Following some new developments as of late, it appears that the Philadelphia 76ers will have a much easier time making their decision in the upcoming 2025 NBA Drafted than initially expected. Previously, the franchise was believed to be contemplating hard on whether to go with VJ Edgecombe or Ace Bailey with the third overall pick, but now, all signs indicate that the former will be the one to land in Philly.
Bailey’s camp has reportedly left a sour impression on all teams in the high lottery while Edgecombe has impressed the 76ers — enough to make him the undisputed favorite at this moment to end up being the newest Sixers rookie next season.
Drafting Edgecombe will arm the 76ers with a more NBA-ready prospect thanks to his eye-popping ahtleticism and scoring ability, but to be frank, adding him also comes with a number of complications for the front office fit-wise. As a result, the team may feel compelled to make an unexpected trade, but not the one fans think.
The 76ers will definitely move on from Quentin Grimes if they draft VJ Edgecombe
Some people have fondled with the idea of the 76ers trading Jared McCain to extract the most assets possible, especially when paired to someone like Paul George in the trade market. However, that is too hasty of a move to even think about at this point, especially when the incoming sophomore was well on his way to win Rookie of the Year before he suffered a season-ending torn meniscus.
Instead, the most probable “consequence” of drafting Edgecombe is the 76ers eventually parting with Quentin Grimes, who will be a restricted free agent. However, Philly is most likely still going to match any or tender him an offer sheet, but only to move him later on via a sign-and-trade situation.
After the kind of season Grimes turned in with the 76ers, the franchise will not just let him walk away for nothing. However, his fit will not become dangling, and there is no telling if he can keep his level of production when he transitions into a much lesser role offensively.
Thus, the most reasonable maneuver for Philadelphia is to seek sign-and-trade opportunities involving Grimes to the end that the team will be able to snag a rotation piece who can fill a more urgent need position-wise.
While far from ideal, the Philadelphia 76ers cannot afford to have a lopsided and imbalanced roster construction entering next season. Hence, if they do end up selecting VJ Edgecombe, look for the front office to delve into sign-and-trade scenarios centered on Quentin Grimes.