Heading into the 2025 NBA draft, former Duke sharpshooter Kon Knueppel appears to be a likely top 10 pick. There is even a chance he slips into the top five on draft night. He was an excellent running mate with Cooper Flagg this past season and is viewed by many scouts as one of the most NBA-ready players in this year’s class.
For a team like the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the third pick, it could make sense for them to trade down to acquire him. The 76ers are looking to bounce back after a poor season and contend in the East. They still have superstar Joel Embiid, so contending is a possibility. They can trade down, acquire a more NBA-ready player than what they might get from the third pick in the draft, and pick up another first-round pick in the deal.
On Sunday, a clip was posted on the 97.5 The Fanatic X account. In the clip, 76ers writer Keith Pompey from the Philadelphia Inquirer appeared on the show. He spoke about how it could make sense for the 76ers to trade down to acquire Knueppel and a late first-round pick.
“He might be the most NBA-ready guy as far as a plug-and-play. He’s also, he went to Duke. He played next to other great players. He knows how to blend in that way. So if you could trade down and he’s available and then also you can get another first-round pick, then I think that’s a pretty good option. I do, because let’s say if the 76ers are looking at it this year, where they’re trying to win.
“They’re not trying to play young players to just say, “we got them out there, getting them experience.” They’re hoping that they can contend in the East and what you need is a plug-and-play player and then you can provide depth with that other first-round pick that you’re able to get.”
Should The 76ers Trade Down And Draft Kon Knueppel? #76ers #nba #basketball #philadelphia pic.twitter.com/AJUtwvf7yc
— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) June 22, 2025
Kon Knueppel Is Projected To Get Drafted Between the Fourth and Sixth Pick
Kon Knueppel is not expected to be available for very long in the draft. As a result, if the 76ers want to trade down to acquire him, they only have a few trade partners they can choose from.
The Charlotte Hornets would be an interesting option. They have the fourth pick, making it possible to only drop back one spot. Although the Hornets do not have another first-round pick this year. They have two early second-round picks, which could be appealing assets to the 76ers.
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