Despite well-pronounced fears of a nightmarish scenario, the Philadelphia 76ers managed to get on the good side of Lady Luck, clinching the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft following the awaited lottery shenanigans. With this development, the front office can now plot their offseason strategy with more certainty, as having the chance to snag an elite young prospect changes their entire offseason dynamic.
Given their current draft standing, the 76ers should enjoy a lot of flexibility moving forward. Of course, Daryl Morey and his crew can make full use of their new, sterling asset as leverage for a big trade (though that is not ideal) or stick it out or bolster both their present and future with a highly-touted rookie.
Having said that, certain developments that transpired during the lottery also gives Philly some incidental opportunities to capitalize on. Certain teams made unprecedented leaps, altering their own plans in a drastic fashion whiel also leaving a huge opportunity for the 76ers to make a big swipe and secure a bargain.
Case in point? Look no further than the San Antonio Spurs.
Spurs’ luck gives the 76ers a huge opportunity they cannot miss
San Antonio did not end up with the top prize in the lottery, but that franchise is still smiling from ear-to-ear, having moved up six spots to snag the second overall pick. The Spurs now have the No. 2 pick — a fearsome proposition given that they already have back-to-back Rookie of the Year awardees in Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.
However, with the second pick popularly etched to be Rutgers standout Dylan Harper, another guard, the Spurs could opt to streamline things in the backcourt with Castle and All-Star De’Aaron Fox already on the board. And the casualty is someone the 76ers should aggressively pursue in free agency — Chris Paul.
Paul, in his 20th season, did not miss a single game — an incredible feat for a 40-year-old who has long been derailed by the injury bug. The veteran point guard has lost a lot of steam, but his prowess as a playmaker and stabilizer were still pretty evident as he steered the Spurs in an odd season.
The 76ers, still in dire need of a legitimate and experienced playmaker, would be a perfect fit for CP3. Sure, while Morey has made it clear that the team intends to go younger, Paul’s durability this season is a great sign that perhaps, in an even more limited role, he can remain more than viable.
San Antonio is now extremely unlikely to seek another go-round with Paul, meaning that Philadelphia can sneak in and snag him for relatively cheap. The future Hall-of-Famer would be a massive upgrade over the unplayable Kyle Lowry and the inconsistent Jared Butler, giving the 76ers a voice of reason not only in the locker room, but on the court.