The Philadelphia 76ers could soon find themselves trapped with an irresistible offer right before they make their selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.
After months of anticipation, the 76ers will be on deck to make a potentially franchise-changing decision with the third overall pick in the draft. That remains their position in the pecking order, but that could very well change given the recent developments in the league.
The 76ers are expected to choose between Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe, but the front office has not yet foreclosed any chances of them moving from their current spot. Heck, after a recent blockbuster trade, another team now has the ammunition to force Philly into a trade-down scenario.
Of course, we are talking about the Nets, a team which suddenly touts not one, not two, but five first-round draft picks this year following their participation in the three-team Kristaps Porzingis trade. Brooklyn did not give up anything at all, but still managed to add to their plethora of selections they could consolidate into an attractive trade offer.
The Nets could give the 76ers an offer they cannot possibly resist
Many want Philadelphia to settle with the less dramatic Edgecombe, but with Bailey boasting a fantastic fit for the team, there is enough justification to seriously consider him despite his camp’s brow-raising antics. That, of course, spells bad news for teams like Brooklyn, which has been widely believed to be eyeing Bailey.
But now, there exists a feasible pathway for the Nets to snag the right to select Bailey. They now own the eighth, 19th, 22nd, 25th, and 27th picks in this year’s draft, and they could easily lure the 76ers into a possible deal by consolidating those picks to move up to No. 3.
Philadelphia’s brass has made it known that getting younger will be an utmost priority this offseason, and should the Nets tender such an offer, that would be really hard to say no to, especially if their reported targets such as Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, and Khaman Maluach, among others, remain available at, say, No. 8.
The 76ers could also play it more safely by picking Bailey themselves and waiting for the prospect which the Nets ultimately select. If they find the outcome ideal, Philly can perhaps strike a deal with Brooklyn that would allow them to obtain multiple picks, with Bailey going to his preferred landing spot.
Obviously, the Philadelphia 76ers will still have the final say. However, the stars are slowly aligning for the franchise to get richer this summer, and if the Nets would like to play with fire while paying a huge price, then so be it.