76ers participated in trading negotiations with the Spurs and won the second pick
The Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly been engaged to the San Antonio Mast to potentially advance to the second pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, according to Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto.
76ers can trade to the second pick in the 2025 draft
Philadelphia will target four NBA draft prospects with the third pick, including a private workout last week with VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey to visit Philadelphia next week.
The 76ers are in a unique position in the third pick. Although Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper are the first two prospects of consensus in this draft, no one has determined the third place.
Harper’s Roger teammate Ace Bailey may be selected, but Jake Fischer reported online on Stein this week that Edgecombe is more likely to be Philadelphia’s first draft pick.
The 76ers reportedly would not use their third pick to trade veterans, and there were no plans to move Paul George during the offseason.
George plans to earn $51.66 million in 2025-26 and then $54.12 million in 2026-27. His deal also includes $56.58 million player options in 2027-28 and a 15% trade bonus.
76ers lack roster flexibility during offseason
Since Philadelphia’s payroll is associated with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and George, the Sixers lacked roster flexibility since 77% or $146 million, it has to focus on drafting this month.
As for draft assets, the Sixers will be protected for the first time in 2026, before taking the top 8 protected top 4 in 2028.
Additionally, the Sixers received unprotected protection from the Los Angeles Clippers in 2028 and exchanged first-round game rights in 2029 (if 4-30), and they have nine second-round picks available for trade. Philadelphia is allowed to trade its own first deal for the first time in 2030 and 2032.
Philadelphia also hopes to retain free agents Guerschon Yabusele and Quentin Grimes. Andre Drummond, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Eric Gordon’s player options also played a big role in Philadelphia’s hat flexibility.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, if all three players choose by June 29, their luxury tax is correct, down from $7.5 million for the first apron. If Gordon rejects his choice and then re-signs the lower number, the 76ers will get $1.5 million in flexibility.
