3 potential trade-back scenarios for 76ers in 2025 NBA Draft

The Philadelphia 76ers are in a pivotal position in the 2025 NBA Draft. While the first two picks appear largely set, what the Sixers decide to do with the No. 3 overall pick will determine how the entire rest of the draft will go.

So, what will the Sixers do? They've sniffed around due to an interest in Dylan Harper, but trading up to acquire the second selection from the San Antonio Spurs doesn't seem to be an option, so that can probably be taken off the table. Let's call that option A.

Option B is that they could stay at three and make a pick. If they go that route, Baylor guard VJ Edgecome appears to be the clubhouse leader, but Rutgers forward Ace Bailey can't be counted out, even though he somewhat strangely cancelled his dinner and workout with the team at the last minute.

They could even pull out a wildcard and draft someone like Tre Johnson from Texas or Kon Knueppel from Duke with that third pick. Various reports have hinted at the organization's affinity for both guys.

The third, and final, option is that the Sixers could opt to trade back in the draft in order to acquire an additional asset(s). There might be a bit of a drop-off from the first two projected picks -- Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harder -- and the rest of the class.

So, if there isn't an individual that the Sixers are enamored with at three, they could potentially opt to take this route. By doing so they would still get to add a promising prospect to the roster while also recouping addition value for their pick.

It remains to be seen how likely it is that Philadelphia will trade back but, it's certainly a possibility. With that in mind, here's a look at three potential trade back scenarios that could make sense for the Sixers.

76ers get pick Nos. 6 & 18 in 2025 Draft, Washington Wizards get pick No. 3, future 2nd-round pick

In this scenario, the Sixers drop by a few spots in order to pick up an additional asset in this year's draft. They would fall from three to six, where they could still grab a top talent like Johnson, Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, or even Edgecomb if he were to drop a couple of spots. Then, they could double dip later in the first round and add another mid-round talent.

Given the fact that the vast majority of their cap space is tied up in three players, it will be important for Philly to identify cheap -- yet productive -- contributors to fill out the rest of the roster. Having two picks in the first round this year could be a way for them to do just that by adding two potential rotation pieces on rookie deals.

76ers get pick Nos. 8 & 26, Brooklyn Nets get pick No. 3

The same logic from above applies here, as the Sixers would basically be rewarded with an additional first round pick this year in order to fall back a few spots. They could get a guy they like at eight and then snag another depth play at 26.

If there's a player that the Nets are really high on, like Bailey for example, they could be motivated to move up to make sure they get their guy. Brooklyn has four first-round picks in this year's draft, so giving one away in order to move up for an impact player wouldn't be crazy. If they made this exact move, they'd have pick Nos. 3, 19 and 27 in the first round this year.

It is fair to wonder, though, if going from No. 3 to No. 8 is too precipitous of a drop for Philly.

76ers get pick No. 7 this year, first-round pick in 2026, New Orleans Pelicans get No. 3 pick, future 2nd-round pick 

Instead of getting an additional first-round pick in this year's draft, the Sixers would add a first-rounder in the 2026 draft in this scenario.

Philadelphia likely won't have a first-round pick next year, as their pick will transfer to Oklahoma City (top-4 protected) stemming from the Al Horford trade back in 2020. The pick didn't transfer this year, but it's likely to next year.

So, this would be a way for Philly to replace that pick and not be empty-handed in the first round in '26. That might be worth dropping four selection spots this year. After all, the Sixers would certainly like to be in position to add another young talent to the mix next summer, regardless of how the '25-26 season plays out.

Follow Michael Kaskey-Blomain on X @therealmikekb.