The Philadelphia 76ers are widely known for their aggressive roster maneuvers—and as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, they’ve quietly begun exploring one of the boldest moves yet: trading up from No.3 to No.2 overall. This comes amid growing momentum to secure Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, long considered the consensus No.2 prospect behind Duke’s Cooper Flagg. But can Philly outbid the Spurs for that prime pick?
Why No.2 Matters to Philly
Targeting Dylan Harper
- Top-2 prospect: Harper stands 6’6 with a 6’10½ wingspan, possesses advanced guard skills, and projects as a three-level scorer and versatile defender.
- Perfect match next to Maxey: Philadelphia envisions Harper easing pressure off Tyrese Maxey, providing much-needed playmaking and athleticism behind their young star.
Real Asset Cost
- Asking price: To leap from No.3 to No.2, the Sixers likely need to offer significant assets—rumored options include the unprotected 2028 Clippers pick, perhaps paired with guard Jared McCain.
- Calculating value: While some analysts think the asset toll is heavy, Philly’s front office led by Daryl Morey doesn’t shy away from going all in on high-ceiling talent.
Spurs’ Perspective: To Trade or Stay
Logjam Backcourt
- Loaded guard rotation: San Antonio’s backcourt now includes De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell. Adding Harper to that mix raises spacing and usage concerns.
- Potential misfit: Harper’s shooting remains the biggest question, and it’s unclear how he’d complement Castle and Fox long-term.
Asset Flexibility
- Future draft capital: As a rebuilding-savvy franchise, the Spurs highly value future picks. A Clippers pick could align better with their timeline.
- Win-now opportunity: San Antonio is reportedly also eyeing superstar trade scenarios, and the No.2 pick might help anchor such a deal.
Current Stance
- Standing pat: League sources suggest the Spurs are signaling to teams that they’re excited to draft Harper and not actively shopping the pick.
- But… The Spurs are reportedly keeping conversations open and are willing to listen if the offer is significant enough.
What’s Driving Philly’s Move-Up Logic
Draft Profile & Fit
- Harper vs. Alternatives: Although Philly is in strong contact with other top picks like V.J. Edgecombe and Ace Bailey, Harper offers the rare blend of size, playmaking, and maturity they value.
- Team Composition Goal: The 76ers are seeking a secondary playmaker to complement Maxey and George, while still preparing for the post-Embiid era.
Front Office Philosophy
- Daryl Morey’s blueprint: Known for data-driven risks, Morey has shown a willingness to mortgage future picks for high-upside talent that shifts the championship needle.
Likely Trade Scenarios
| Offer Source | What Spurs Get | What Sixers Get |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Clippers Pick + Something | Unprotected 2028 Clippers pick (and possibly an additional asset) | No. 2 pick |
| 2. McCain + Pick | Guard Jared McCain and a first-rounder from Philly | Move from No. 3 to No. 2 |
| 3. Multi-Pick + Players | Future draft picks plus depth players from the Sixers roster | No. 2 pick and increased roster flexibility |
The Stakes: What’s at Risk & Reward
Philly’s Gamble
- Upside: Nabbing Harper could secure the perfect co-star for Maxey long-term—a potential duo to drive deep playoff runs.
- Downside: Losing an unprotected future pick is risky—especially if Harper fails to meet expectations.
Spurs’ Equation
- Upside: Packaging picks gives them flexibility—either roll with Harper or parlay assets into a star.
- Downside: Passing on Harper could mean missing a high-impact, all-around player at a premium position.
League-Wide Reactions
- Mock drafts place Harper at No.2: Most experts expect Harper to stay put unless a major offer appears.
- Spurs prefer Harper: San Antonio reportedly remains committed to taking Harper if they don’t find a blockbuster offer worth the drop.
- Philly is exploring: The 76ers are actively listening and engaged, but not desperate to overpay.
What Happens Next
- Final workouts: The Sixers plan additional workouts with Harper, Edgecombe, and Bailey. These sessions may tip their decision.
- Intel builds: Expect more updates over the next week as front offices finalize their boards and assess risk-reward tradeoffs.
- Draft night climax: All eyes will be on the draft when Philly is on the clock at No.3—or maybe earlier, if they pull off a trade for No.2.
Conclusion: Who Wins
If the trade happens, Philly lands an elite prospect in Harper who could define their next decade. If it doesn’t, they still have a strong fallback at No.3. For the Spurs, staying at No.2 likely gives them a player they love, but flipping the pick could give them multiple bites at the apple. Either way, it’s a high-stakes dance that will shape both franchises for years to come.
