The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season, one that ended with the team missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Finishing with a 27-55 record, the 76ers landed the third pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, setting them up to add a young star to their core, which already consists of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey.
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz predicted that the 76ers could make a surprise blockbuster trade, sending their lottery pick to the Boston Celtics for All-Star forward Jaylen Brown.
"Talk of the Philadelphia 76ers potentially swapping the No. 3 overall pick and Paul George for Kevin Durant or Lauri Markkanen would be foolish, Swarts writes.
He adds that the 76ers would likely have to part with Paul George, whom the 76ers added last offseason.
"If the Sixers could land Brown instead, Philly should pull the trigger. Such a move would likely have George rerouted to a third team, assuming the Celtics would want to clear salary by moving Brown."
Brown is coming off another All-Star-caliber season for the Celtics, averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists for the No.2 seed.
Despite a strong showing, the Celtics fell short of their goal of going back-to-back, losing to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Now, with the Celtics looking to shed salary, moving Brwon could be on the table.
76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has gained a reputation for swinging for the fences, and trading for Jaylen Brown would align perfectly with that bold philosophy.
While reports have indicated that the 76ers intend to keep the No. 3 overall pick and add a young star to their roster, it'll be hard to pass on a former Finals MVP in his prime to pair with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.