Sixers Draft: Arizona star would make sense in potential trade-back scenario

The Sixers find themselves in a fascinating spot heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. With the No. 3 overall pick in hand and plenty of questions about how to build around Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, the door is wide open for a draft night shakeup. And if the Sixers decide to trade back in the first round, there’s one name that absolutely makes sense: Carter Bryant.

Sixers Could Land a Defensive Gem in Carter Bryant

Arizona's Carter Bryant has the makings of the big complementary wing all 30 NBA teams covet. Terrific physical tools, spot-up shooting, baseline feel, and valuable defensive versatility. pic.twitter.com/B0ZkY1B1cn

— Jacob Myers (@League_Him) February 11, 2025

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Bryant isn’t projected to go in the top five, but he’s quickly become a darling among draft analysts. Standing at 6’6.5” with a 7-foot wingspan and elite athleticism, he’s exactly the type of modern NBA wing that the Sixers could use. His defensive potential is downright scary — he was a nightmare for opposing offenses at Arizona, wreaking havoc on and off the ball and posting over four combined steals and blocks per 40 minutes.

That defensive versatility would be a game-changer for the 76ers, especially considering the need to complement offensive firepower like Maxey and McCain on the perimeter. Bryant’s ability to switch seamlessly and create turnovers could be the missing piece that tightens up the Sixers’ defense heading into next season.

Sixers Wouldn’t Need Bryant to be an Offensive Star

Let’s be real: Bryant’s offensive game isn’t fully developed yet. He averaged just 6.5 points in under 20 minutes per game as a freshman and posted an underwhelming assist-to-turnover ratio (36 assists to 37 turnovers). But that’s the beauty of the Sixers’ current roster — they don’t need him to be a creator right away. Instead, he’d be able to focus on knocking down open shots (he hit 37.1% from deep last year), rebounding, and making those hustle plays that Philly fans eat up.

Long-term, there’s reason to believe his offensive game will grow. He’s shown flashes of being able to put the ball on the floor and even hit a couple of pull-up jumpers. The foundation is there, and he could easily develop into an OG Anunoby-type role player — but hopefully without the injury history.

Sixers Draft Strategy: Carter Bryant Could Be the Perfect Trade-Back Target

The Sixers have the luxury of flexibility here. Carter Bryant isn’t someone you’d reach for at No. 3, but if Daryl Morey decides to trade back to around the 14th spot (where he’s currently projected to go in SB Nation’s mock draft), Bryant could be a home run addition. His defensive upside, rebounding tenacity, and flashes of offensive skill fit perfectly with the Sixers’ long-term vision.

If Morey decides to pull the trigger on a draft-night trade, Bryant’s name should be at the top of the Sixers’ big board. He’s the type of complementary piece that championship teams covet — and a perfect fit in a city that loves nothing more than gritty, do-it-all defenders.

Sixers fans should keep a close eye on Carter Bryant if trade-back rumors start swirling on draft night. His combination of size, defense, and athleticism would slot in seamlessly next to Philly’s stars and set the stage for a versatile, switch-heavy defense. The Sixers are always in the hunt for the next difference-maker, and Bryant could be just that — especially if they find themselves picking later in the first round.