret that their roster will be moulded around their very own superstar Joel Embiid, giving up multiple assets to ensure that he has the players around him that allow him to excel. Unfortunately, in terms of championships, the Sixers have ultimately failed, and now the idea of a minor rebuild is unrealistic as they are on course to have no pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
When pouring through FanSided's latest NBA Draft Big Board, several things become apparent for an abundance of NBA fans, but most notably for 76ers supporters is that past trades with the Oklahoma City Thunder has demolished any hope of acquiring a star from this stacked 2026 draft class.
76ers past atrocities come back to haunt them
Philadelphia fans have become accustomed to heartbreak and disappointment when it comes to postseason ambition. It seems like every year the franchise is stuck in a vicious cycle that starts with an overwhelming sense of hope when an exciting set of players is signed to the roster, and ends with extreme fits of rage as the 76ers' dreams come crashing down to reality in spectacular fashion.
In 2020, one of these cycles began with a trade that would see the Sixers acquire Al Horford and Danny Green from the Thunder, in exchange for their 2026 first-round pick. To make matters worse, the following year, Philadelphia continued to do business with Oklahoma, trading for George Hill in return for the 76ers' 2026 second-round pick (which the Washington Wizards or Phoenix Suns could also land).
Due to Philadelphia's current position in the regular-season standings, Oklahoma is set to land the 19th overall pick. According to Fansided's NBA Big Draft Board, this would result in the 2025 champions selecting 21-year-old Iowa forward Álvaro Folgueiras -- an effective off-ball scorer who can provide a positive contribution on defense. Ironically, this calibre of player is exactly what the Sixers require, highlighting the questionable business they have done recently.
Not all is lost for the City of Brotherly Love, as they could still retain this pick if this campaign ends similarly to last year's tragic season. If the 76ers finish the year among the pool of lottery teams, they will keep said pick and have a wealth of outrageous talent to select from. However, given the fact that teams such as the Wizards (3-19), New Orleans Pelicans (4-22), and Los Angeles Clippers (6-19) are in such dire straits, this is doubtful.
Philadelphia has no room to pivot away from a roster that possesses aging stars, like Paul George, who tends to be unavailable for selection. To make matter worse, Tyrese Maxey is thriving alongside rookie VJ Edgecombe in the role as the Sixers' primary offensive option. The franchise should be building upon the captivating young core they have established, but lacks the ability to do so.
The future of the Philadelphia 76ers remains shrouded by a thick fog of uncertainty. With the array of talent available in the 2026 NBA draft, the Sixers' past transactions are hindering the franchise's ability to move forward into a new era under the leadership of Tyrese Maxey.