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76ers Make Decision on Blockbuster Kevin Durant Trade: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Malik Brown | Last updated May 26, 2025 2:27 PM ET

After a disappointing season, the Philadelphia 76ers may be able to redeem themselves as they landed the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. There will be a number of key players to choose from, and they'll have the chance to focus on their present and future with the pick.

The hope is that whoever they select will be able to work alongside the star players of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, and if so, they could have a major jump from what transpired during this past season. The main thing for the 76ers will be to stay healthy, which was one of their main problems.

There have also been talks that the 76ers could trade the pick for a proven star, and a name that has come up is Kevin Durant. Nonetheless, it doesn't seem like the 76ers are interested in trading the pick at all, according to Marc Stein.

"I know there was the chatter this week about Philly and having possible interest. When I’ve checked out that scenario, it’s been strongly debunked to me," Stein said on the PHNX Suns podcast. "I do not think Philly is in the market for trying to pursue Kevin Durant. So yeah, I don’t foresee the Sixers emerging as a candidate there."

It would be best for the 76ers to focus on building their young core instead of trying to go all-in for a star player. Building from within can save them a lot of trouble, and they won't have to sacrifice their draft capital.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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