The Philadelphia 76ers are extensively recognized for his or her aggressive roster maneuvers—and because the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, they’ve quietly begun exploring one of many boldest strikes but: buying and selling up from No.3 to No.2 total. This comes amid rising momentum to safe Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, lengthy thought of the consensus No.2 prospect behind Duke’s Cooper Flagg. However can Philly outbid the Spurs for that prime decide?
Why No.2 Issues to Philly
Concentrating on Dylan Harper
- High-2 prospect: Harper stands 6’6 with a 6’10½ wingspan, possesses superior guard expertise, and initiatives as a three-level scorer and versatile defender.
- Good match subsequent to Maxey: Philadelphia envisions Harper easing strain off Tyrese Maxey, offering much-needed playmaking and athleticism behind their younger star.
Actual Asset Value
- Asking value: To leap from No.3 to No.2, the Sixers possible want to supply important belongings—rumored choices embody the unprotected 2028 Clippers decide, maybe paired with guard Jared McCain.
- Calculating worth: Whereas some analysts suppose the asset toll is heavy, Philly’s entrance workplace led by Daryl Morey doesn’t draw back from going all in on high-ceiling expertise.
Spurs’ Perspective: To Commerce or Keep
Logjam Backcourt
- Loaded guard rotation: San Antonio’s backcourt now contains De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Fortress, and Devin Vassell. Including Harper to that blend raises spacing and utilization considerations.
- Potential misfit: Harper’s taking pictures stays the most important query, and it’s unclear how he’d complement Fortress and Fox long-term.
Asset Flexibility
- Future draft capital: As a rebuilding-savvy franchise, the Spurs extremely worth future picks. A Clippers decide may align higher with their timeline.
- Win-now alternative: San Antonio is reportedly additionally eyeing celebrity commerce situations, and the No.2 decide may assist anchor such a deal.
Present Stance
- Standing pat: League sources recommend the Spurs are signaling to groups that they’re excited to draft Harper and never actively procuring the decide.
- However… The Spurs are reportedly retaining conversations open and are keen to pay attention if the provide is important sufficient.
What’s Driving Philly’s Transfer-Up Logic
Draft Profile & Match
- Harper vs. Alternate options: Though Philly is in robust contact with different prime picks like V.J. Edgecombe and Ace Bailey, Harper presents the uncommon mix of measurement, playmaking, and maturity they worth.
- Group Composition Aim: The 76ers are looking for a secondary playmaker to enrich Maxey and George, whereas nonetheless making ready for the post-Embiid period.
Entrance Workplace Philosophy
- Daryl Morey’s blueprint: Recognized for data-driven dangers, Morey has proven a willingness to mortgage future picks for high-upside expertise that shifts the championship needle.
Possible Commerce Situations
| Provide Supply | What Spurs Get | What Sixers Get |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Clippers Choose + One thing | Unprotected 2028 Clippers decide (and presumably a further asset) | No. 2 decide |
| 2. McCain + Choose | Guard Jared McCain and a first-rounder from Philly | Transfer from No. 3 to No. 2 |
| 3. Multi-Choose + Gamers | Future draft picks plus depth gamers from the Sixers roster | No. 2 decide and elevated roster flexibility |
The Stakes: What’s at Danger & Reward
Philly’s Gamble
- Upside: Nabbing Harper may safe the proper co-star for Maxey long-term—a possible duo to drive deep playoff runs.
- Draw back: Dropping an unprotected future decide is dangerous—particularly if Harper fails to fulfill expectations.
Spurs’ Equation
- Upside: Packaging picks offers them flexibility—both roll with Harper or parlay belongings right into a star.
- Draw back: Passing on Harper may imply lacking a high-impact, all-around participant at a premium place.
League-Large Reactions
- Mock drafts place Harper at No.2: Most consultants anticipate Harper to remain put except a significant provide seems.
- Spurs want Harper: San Antonio reportedly stays dedicated to taking Harper in the event that they don’t discover a blockbuster provide well worth the drop.
- Philly is exploring: The 76ers are actively listening and engaged, however not determined to overpay.
What Occurs Subsequent
- Closing exercises: The Sixers plan further exercises with Harper, Edgecombe, and Bailey. These periods could tip their resolution.
- Intel builds: Count on extra updates over the subsequent week as entrance places of work finalize their boards and assess risk-reward tradeoffs.
- Draft night time climax: All eyes can be on the draft when Philly is on the clock at No.3—or possibly earlier, in the event that they pull off a commerce for No.2.
Conclusion: Who Wins
If the commerce occurs, Philly lands an elite prospect in Harper who may outline their subsequent decade. If it doesn’t, they nonetheless have a powerful fallback at No.3. For the Spurs, staying at No.2 possible offers them a participant they love, however flipping the decide may give them a number of bites on the apple. Both manner, it’s a high-stakes dance that may form each franchises for years to come back.
