Projecting the winners and losers in the tank race

The lack of a clear direction for the Philadelphia 76ers with the third overall pick could lead them to the center of league-wide trade discussions. Ace Bailey and V.J. Edgecombe are considered the two most highly rated prospects under consideration at No. 3 after Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper come of the board at No. 1 and No. 2.

While the Sixers could listen to trade offers for the No. 3 pick, they are not expected to trade out of the draft altogether. Sources tell Jake Fischer that the Sixers are keen to add a young player to its core as they already have Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain as early career players alongside veterans Joel Embiid and Paul George. The Sixers could trade down and target another option such as Tre Johnson.

McCain gave the Sixers a productive player on a rookie-scale contract last season before he suffered a season-ending meniscus injury and the value of those types has never been higher than in the current apron environment.