The Philadelphia 76ers dedicated several months to securing their first-round draft pick. To prevent it from conveying to the Oklahoma City Thunder (which would have happened if it fell outside the top six), the team reportedly engaged in strategic losing during the latter part of the previous season.
Having successfully landed the pick at the No. 3 overall position last week, the 76ers now face a critical decision regarding its future.
Following the NBA Draft Lottery, 76ers president Daryl Morey stated the team`s intention was to “keep” the pick. However, reports suggest other teams in the league are skeptical. ESPN`s Jonathan Givony indicates that some franchises anticipate the Sixers will be active in trade discussions now that their draft position is set. Givony mentioned Kevin Durant and Lauri Markkanen as potential trade targets.
Daryl Morey is renowned for his aggressive pursuit of star players. Last summer, he successfully acquired Paul George on a four-year max contract. This move has not panned out as hoped, with George experiencing age-related decline and persistent injury issues. This underperformance contributed to Philadelphia`s need to tank in a season that initially held championship aspirations.
The goal of contending for a championship likely hasn`t disappeared. Trading the No. 3 pick could potentially achieve two key objectives for the 76ers. Firstly, it could involve acquiring an immediate upgrade over the declining George, thereby boosting the team`s competitiveness next season. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it could facilitate moving off the remaining three years of George`s substantial contract before it becomes a significant impediment to future roster flexibility.
However, acquiring a player like Durant (who will be 37 soon and may seek an extension) or Markkanen (currently on a max deal for four more years) would not necessarily ease the team`s salary cap concerns. Any incoming player in a trade involving George would likely come with a high salary, requiring them to justify the significant financial commitment.
The primary benefit of using the No. 3 pick is the cost control it provides. First-round selections come with a team-friendly, four-year contractual period. If the 76ers successfully draft a high-impact player at this spot, they would add young talent to a core that includes Tyrese Maxey and potentially other developing players, creating surplus value through their inexpensive contract that could help balance the costly deals of players like George and Joel Embiid.
When a team is paying maximum salaries to stars who may be prone to injuries, having a young, high-potential player locked into a cheap rookie contract offers significant value.
Naturally, the challenge lies in successfully identifying and drafting a future star, which is never guaranteed, even at No. 3. Therefore, Morey would be remiss not to explore the potential trade market for the pick. Currently, the Sixers have flexibility. If Morey believes Joel Embiid can remain healthy for a deep playoff run, the pick could be leveraged for a piece that makes the team an immediate contender. Alternatively, if health concerns temper immediate ambitions, the pick represents the best chance to find a long-term co-star for Tyrese Maxey for the next era of 76ers basketball. The ultimate decision will likely depend heavily on the trade value the No. 3 pick commands.
Jasper Hawthorne