New Sixers rumor points to a Draft night trade — and what to make of it

The Sixers are officially on the clock, and for the first time in what feels like a damn decade, they have a real opportunity to shape the future instead of duct-taping the present. The #3 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft is a golden ticket — and the only way they should even consider trading it is if the return package includes someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo walking through the Wells Fargo Center doors in a Sixers jersey.

Latest Intel: Sixers Likely Keeping the Pick — But Staying Open for Business
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Sixers aren’t exactly slamming the door shut on trade talks, but fans can breathe a little easier — it doesn’t sound like Daryl Morey is looking to punt on the #3 overall pick.

“If the Sixers do end up making a move involving the No. 3 pick, don’t expect them to fall too far down the board,” Stein reported. “League sources say Philly is fully locked in on adding a high-upside young talent after their lottery luck on May 12.”

And then there’s this rumor…

The Sixers could target Kevin Durant this offseason, with the No. 3 pick and Paul George being on the table 👀

(Per @JeremyWoo) pic.twitter.com/g6xodVu5Mm

— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) May 19, 2025

As much as it pains me to say this, I’d be very hesitant on trading for Kevin Durant. Yes, that Kevin Durant. The Slim Reaper. The guy I’ve wanted standing next to Joel Embiid since the moment “The Process” turned into anything worth watching. Not Jimmy Butler, not James Harden, not even Paul George — I’ve always wanted Kevin freaking Durant in a Sixers jersey

I love Kevin Durant. I’ve dreamed of seeing KD next to Embiid since The Process was still in diapers. But at this point? With KD’s age and injury history? I’m not mortgaging the #3 pick and Paul George just to finally make that dream happen. Not when Ace Bailey is sitting right there — a 6’9″ freak athlete with a jumper and upside through the roof.

Don’t Overthink It: Draft Ace Bailey

If it were up to me, we’re keeping that pick and taking Ace Bailey. No questions asked. No overthinking. Just walk up to the podium and make the call.

Bailey is exactly the kind of high-upside, modern wing this franchise has never had the guts to develop. A 6’9” athletic freak with bounce, shot-making, and sky-high potential. The type of guy who could actually grow alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, or lead the next era when Embiid inevitably wears down — because newsflash: he’s not getting younger either.

Read More: Sixers “Expected” to listen to trade offers for No. 3 Pick… Daryl Morey can not screw this up >>

Instead of packaging the pick for another aging veteran on a two-year rental, how about we try something revolutionary in this city — actually develop a young player. Watch him blossom. Build something real.

Which by the way, has a way higher chance of happening staying at pick number 3 and selecting a player there. I feel like this trade back idea that people are floating around is total nerd speak. Why? So we can get another future pick? We don’t have time for all of that. We need young talent and talent that has potential to turn into superstar talent.

This is the Sixers we’re talking about, not the Philadelphia Eagles. We managed to dig ourselves in yet another hole and we need to replenish correctly. So, what better way than to just draft another stud at a position of need? We did it with Tyrese Maxey, we did it with Jared McCain, now we’re staring down the barrel of Ace Bailey, who is a modern wing player that has loads of potential.

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