The first round of the draft is hours away, and the Philadelphia Sixers still hold the No. 3 pick, but that could change. It wouldn't be surprising if the Sixers traded the pick to a team that wants to vault into the top three, like the Wizards, who currently hold the No. 6 pick in the draft.
Washington finished with an 18-64 record this past season, the worst in the East and the second-worst in the league (behind the Jazz). The draft lottery results didn't work in the Wizards' favor, leaving them in an interesting position. There have been talks that they could want to move up in the draft, and if the offer is right for the Sixers, it's something Philadelphia may be willing to do.
The Sixers lucked into the No. 3 pick, and if they're not set on drafting Ace Bailey (whose draft stock has fallen) or VJ Edgecombe, they could take advantage of the Wizards' desperation to acquire a high pick. Washington could package its No. 6 selection in a deal to leapfrog picks No. 4 and 5 to draft a player who could go off the board before six.
Philadelphia wants to get younger, but also make a championship run with Joel Embiid. That is why there has been so much Sixers chatter leading up to draft night. It started right after they received the No. 3 pick.
Sixers could trade No. 3 pick to a team like the Wizards
Even in a weakened conference, Washington isn't in a position to make a playoff run. Philadelphia is a question mark, but due to health, not skill. The Wizards are still a few years away from being a threat. Adding the No. 3 pick (whomever it may be) to their core of young players will give them a promising talent who could be the player who helps Washington rise up the standings one day (if that ever happens, of course).
By the time 8 p.m. ET rolls around, the Sixers could still have the No. 3 pick, and that could still be the case after the Mavericks and Spurs make their selections. No one knows what Philadelphia will do. The front office might not be 100 percent sure, either. The next several hours will be key, with teams ramping up their desperation. Exactly how bad do the Wizards (or another team) want to trade up? Stay tuned.