Sixers lottery scenario part two: Too soon to trade picks?

By George Kondoleon | May 16, 2017

Nov 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jerryd Bayless (0) defends against Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Chicago Bulls won 105-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The Los Angeles Lakers pick could fall into the Sixers’ lap tonight, and could turn draft night into a trade scene.

The Sixers have not only two ways of nailing the top pick (shouts to Vlade Divac), but they also have the chance to steal away a second top ten pick from the Lakers. Since the 2000 NBA Draft, the third slot has dropped out of the top three ten times. The possibility the Sixers obtain the Lakers is very high, which means Philadelphia will have two highly valued assets.

Assuming the picks are third and fourth or fourth and fifth, the Sixers could look to move those picks for a solidified star. There are “available” stars such as Jimmy Butler and Paul George that may be a realistic return in the right package. Considering contract situations, Butler would be the ideal return although it would likely take more than just these two picks.

It’s a question many have been asking about since the start of the rebuilding process. When will the Sixers have their “James Harden” trade? A massive trade for a player on the brink of stardom is what the Sixers have been sitting on for seasons now. It’s often the most forgotten aspect of the rebuild process envisioned by former general manager Sam Hinkie, but asset collection was meant to put the organization in position to trade for an available star.

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At the same time, however, a question of whether the trade springs the team forward enough to justify punting on drafting an organic core. The third or fourth pick could net one of Josh Jackson or Lonzo ball, and the fourth pick could be either Jayson Tatum or Malik Monk, depending on the third pick. Those would be two promising prospects the Sixers are passing up on for a highly priced star.

Another aspect would be the readiness of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Both seemingly have skill sets polished enough to mesh next to a star immediately. But Simmons has yet to step foot on an NBA court, and Joel Embiid‘s lack of playing time is clearly documented. The two are still inexperienced prospects who will have their own growing pains on the court.

Is it justifiable to try to shorten a timeline and not know if the result justifies the almost half-decade long process? Is it justifiable to not try to improve rapidly when the opportunity is there? There isn’t a right answer to this, but if the Sixers get multiple picks that are outside the top two then trade talks will for sure follow.

Even if talks never go past preliminary stages, it would be naive of the Sixers to not look at all options. It’d be nice to see the Sixers go after big names, but it would also be comforting to know that the front office is confident enough to trust their scouting department come draft night. Building a core through the draft is far from easy, but can be the foundation of a dynasty.

On the flip side, the Sixers should pursue to trade for the top pick in this year’s draft if Philadelphia ends up with the third and fourth picks. Adding in future picks or highly valued contracts along with two current top five picks could be enough to land the team with Markelle Fultz.

Next: Sixers lottery scenario part one: Jackson or Ball?

The Sixers actually don’t have just two ways of getting the first pick. The third option to trade up for the top spot is a long shot, but one that could happen if ping pong balls fall in the right place. Is it too soon to trade for a polished star? It’s arguable. But what isn’t arguable is the Sixers should be throwing some of their future assets to get the top pick in the draft. Even in this loaded draft class, the top pick still outweighs having the third and fourth pick by a mile.