Predicting a double-tradedown a bit much, but the overall prediction is sound, especially if the talent level between 3-6 is essentially the same (questions of fit and floor/ceiling aside). In this case he thinks Knueppel should be their pick even at 3, so it's good business.
Supposedly the Sixers already tried to get the #2 pick for a shot at Harper.
With these two trades, they end up with No. 6, No. 18, No. 33 and get off the Drummond and Gordon deals as they look to re-sign Quentin Grimes and Guerschon Yabusele. Itās not a massive haul, but itās extremely helpful. And at No. 6, they get the guy Iād have at the top of their board at No. 3 in Knueppel, a bigger shooter who is competitive and tough. He has a case as the best shooter in the class along with Johnson, and his overall game was more impactful this season. He also has more ball skills than you think, especially in ball screens, and was better defensively than he got credit for being. He gives them more roster flexibility and versatility off the bench, as I think he can play the two and three fairly easily.
The difference between No. 3 and No. 6 financially next season is about $3 million, meaning the Sixers would save about $11.5 million between this and shedding the Drummond and Gordon deals. The No. 18 pick has about a $3 million salary for next year, but that would also be another cheap roster spot for the next four years or another asset in their cache. This feels like a win for everyone, with two rebuilding teams getting prospects that they want and the Sixers getting more assets and flexibility as they look to retool a potential contender on the fly.
