The Philadelphia 76ers seem to be locked in on selecting at No. 3 in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, which is now just a few days away, but the front office had already signaled that it would pursue any opportunity to move up and get a better selection.
With the first overall pick clearly off-limits, the only option for Philly to move up is to try and convince the Spurs into a trade. San Antonio, in possession of the second overall pick, has been resolute in its stance to hold onto their own selection, not budging at any attempt by the 76ers to swap places in the draft pecking order.
Having said that, the Spurs could still budge for the right price, although whispered (yet unverified) reports point to the 76ers not impressing San Antonio’s brass enough to compel them into a trade. But now, it seems like Philadelphia is no longer a lone suitor for the second overall pick, which is widely presumed to be Rutgers standout Dylan Harper.
The 76ers gain new competition for their pursuit of the second overall pick
After finishing with the second-worst record in the league with a measly 18-64 win-loss card, the Washington Wizards entered the draft lottery touting the highest odds to land the top pick, and a lofty 80 percent shot at snagging a top-five pick.
Unfortunately for them, the basketball gods did not favor the franchise, falling all the way to sixth. Now, the Wizards face a hazy path back to relevance, and some pre-draft murmurs now hint at their front office contending with the 76ers to sweet talk the Spurs into a deal for the second overall pick.
Such reports to that effect come from refutable sources at best, but it actually aligns with the Wizards’ strong penchant toward Harper before the draft lottery thanks to him being a perfect fit in Washington. Hence, reckoning them as an actual contender to try and outbid the 76ers is far from preternatural.
At this point in time, though, San Antonio foregoing the opportunity to draft Harper, who is in a league of his own after Cooper Flagg, remains a long shot. Still, the Spurs have not yet completely closed the door on possible deals, although it could take a ton to lure them into a trade.
For now, the Philadelphia 76ers remain stationed at an enviable positon, picking third and having ample optionality on their hands. Hopefully, they play their cards right come June 25, whether they stay put or ultimately switch places with another ball club.