The Los Angeles Lakers have previously been rumored to be willing to deal their lottery pick, No. 2 overall, in return for a veteran player of note in advance of the 2016 NBA Draft. The Lakers are hungry for established talent after missing the post-season in each of the last three years. But the Philadelphia 76ers, who own the No. 1 overall pick, do not appear to be looking for a trade.
Philly has not ruled out a move if the right deal presented itself, but general manager Bryan Colangelo admitted that he doesn't expect that to happen.
"I would say you never say never, but certainly trade the No. 1 pick is a highly unlikely situation," he said in a recent interview.
The 76ers' roster is littered with young players who possess considerable upside following three seasons of what many say was deliberate tanking on the part of former GM Sam Hinkie. Philly has made several picks in the lottery over the last few seasons, including Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid, Dario Saric and Jahlil Okafor. This year, the team has three more first-round picks. On paper, this sets Philly up with a young and talented long-term core. But the on-court results have been disappointing thus far.
Colangelo believes that the Sixers need to strike a balance between veteran players and young talent.
"I've been quoted as saying you can only have so many developing players in your fold," he said. "There's a lot to consider to finding a balance...I think there needs to be a blend of young talent and veterans on your roster, there needs to be a balance."
LSU's Ben Simmons is expected to be the top pick come draft day on June 23. Philly reportedly favors the point-forward over Duke's Brandon Ingram, who will likely end up in a Lakers jersey at No. 2. However, the draft is still a month away and anything can happen between now and then. It has been rumored that Simmons is hoping that he lands in Los Angeles in order to improve his negotiating leverage for his show endorsement deal, as well as reunite with high school teammate D'Angelo Russell.
We'll see how everything shakes out on draft day.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
