The Philadelphia 76ers moved up to third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery, but they still owe the Thunder a first-round draft pick from the Al Horford trade. The jump gives Morey a gift he desperately needed. It was a nightmare season in Philly, and there are no guarantees the franchise’s health will improve. The protections only tighten on the pick, and this lottery proved no team is guaranteed to be in the top four.
Charlotte was the only team in 2025 to stay in the top four. Dallas moved up from 11. San Antonio was eighth, and Philly had the fifth selection going into the night. Those are now the top three selections. That is good for the 76ers now, but problematic as they owe the Thunder their 2026 first-rounder with just a top-four protection.
The Sixers likely give up their selection next year. They are just hoping it is not a lottery pick after another disastrous year from a health standpoint.
76ers still have to pay for the Al Horford trade
Philadelphia signed Horford on a four-year $109 million contract in 2019, but he lasted just one season next to Joel Embiid. Things did not work, so the Sixers dumped him on the rebuilding Thunder for the 34th overall pick in 2020 and a 2025 first. This pick did not convey but is just top-four protected in 2026 and 2027. Philadelphia cannot have that much lottery luck.
If Embiid can only play 30 games next season, the 76ers could be back in the lottery and giving up a top seven selection to the already stacked Thunder. It would mean Embiid and Paul George both struggled without Tyrese Maxey becoming a superstar. There would be questions about the franchise’s future and giving up a lottery pick would be just kicking the Sixers when they are down.
Expect Philadelphia to give up their first-round pick in 2026. Daryl Morey and company must hope they are back in the playoffs and looking like a contender. The 76ers likely add Ace Bailey or trade the 2025 third pick for another impact player. Morey is no stranger to chasing star talent. Hopefully, he can get the 76ers back into contention next season. If not, things could get ugly fast.
Nobody knows what to expect from the Philadelphia 76ers moving forward. There are way more questions than answers. Moving up was massive. They will add another young talent or have an elite trade chip. It is all about maximizing it before the Al Horford fare comes due. It will come soon and will be painful. Celebrate now Sixers fans because it may not last long.