Thursday, October 1, 2026
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With the NBA Draft around the corner, the Sixers hope to hit on a player who will help them in the short and long term with the No. 22 pick.
This draft has been categorized as particularly deep, but to get an immediate impact player, the Sixers have the option to trade up to get that type of difference-maker.
Sixers President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey is looking to turn the team into a contender and he could do so by making an immediate splash with 20 future picks stockpiled between now and 2032. How far should Philadelphia be willing to go to find a player who can grow with their two young, dynamic guards?
Here are four prospects who could justify a trade-up on draft night — and what it might cost to get them.
The cost of trading up for the prospects below would be substantial, as it would require moving up at least eight or nine spots in the draft. It would require a quality future first-round pick in addition to No. 22. A hefty price to pay, but for the right player, it would be well worth it.
Johnson projects as one of the most physically imposing front-court players in this year’s draft. His strong showing at the NBA Draft Combine significantly boosted his stock, with many projections placing him in the 12-16 range.
A relentless rebounder with a strong frame and explosive athleticism, Johnson thrives around the basket while bringing significant defensive upside. His motor stands out immediately, and his ability to impact games without needing plays called for him makes him particularly appealing for playoff-caliber teams or, in the Sixers' case, a team that struggles to rebound.
For the Sixers, he represents a long-term investment who would complement Joel Embiid in the short term before eventually stepping into a more prominent role down the line.
Mara’s unique combination of size, feel, and passing ability has scouts and talent evaluators fascinated with his upside.
Standing over seven feet tall, the Spanish big man possesses uncommon court vision and offensive instincts for a player his size. While questions remain about his mobility and physical development, his skill level is difficult to ignore.
The Sixers currently have Embiid, but finding a long-term backup center has been an ongoing challenge during his time in Philadelphia. Mara's ability to facilitate offense and protect the rim makes him an intriguing pairing, long-term and short-term, with the Sixers' young core of guards.
To move up four to five spots in the draft for the prospect below, Philly would have to give up a valuable draft asset, like a future first-round pick. A package to move up to in that range could involve the No. 22 pick in this year's draft and a protected first-round pick or multiple second-round picks.
Carr's size, athleticism and defensive versatility address several of Philadelphia's biggest long-term needs on the wing. At 6-foot-5 with impressive length, athleticism, and defensive versatility, he projects as the type of wing capable of guarding multiple positions while complementing high-usage stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. His ability to run the floor in transition, attack closeouts, and continue developing as a perimeter shooter would allow him to make an impact without requiring significant touches, making him an ideal fit within the Sixers' offensive structure.
Long-term, he has the tools to emerge as either a starter or an impactful sixth man, giving the Sixers another dynamic backcourt option and further flexibility in the three-guard lineups that became a staple of their rotation last season.
Moving up one or two positions in the draft shouldn’t cost the Sixers much, and the team should be willing to spend the cost if a player on their board is there at 20 or 21. It could cost the Sixers something in the realm of a couple of future second-round picks
Philon Jr. possesses many of the qualities NBA teams prioritize in modern lead guards: dynamic shot creation, advanced ball-handling, an ability to change speeds and keep defenders off balance, and the playmaking vision to create scoring opportunities for others consistently. While Tyrese Maxey is firmly entrenched as Philadelphia's point guard moving forward, Philon's versatility as both an on-ball creator and off-ball threat would allow the two to coexist effectively in the same backcourt, at least in spurts.
He did not test well athletically at the draft combine, but his skill makes up for the lack of burst and ability to finish above the rim. With the future of Quentin Grimes in question and the lack of guards on the roster in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Sixers could look to grab a player who fits with both Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
For a team trying to compete now while preparing for the future, moving up for the right prospect could prove more valuable than simply selecting whoever falls to them late in the first round.
MORE: Sixers 2026 NBA Draft: Is Chris Cenac Jr. worth the gamble for Philly?
