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Playmaking Star 'Clearly Does Not Want to Play' for 76ers: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan D Adams | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 11:36 AM ET

There continues to be ongoing rumors about who the Philadelphia 76ers will take with the No. 3 pick in the NBA draft. All signs point to Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper being the first two selections before the Sixers are on the clock.

After the 76ers landed the No. 3 selection, the early mock draft buzz had Philly taking Ace Bailey. Things took a turn in recent weeks as Bailey refused to workout for the 76ers.

The star guard appears to be attempting to push his way to a mystery team of his choosing. With the NBA draft hours away from beginning, ESPN's Jonathan Givony reported that Ace Bailey does not want to play for the Sixers.

Instead, the NBA insider has the Sixers taking Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe with the No. 3 pick.

Paul George on Ace Bailey not working out for a single team:

“You're not in a position to be making all these demands. Make it to the league first... his way of going about it is just not right."

(via @PodcastPShow) pic.twitter.com/k5HYGM6TbS
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 25, 2025

"It appears Edgecombe will hear his name called at No. 3 because of his unique talent, but also because Ace Bailey's clear determination to avoid teams in this range puts the 76ers in a difficult position, potentially selecting someone who clearly does not want to play for them," Givony wrote on Wednesday.

"... As with Harper in San Antonio, Edgecombe's fit in Philadelphia's backcourt with Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain doesn't appear to be seamless. Still, there's significant upside to tap into with the high-level explosiveness Edgecombe possesses, as well as the flashes he has shown as a passer, shooter and defender."

NEWS: Rutgers star Ace Bailey has canceled his workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN.

Bailey remains the only US-based prospect yet to visit any NBA teams.

The Sixers have not ruled out selecting Bailey, sources say.

STORY: https://t.co/xiPP7zMOLb pic.twitter.com/ikFH2f9bkG
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 19, 2025

As for Bailey, ESPN projects the guard will slide to the Washington Wizards at No. 6 where the star could potentially become the new face of the franchise.

I asked #Rutgers star - and potential #Nets target - Ace Bailey if he noted people critiquing him for (reportedly) trying to steer his draft landing spot after Eli Manning, John Elway and others did the same. He took the high road. #nba #76ers #wizards pic.twitter.com/M2hAoyulGA
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) June 24, 2025

"Bailey, the No. 3 prospect on our big board, is the only U.S. prospect who has yet to visit an NBA team facility, continuing to decline workout invites from Philadelphia, Charlotte and Utah, and seemingly preferring the group of teams ranked outside the top five, specifically Washington, New Orleans and Brooklyn at No. 6-8," Givony noted. "This type of slide could cost him $10 million to $15 million if it happens."