A day after reports strongly linked the Sixers to VJ Edgecombe, another says the team has engaged with the Spurs for the No. 2 overall pick and Dylan Harper.
The Sixers-related draft buzz isn’t slowing down. According to HoopsHype’s Mike Scotto, Philadelphia has engaged the San Antonio Spurs in talks about moving up to the No. 2 pick— presumably with eyes on Rutgers star Dylan Harper.
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
This follows recent news that the Sixers hosted a private workout with VJ Edgecombe, then took him to dinner with Tyrese Maxey and members of the front office. Harper’s college teammate, Ace Bailey, is expected to work out with the Sixers in the coming days.
But let’s shift the focus to Harper, as this marks the first clear connection between him and the Sixers during the draft process — and it’s a meaningful one. He’s widely viewed as the consensus No. 2 prospect behind Cooper Flagg and would likely be the top pick in most other years. Standing 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10.5 wingspan, Harper combines a strong physical profile with legitimate guard skills. There’s a lot to like about his game, and even more to like about how he could fit with the Sixers.
A common concern — voiced often in comment sections and on Twitter—is the idea of the Sixers already having two “undersized” guards in Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. That’s fueled some hesitation about selecting another backcourt player like Edgecombe. But Harper is different. While he projects as a lead guard, his size and versatility allow him to defend taller guards and even some wings. On offense, his playmaking would complement both Maxey and McCain, especially given the growing belief that each may ultimately be more effective playing off the ball.
Outside of Flagg, Harper is as close to a sure thing as there is in this draft. His combination of size, playmaking, and long-term upside often puts him in a tier of his own — firmly between Flagg and the next group of prospects like Edgecombe. And if you’re wondering whether there’s a real gap between Harper and the rest, there is. Which is why, if the Sixers are serious about moving up to No. 2, it would likely take a significant asset to make it happen.
What might convince the Spurs to make a deal like this? Future draft capital is always appealing — and fortunately, the Sixers still control most of theirs. The centerpiece in any offer would likely be the unprotected 2028 Clippers pick, widely considered the crown jewel of Philadelphia’s draft assets. With an aging core in L.A., that pick could hold significant long-term value.
For San Antonio, that type of asset might be more enticing than adding Harper to a backcourt already featuring newly acquired De’Aaron Fox and rising rookie Stephon Castle. They could either keep the pick or flip it down the line for a more established player, depending on how their timeline evolves.
There’s certainly an argument for the Sixers to hold onto that 2028 pick — it’s a steep price to pay just to move up one spot on paper. If that becomes a sticking point, the Spurs could instead ask for Jared McCain. He would provide much-needed floor spacing around Victor Wembanyama and could thrive playing off the ball, leaning into his strengths as a shooter.
While adding another guard to San Antonio’s mix might raise some eyebrows, McCain’s versatility makes the fit more workable. Plus, in this scenario, the Spurs would still receive the third overall pick, giving them the chance to add another high-upside young player without sacrificing much long-term potential.
Outside of the Clippers pick and McCain himself, they control almost all of their own picks moving forward which means they could package a protected first of their own as well. They’d likely have to talk the Spurs down, but getting an additional future first for moving down a single spot isn’t a bad return if I’m San Antonio.
It remains to be seen whether the Sixers are simply doing their due diligence or if there’s genuine motivation to land Dylan Harper. Given his skill set and profile, it’s fair to assume there’s real interest. Harper fits the type of player the Sixers have been looking to pair with Maxey for quite some time.
Whether the Sixers stay at No. 3, move up to target Harper, or explore other trade scenarios, one thing is clear — they’re actively exploring every path to reshape the roster around Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid. With multiple options on the table and a front office known for being aggressive, Philadelphia’s draft night could end up being one of the more pivotal moments of the offseason.