With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching quickly, rumors are flying, especially about deals on and off the board. Recently, reports detailing Philadelphia’s desire to trade with San Antonio were presumably to draft Rutgers defender Dylan Harper. Without the obvious choice for third place, our 76ers GM Daryl Morey seems to be considering all his options.
Although Philadelphia reportedly offers multiple first-round picks, the Spurs have yet to earn a trade offer. Over the past few months, San Antonio has been involved in trade rumors, whether it is Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant or Philly’s third pick. Should the Spurs consider the Philadelphia offer more seriously?
The situation of trading the second option
Most scouts believe Harper is second only to the second best prospect in the class than Cooper Flagg, and the Spurs seem to agree with that. To go along the entire level of the board, Philadelphia has to provide quite a bit of money. Like Harper, it is tempting to pick three or even four of the first-round picks later to lower a position. Staying flexible will help the Spurs keep the widest choice possible.
Both San Antonio and Philadelphia have long-term defender options, but both teams clearly believe Harper is enough prospect to circumvent these appropriate concerns. If the Spurs do trade the second pick, they can always repackage assets in the superstar trade. They could also draft a prospect that could theoretically adapt more cleanly to De’aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, such as Ace Bailey or Kon Knueppel.
Oppose the Harper deal
This is an ostensibly logical option, however, Harper’s main launcher upstream should be too tempting to pass. This has led the Spurs to make the current decision, which makes more sense than a deal with Philadelphia. Even if Victor Wembanyama reached an Uber-Valuable rookie deal and drafted another all-NBA talent, it would be difficult to refuse and choose.
Over the course of several seasons, the NBA’s roster has often changed dramatically, especially for teams like San Antonio that are often in trade rumors. Most of Harper’s value as a creator comes with the ball, which may reduce some of his survivability with Castle and Fox. However, Harper’s ceiling may be higher than both players.
Harper’s off-ball acumen is underestimated as he is a powerful close-range attacker and decisive second-team scorer. So far, he hasn’t had many opportunities to play in his career because his team relies heavily on his creations. But when he gets the chance, Harper always flashes NBA-level cuts, passes, pitches and ball-driving ribs.
Next week, the Spurs will have a lot of suitors in the second pick. Whether they’re shipping for superstars or something else, keeping the draft pick and drafting elite talent is probably their best long-term move.
