Ace Bailey’s stock has begun to slide in the days leading up to the NBA Draft, in part due to his decision to skip workouts with several teams. Most notably, he canceled a workout with the Philadelphia 76ers — a team many expected to take him with the No. 3 pick. While the Sixers haven’t ruled him out entirely, they’re aware that Bailey is seeking a fast track to a starring role, something Philadelphia might not be able to offer.
With stars like Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and newly acquired Paul George, the 76ers already have an established core. Since George plays the same position as Bailey and is signed to a major deal, the rookie would likely have to start his career coming off the bench. That lack of a clear starting path could be enough for both Bailey and his representatives to look elsewhere.
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Washington Wizards (No. 6), New Orleans Pelicans (No. 7), and Brooklyn Nets (No. 8) are interested in trading up to select Bailey. Pompey also noted that Bailey’s camp reportedly prefers he stays on the East Coast — ideally with a team located between Atlanta and New York — which could further steer his landing spot.
If the 76ers decide to move in a different direction — possibly selecting guard VJ Edgecombe, who may be a better fit for their roster — they could explore trading down. Washington, for instance, could be in the best position to grab Bailey. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman projected the Wizards to take him at No. 6, arguing Bailey’s scoring upside is too high to pass on. Washington, coming off a league-worst 18–64 season, is in desperate need of a new franchise cornerstone, and Bailey could step into that role right away.
The Pelicans and Nets are also positioned to make a move. New Orleans may be headed toward a rebuild after multiple injury-riddled seasons, and Bailey could be the centerpiece of a younger core alongside Zion Williamson. Brooklyn, meanwhile, holds four first-round picks and could package some of them — possibly with forward Cam Johnson — to move up. With Cam Thomas expected to re-sign, adding Bailey would give the Nets a dynamic scoring duo for the future. As the draft nears, Bailey’s slide may open the door for one of these teams to land a top talent with star potential.
