Just when we thought we understood the Philadelphia 76ers’ plans for the 2025 NBA Draft, another report surfaced that only added to the chaos. With all the speculation that Philadelphia could trade the third overall pick for a lower lottery selection, the latest intel on its draft process serves as a curveball, leaving fans unprepared for what’s to unfold in the next few weeks.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the 76ers have engaged with the San Antonio Spurs about potentially trading up for the second overall pick. Philadelphia has reportedly narrowed its interest to four prospects with the third overall pick. This list includes V.J. Edgecombe, who had a successful meeting with the 76ers last week, and Ace Bailey, who is scheduled to work out with them in the coming days.
Sources: The 76ers have engaged with the Spurs about potentially moving up to the No. 2 pick. For now, the Sixers have zeroed in on four NBA Draft prospects with the No. 3 pick, including a private workout last week with VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey visiting Philadelphia next week
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 12, 2025
If Philadelphia is truly interested in just four players within the early stages of the lottery, then it’s safe to assume that Dylan Harper is among them. The only reason that the 76ers would want to trade up in the draft is to obtain the Rutgers product, which signifies that there’s a great amount of intrigue. However, it’s interesting that this report and Jake Fischer’s intel on Edgecombe and Bailey have all come out in the past 24 hours. These reports could all be smokescreens to increase Philadelphia’s leverage and field the best possible offer if there’s a trade to be made.
What would a 76ers/Spurs trade look like?
The real question is what it would take for San Antonio to consider trading down a spot? The 76ers have a treasure chest of draft capital, primarily from trades finalized throughout the past two seasons. If Philadelphia could package the third overall selection with a handful of future picks, perhaps that’s something that could intrigue San Antonio. Still, the 76ers would likely need to give away a young asset and Jared McCain makes too much sense for the Spurs.
It’s no secret that Harper would be an unorthodox fit with San Antonio as they already roster De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle – two point guards who wouldn’t be labeled knock-down perimeter shooters. With McCain’s floor-spacing ability, he’d seamlessly fit alongside the Spurs’ emerging youthful core, but that is a price that the 76ers shouldn’t pay. In 23 games this season, McCain has shown too much promise as a dynamic offensive threat for Philadelphia to trade him away.
Make no mistake, Harper would be an excellent addition to the 76ers with his size and instincts as a playmaker. He’d be a perfect complement to Tyrese Maxey, who would be able to work off-ball more, which is where he excels the most. Still, if the asking price involves McCain, then Philadelphia should steer clear and focus on the prospects it has lined up with the third overall pick.
As I’ve said, when it comes to the NBA’s draft process, no one knows what a team’s true motive is until it’s forced to take action. With so many conflicting reports on the 76ers’ possession of the third overall pick, it wouldn’t be surprising if a potential trade takes place while they’re on the clock. The fact that Philadelphia reportedly has many options, whether it’s keeping the highly sought-after pick, trading up, or trading down, is a luxury.