The 2025 NBA Draft is fast approaching, and the Philadelphia 76ers have to bear in mind that they will eventually need to settle on a particular prospect in order to set the tone for the rest of their offseason maneuverings.
With the Finals already dawning on us, it is only a matter of time until everyone’s focus shifts onto the rookie draft. Outside of the presumptive first two selections, there are still a lot of variance scenario-wise. And bearing that onus right from the get-go will be Philadelphia, which will be picking behind Dallas and San Antonio.
The 76ers are in a very fortunate position, especially since they could have lost their pick outright had it gone past sixth (which was an imminent peril given the leap the Mavericks and the Spurs made during the lottery). Yet questions continue to pile up on them, making their decision come June 25 a very interesting motif to look out for.
New draft rumors point to the 76ers seeking insurance for an inevitable exit
Long projected to be the favorites to land in Philly with the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft are Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe. However, it seems like the 76ers are adding two more prospects to their decisional loop.
Reports have popped up that Philly is now considering Duke center Khaman Maluach and Texas guard Tre Johnson for their selection. While this could be nothing more than mere due diligence, this speaks about some insurance they appear to be seeking.
With Edgecombe and Johnson being in the fold, the 76ers could be gearing up for the considerable risk of losing Quentin Grimes in free agency. The restricted free agent is coming off a breakout stint with Philly, but his price tag could spike in value, and the front office — already handicapped as it is — could be further rendered helpless.
This would be undoubtedly disappointing, as many fans have already wondered about Grimes fitting in next to a healthy Joel Embiid and Paul George. Grimes is still developing his game, but he showed real flashes of being an efficient secondary option when he took the scoring mantle when he got dealt to Philadelphia from Dallas posterior to the Luka Doncic trade.
But in all honesty, the Philadelphia 76ers could definitely lose that spark as soon as this offseason. Quentin Grimes may have been a brilliant addition, but it is also incumbent on the front office to fill his void if the seemingly inevitable transpires.