NBA Draft Roundup: Bailey Cancels Workout with 76ers, Edgecombe Rises Up Draft Board in Philadelphia

The 2025 NBA draft is less than a week away and rumors are spreading like wildfire. The Philadelphia 76ers, holding the third overall pick, have been the center of multiple reports over the past several days. Will they trade out of the third pick? If they stay pat at No. 3, who will they end up selecting? Sixers’ president of basketball operations Daryl Morey could go in multiple different directions. Let’s dive into all the latest draft buzz surrounding the Sixers.

Bailey cancels scheduled pre-draft workout with Sixers

Ace Bailey’s approach throughout the pre-draft process has generated a lot of intrigue throughout the league. There were a lot of eyes on Bailey as he was getting set to visit the Sixers on Friday. The meeting would have been his first with an individual team in the weeks leading up to the draft. However, Jonathan Givony at ESPN reported late Wednesday night Bailey canceled his scheduled workout with the Sixers.

According to Givony’s reporting, Bailey’s pre-draft approach has “perplexed” NBA teams. He has declined invitations from multiple teams drafting inside the top-10. His camp believes he is a top-three player in the draft. They are seeking a situation with a “clear path to stardom” along with “ample minutes and usage to maximize his full potential.”

Givony also reported the Sixers have not ruled out selecting Bailey despite his refusal to visit Philadelphia. Morey has drafted multiple players in the past, including Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, who did not participate in a pre-draft workout with the team. It is still possible the Sixers draft Bailey at No. 3 if they feel he is the best prospect available.

However, there were already questions about both Bailey’s skillset and his attitude going into the pre-draft process. At his best, Bailey can be a strong 3-and-D player with the potential to develop into being a top-end starter in the league. However, his shooting efficiency and shot selection underwhelmed at Rutgers. He also is an average ball handler who struggled to consistently penetrate and finish around the basket in college. His abysmal quote at the combine and perplexing pre-draft approach are also not helping his case to get selected amongst the top picks in the draft.

Bailey, on paper, could be a good fit in Philadelphia. He could flourish instantly as a 3-and-D player who has the potential to grow into much more. His immediate fit would be predicated on buying into a smaller role over his first couple seasons in the league. Based off recent reporting and the cancellation of his visit with the Sixers, his priority appears to be going to a team where he can immediately be a star.

The possibility the Sixers still select Bailey cannot be ruled out. However, considering the growing list of concerns about Bailey’s skillset and attitude it would be best if the Sixers went elsewhere on draft night.

Sixers exploring possible trade options to move out of No. 3 pick

Multiple reports have indicated the Sixers are potentially trying to trade out of the third overall pick. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported the Sixers ‘have engaged’ with the San Antonio Spurs about moving up to the No. 2 pick. The Sixers, by trading up to the second pick, would likely be going after Rutgers guard Dylan Harper.

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported “multiple future first-round picks have been offered in exchange for the rights to take Harper.” The Sixers have made calls in an attempt to swap picks with San Antonio. However, the Spurs appear unwilling to trade out of the No. 2 overall pick. Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported the Spurs “continue to convey that it plans to hold onto the No. 2 overall pick” to select Harper. Siegel echoed this reporting, writing San Antonio “hasn’t given any indications that they are seriously considering any offers to move out” from the second pick in the draft.

The Sixers are also reportedly considering offers to move down from the No. 3 overall pick. Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune on Wednesday said Philadelphia is interested in trading down to the fifth pick if they can get off the Paul George contract. George has three years and roughly $164.2 million left on the contract he signed with the Sixers last offseason. The nine-time All-Star is coming off a season where his production dipped. He was also limited to playing in just 41 games due to multiple injuries. A trade involving George is unlikely. The organization has consistently messaged throughout this offseason their desire to keep the core of Joel Embiid, Maxey and George together. Larsen also reported the trade talks between the Sixers and Utah Jazz “haven’t gotten into the serious stages.”

Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports reported the Sixers are unlikely to trade out of the third pick. “Philadelphia has been connected to trade scenarios of all kinds up to this point, but a league source said that a trade down was unlikely as of this juncture.” His reporting also included the Sixers “would probably need to be bowled over” by any potential offer involving trading back more than one spot.

Edgecombe appears to be the favorite if Sixers sit at No. 3 pick

Despite all the trade rumors involving the Sixers, the most likely outcome remains them sticking with the third overall pick. In that case, recent reporting has given some clarity on how their draft board is shaking out. Fischer, of the aforementioned The Stein Line, reported on June 11 Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe is the “prime candidate” for the Sixers at the No. 3 pick.

Edgecombe is said to have impressed with his work ethic, personality and interviews. He went to dinner with Morey and other Sixers higher-ups. Even Tyrese Maxey, sources say, flew in for the occasion. The Sixers are certainly intrigued by what type of defensive complement Edgecombe could provide their All-Star guard, sources say, in addition to his explosive upside on the offensive side of the ball. Edgecombe’s workout with the Sixers is the only known visit for the Bahamian national teamer, sources say. Several teams are of the belief he might only work out with Philadelphia, although it’s still very early in the draft process.

Scotto of HoopsHype on June 12 added the Sixers have “zeroed in on four NBA draft prospects with the No. 3 pick.” Edgecombe and Harper likely comprise two of those four names. Kon Knueppel told The Ringer’s Bill Simmons he has a Zoom interview with the Sixers late this week. The fourth player from that report could be either Bailey or Texas guard Tre Johnson. Regardless of who the Sixers select, they will be injecting some much needed youth and talent to the roster.