Article from Clutchsports
The 76ers would want to shed OKC's control over their 2025 pick specifically to use it for the draft. They must own their pick no matter where it falls because the cream of the crop in this year’s class may be too far out of reach.
Even if the Sixers end up with one of the six-worst records in the NBA, there's a legitimate chance they lose their pick because of the draft lottery. To guarantee that the pick won’t convey to OKC, Philly has to end the season with one of the two worst records in the league. Those spots in the lottery ensure that a pick stays at least in the top six.