4 Last-minute draft day trades the 76ers should seriously consider
The 2024 NBA Draft is just a day away, and despite pundits alluding to it as perhaps one of the weaker rookie classes in recent years, it still presents some opportunities for teams to improve their prospects. The Philadelphia 76ers, owners of the 16th overall pick, will also have some crucial decisions to make.
However, given the front office’s posturing, it’s increasingly unlikely that the 76ers will be on the driver’s seat when they make their pick. Multiple reports have already pointed out that the team’s preference is to trade their first-rounder for a win-now commodity. Thus, here are four last-minute draft day trades they can make involving the 16th pick.
4. 76ers trade for bang-for-the-buck wing
keldon prop
San Antonio, owners of picks No. 4 and No. 8, are a near-guarantee to come out of the draft as big winners. Led by Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have a big shot at further improving their young core as they could start trying to make noise in the league as soon as next season. Heck, what’s stopping them from trying to enrich themselves even more?
One scenario the 76ers should look into is flipping their 16th overall pick, along with some negligible pot sweeteners, for Keldon Johnson, the Spurs’ leading scorer prior to the French phenom’s arrival. Gregg Popovich and co. should be pretty warm to the idea of trading the burly wing, as his skill sets imply profiles as a strange fit next to Wembanyama and their other key cogs.
Johnson, however, has the stylings to thrive in Philadelphia. Not only does he fill an urgent need in the wing and forward positions, but he’s a win-now rotation player who is still pretty young and should see his best years ahead of him. Also, his contract is quite team-friendly, and he has the upside to be a big upgrade over Kelly Oubre Jr., though his defense needs a lot of work.