The Sixers have engaged in discussions with the Spurs about the possibility of moving up in the draft from No. 3 to No. 2, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link).
With Cooper Flagg viewed as a lock to be the first player drafted on June 25, Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper is widely considered the second-best prospect in this year’s class, making him the heavy favorite to be the No. 2 pick. However, it’s unclear how enthusiastic San Antonio is about the idea of adding Harper to a backcourt that already features former All-Star De’Aaron Fox and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle.
The Sixers have no shortage of talent at guard either, with Tyrese Maxey locked up to a long-term deal and Jared McCain making a strong first impression last season before a knee injury prematurely ended his rookie year. But Maxey and McCain are more reliable outside shooters than Fox and Castle, which should make them better suited to operate alongside another ball-handler.
If the Sixers do end up staying at No. 3, they’re zeroing in on four potential candidates for that pick, according to Scotto. A Wednesday report indicated that guard V.J. Edgecombe has made a strong case for consideration at No. 3, while forward Ace Bailey is also scheduled to make a pre-draft visit to Philadelphia for a private workout, so it seems safe to assume those are two of the four prospects in the mix.
A trade down has also been rumored as an option for the 76ers, though the team reportedly wants to add young talent to its roster and therefore isn’t looking to trade out of the first round entirely.
In addition to the No. 3 overall pick, Philadelphia holds the No. 35 selection in 2025. The club has traded away its own 2026 and 2028 first-rounders, but holds other future draft assets it could dangle in an effort to move up to No. 2, including the Clippers’ 2028 first-round pick, swap rights with the Clippers in 2029, their own first-rounders in 2030 and 2032, and an excess of second-rounders.
If the Spurs aren’t getting Durant, Giannis, or Brown. You they can turn #2 into McCain or a future FRP or something. They aren’t sold on Ace? They can turn #3 into Herb Jones, #7 and possibly another asset. And the they draft Maluach at 7 or Kon. Set. Game. Match.
Still have enough assets to make a run at someone.
Except this doesn’t make the Spurs better. The gap between Harper and everyone else is huge. There’s only two guys in this draft that are certain NBA starters. So McCain and Bailey for Harper is a bad trade. Maxey and Bailey is better but Bailey is not an upgrade to Spurs role players so this is basically Maxey for Harper which is a bad financial trade because you sacrifice years of control.
Spurs will draft Harper and give it time to see how they all fit together. They can always make trades later.
Now moving up for Harper is a smart move. I just don’t see Spurs wanting anything Sixers can offer. Only way this happens is if a Giannis trade doesn’t go down. After Harper, Fears is next best option. Jazz probably will take him. Certainly not getting by Wizards. Sixers can just take Fears. Or take VJ then trade him for Fears and whatever else you can get. VJ has a big future imo. Having Fears and McCain at point. Helps the Sixers next year and for the future. Two heads are better than one. Where as VJ will take a few years to develop. And considering he plays same position as Maxey. Sixers are better next year with Fears. PG is their biggest position of need.
There is no Giannis trade to Spurs – move on.
Knick Al the sixers I agree need a point guard, but you don’t draft for need at 3. Swapping 3 for 2 with future assets is more than fair IMO. Sixers should not trade down imo and stay at 3 draft vj edgecomb And call it a night.
Except Sixers are competing to contend. They aren’t rebuilding.
VJ is going to sit. And plays same position as Maxey.
The theory is always take best talent available. That’s great for a rebuilding team. Sixers are considered a contender healthy. Their best available talent is team strength, depth. Team need is best talent available for them. Whole point of building is to win one day. Sixers are ready to win. Their two biggest needs are PG and a shooter. They add that. They are that much stronger right away. They can’t think 3-4 yrs from now. Embiid and PG will be done.
Disagree
76ers should not trade #3 for draft picks, but for young players
76ers should trade #3 for young talents like
Cason Wallace
Mathurin
Jabari Smith
Dyson Daniels
Jalen Duren
Brandin Podziemski
I think the Spurs passing on Harper because they already have Castle would be a legendary fumbling of the bag.
Use it for Giannis teade …..
Same mistake the Kings made passing on Luka because of Fox. And it’s not like the team is ready to win a championship tomorrow. Draft the guy you think is best, then figure the rest out. And, perhaps more importantly, never trade down to someone you aren’t equally as excited about. That’s when mistakes happen.
I can’t imagine SAS passes on Harper, regardless of what PHI or any other team might offer. If anything, they’ll trade Castle, but I doubt it. With Wemby, Castle and Harper, they’ll have 3 RSC’s of generational to elite talents in successive years. In the NBA, you can’t mess with that.
No way they trade the ROY and where does fox Go to the Beach or bench. Spurs need to jump on whatever sixers offer, draft Bailey, demand McCain and future assets.
I’d be trading down for more assets. Are a few teams with multiple firsts. Best players at 3 don’t really suit the current roster. I’d happily drop back if a young top pick too. Philly wants you to workout for them…good for them, NO.
That’s why they trade down to 3 and draft Bailey at 3,he is the perfect fit, but not at 2.
And someone would wanna bail out the sixers why?
Plenty of reports on teams with multiple firsts wishing to trade up, just reports of course, for now. This is the NBA. If you haven’t noticed, got some real dumb ball clubs.
It’s sixers bailing out the Spurs IMO. The sixers throw in McCain the number 3 for a player the Spurs have no need for, the Spurs get value for ace Bailey And Harper and McCain becomes the best volume shooter on the team.
Who is bailing out the Sixers? They have the #3 pick…believe it or not, teams actually want that. Whether it’s a trade up or the spurs trading down if Giannis isn’t available. McCain and 3 would be a damn steal for the spurs. Harper did what exactly in college? As a Sixers fan, I’ve been burned too many times on “stud prospects” that couldn’t lead their team to the tourney. Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz still live in my brain rent free. My post it note says “VJ no matter what”
You left IMO out
Trade down and build a Thunder like war chest of future picks to replenish the team when supporting cast get too expensive around Wemby and Castle.