Nets deferring first-round pick from 76ers to 2023; Philadelphia to keep No. 23 pick in 2022 NBA Draft

The Brooklyn Nets have deferred the 2022 first-round pick owed to them by the Philadelphia 76ers until 2023, the team confirmed to reporters on Wednesday. The pick was acquired in February’s James Harden-Ben Simmons blockbuster trade, and it will be unprotected next season. Brooklyn’s decision could potentially be beneficial for both sides.

For Brooklyn, the decision is largely an upside play. Harden has not yet made a decision on his $47 million player option, and he will turn 33 after an underwhelming second half in Philadelphia. Joel Embiid has dealt with injuries throughout his career as well, so if things go badly for the 76ers, the Nets stand to benefit significantly.

If they go well? That pick can only slide by a maximum of seven slots. The reward far outweighs the risk, and the added bonus here is that the Nets, who will be deep into the luxury tax if Kyrie Irving returns, don’t have to take on the added cost of a first-round pick on a rookie-scale contract.

Source: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nets-deferring-first-round-pick-from-76ers-to-2023-philadelphia-to-keep-no-23-pick-in-2022-nba-draft/