The Charlotte Hornets' not landing in the top three of the 2025 draft left them with a predicament. With Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper presumably out of the picture, they have to wait for what the Philadelphia 76ers will do with the No. 3 pick before coming to a decision a selection later. However, with the Sixers reportedly open to trading down in the draft, per NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), Charlotte could try to move up and decide its own fate.
It remains to be seen what Philadelphia does by the time its name is called on draft night. But the rumor that the organization wants to package its first-round pick along with Paul George to bring in a different star has been "misread," as Fischer put it. Apparently, the Sixers plan on continuing to contend with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, George, and Jared McCain as their core.
Their supposed willingness to get a pick later in the draft should catch the Hornets' attention.
Charlotte should try to acquire the No. 3 pick, if available
What if Charlotte bit the bullet and made a call to Sixers general manager Daryl Morey to ask for their first-round selection? If it would only cost Buzz City a few second-round picks at most, it might be worth exploring. After all, it has several draft assets to spare, especially after a productive trade season this year.
Some might balk at the idea of the Hornets giving up valuable resources to go up a spot in the 2025 draft. However, it could prove to be favorable to them if it means getting to choose the prospect they have zeroed in on. It also should not come as a shock to see them make such a wild deal since it would not be out of character for them to do something unexpected on draft night.
Of course, such a move would depend on the Sixers' willingness to work with Charlotte. Perhaps Jeff Peterson can sell them the idea of taking the package featuring the fourth overall selection, then using it further to trade down in the draft in exchange for even more assets.
Only time will tell what happens with the Hornets and Philly's draft picks. Of course, Buzz City can always just stand pat and let the dice roll. However, if it is desperate to land a specific prospect, say VJ Edgecombe, who appears to be the perfect fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, or Ace Bailey, the youngster with the ridiculously high offensive upside, exploring a trade with the Sixers should be on its to-do list.