76ers Face First-Round Pick Gamble Ahead of NBA Draft Lottery

PHILADELPHIA — As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for the upcoming NBA draft lottery, their hopes are pinned on landing a top-six pick. If they do not, they will forfeit their first-round selection to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The lottery is set for May 12.

In a trade executed on November 18, 2020, Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey sent Al Horford‘s contract to the Thunder, along with the 34th pick and another future first-round selection, in exchange for Danny Green and other assets. This future pick is protected, allowing Philadelphia to keep it only if it lands in the top six.

Morey expressed confidence in the trade, stating, “First off, I feel very good about that trade because it put us in a great spot. We were the one-seed going into the playoffs. Usually, that gives you a 40-50% chance to make the finals.” This optimism, however, comes with the backdrop of a disappointing 24-58 record this season.

The Sixers have a 63.9% chance to retain their pick and a 10.5% chance of winning the lottery outright. If they fail to keep it this year, Philadelphia will owe a first-round selection in 2026 to the Thunder, conditional on the pick not being in the top four.

Morey noted the current roster’s limitations as the team grapples with the contracts held by stars Joel Embiid and George, making future trades difficult. “That’s going to be a tool for us,” said Morey. “We have above-average draft picks going forward to improve the team for next season.”

As the draft lottery approaches, the pressure mounts on the Sixers to avoid losing a valuable opportunity to inject young talent into their roster.