Philadelphia 76ers eye Khaman Maluach & Tre Johnson for 2025 #3 pick as Quentin Grimes' free agency looms. Get the latest on their evolving draft strategy.
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
Monday brought a fresh wave of intrigue for Sixers fans, as reports surfaced that the team is broadening its horizons for the crucial third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. While Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe have long been rumored, Duke's Khaman Maluach and Texas's Tre Johnson are now reportedly in the mix, signaling a potentially pivotal shift in draft strategy as concerns mount over Quentin Grimes' impending free agency.
The Sixers are increasingly concerned about losing Quentin Grimes in free agency... his rising price tag could be problematic.
The buzz around the third pick just got a lot louder. Initially, the consensus pointed towards dynamic wings Ace Bailey or VJ Edgecombe. However, new whispers suggest the Sixers are seriously considering Duke's dominant center Khaman Maluach and Texas's scoring guard Tre Johnson. This expanded shortlist could be a direct response to the growing anxiety surrounding Quentin Grimes. If Grimes, who became a key piece after the Luka Doncic trade, prices himself out of Philadelphia, someone like Johnson could offer immediate backcourt help. Adding to the draft intrigue, the team is also reportedly scouting an unnamed overseas prospect, showing they're leaving no stone unturned to maximize this valuable pick after a dismal 24-58 season.
The Quentin Grimes situation is becoming a major talking point. After a breakout performance post-trade, his value has skyrocketed. As a restricted free agent, the Sixers can match any offer, but a bidding war could push his salary beyond what the cap-strapped front office can comfortably manage. This uncertainty makes the draft pick even more critical. On a more positive note for wing depth, veteran Kelly Oubre Jr. has hinted at a potential return. His scoring punch and energy were missed, and his presence would be a welcome boost, especially if Grimes departs.
While the focus is heavily on new talent, ESPN's Seth Greenberg threw a bit of cold water on the existing star power. He questioned the long-term viability of relying on both Joel Embiid and Paul George, given their respective injury histories. Greenberg suggested the Sixers might need to consider trading one of them to acquire more reliable depth pieces for Coach Nick Nurse. It's a tough pill to swallow, but after last season's struggles, every option needs to be on the table to build a consistently competitive roster.
In some lighter, more nostalgic news, the Sixers announced they'll be debuting Classic Edition jerseys for the 2025-26 season! This is a significant moment for fans, as it's the first time the team has been awarded a Classic Edition since Nike became the NBA's jersey distributor. While the design remains under wraps, it's a welcome piece of fan service that will surely have everyone reminiscing about past eras while looking forward to a fresh start.
This offseason is shaping up to be a monumental one for the Sixers. Between a high-stakes draft pick, crucial free agency decisions, and lingering questions about their stars, the front office has its work cut out. Stay tuned, Sixers fans, because the next few weeks could define the franchise's trajectory for years to come.
