The Philadelphia 76ers are broadly 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 choose?
Why No.2 Issues to Philly
Focusing on Dylan Harper
- High-2 prospect: Harper stands 6’6 with a 6’10½ wingspan, possesses superior guard abilities, and tasks as a three-level scorer and versatile defender.
- Excellent 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 worth: To leap from No.3 to No.2, the Sixers doubtless want to supply important belongings—rumored choices embody the unprotected 2028 Clippers choose, maybe paired with guard Jared McCain.
- Calculating worth: Whereas some analysts assume 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 consists of De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Citadel, and Devin Vassell. Including Harper to that blend raises spacing and utilization issues.
- Potential misfit: Harper’s taking pictures stays the most important query, and it’s unclear how he’d complement Citadel and Fox long-term.
Asset Flexibility
- Future draft capital: As a rebuilding-savvy franchise, the Spurs extremely worth future picks. A Clippers choose might align higher with their timeline.
- Win-now alternative: San Antonio is reportedly additionally eyeing celebrity commerce eventualities, and the No.2 choose may assist anchor such a deal.
Present Stance
- Standing pat: League sources counsel the Spurs are signaling to groups that they’re excited to draft Harper and never actively procuring the choose.
- However… The Spurs are reportedly preserving conversations open and are keen to pay attention if the supply is important sufficient.
What’s Driving Philly’s Transfer-Up Logic
Draft Profile & Match
- Harper vs. Options: Though Philly is in sturdy contact with different high picks like V.J. Edgecombe and Ace Bailey, Harper gives the uncommon mix of dimension, playmaking, and maturity they worth.
- Workforce Composition Purpose: 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: Identified for data-driven dangers, Morey has proven a willingness to mortgage future picks for high-upside expertise that shifts the championship needle.
Doubtless Commerce Eventualities
| Provide Supply | What Spurs Get | What Sixers Get |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Clippers Choose + one thing | Unprotected 2028 Clippers choose (and perhaps one other choose) | No.?2 choose |
| 2. McCain + choose | Guard Jared McCain + a 1st-rounder from Philly | Transfer from No.?3 to No.?2 |
| 3. Multi-pick + gamers | Future picks + depth gamers | No.?2 choose + bench flexibility |
The Stakes: What’s at Threat & Reward
Philly’s Gamble
- Upside: Nabbing Harper might safe the right co-star for Maxey long-term—a possible duo to drive deep playoff runs.
- Draw back: Shedding an unprotected future choose is dangerous—particularly if Harper fails to satisfy 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 might imply lacking a high-impact, all-around participant at a premium place.
League-Broad Reactions
- Mock drafts place Harper at No.2: Most consultants anticipate Harper to remain put except a significant supply seems.
- Spurs desire Harper: San Antonio reportedly stays dedicated to taking Harper in the event that they don’t discover a blockbuster supply definitely 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 extra exercises with Harper, Edgecombe, and Bailey. These periods might tip their choice.
- Intel builds: Count on extra updates over the following week as entrance workplaces 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 perhaps 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 might outline their subsequent decade. If it doesn’t, they nonetheless have a powerful fallback at No.?3. For the Spurs, staying at No.2 doubtless offers them a participant they love, however flipping the choose might give them a number of bites on the apple. Both approach, it’s a high-stakes dance that can form each franchises for years to come back.
