As the Philadelphia 76ers gear up for summer league, the spotlight shifts to second-year players Justin Edwards and Adem Bona, who are expected to provide leadership for a roster filled with rookies. Coach TJ DiLeo emphasizes their roles as communicators and motivators, highlighting their experience from last season. Without Jared McCain, recovering from surgery, Edwards and Bona's mentorship will be crucial for the younger players. The team's first matchup is against the Utah Jazz, marking an important opportunity for both veterans and rookies.

The Philadelphia 76ers have finalized their summer league roster following the NBA draft, where they secured VJ Edgecombe as the No. 3 overall pick and Johni Broome at No. 35, alongside undrafted player Hunter Sallis on a two-way deal.

As the team prepares for the summer league, starting July 5 against the Utah Jazz, all eyes are on rookies Edgecombe, Broome, and Sallis, while veterans like Justin Edwards and Adem Bona are expected to guide them. Unfortunately, Jared McCain, recovering from meniscus surgery, will miss the summer league, focusing instead on rehabilitation for a full return in October.

During the pre-draft frenzy leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft, speculation surrounded Rutgers standout Ace Bailey, who controversially opted out of workouts with several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers. This decision drew criticism from former All-Star Jeff Teague, who labeled it as misguided, particularly highlighting that others, like Dylan Harper and Tre Johnson, did not decline workouts. In contrast, Teague heaped praise on Sixers forward Justin Edwards, suggesting that his potential is being overshadowed by his time at Kentucky.

Edwards, who averaged 10.1 points in his rookie season, is now poised for a more substantial role under coach Nick Nurse after signing a three-year deal. Teague believes that Edwards is poised to excel and contribute significantly to the team, especially as the Sixers aim to adapt and develop their roster.

The Philadelphia 76ers have been proactive in managing their roster, with recent moves regarding player options and contracts. Center Andre Drummond has opted into his $5 million contract for the 2025-26 season, while the team declined the option for guard Jared Butler, who will enter unrestricted free agency.

Moreover, the Sixers are re-signing breakout forward Justin Edwards on a three-year deal after initially declining his option. Edwards, an undrafted talent from Kentucky, has shown promise with an average of 10.1 points in 44 games last season, and the deal reportedly includes guarantees for two of the three years.

Justin Edwards has officially signed a new three-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, securing two guaranteed years after initially signing a two-way deal in July. The new contract, confirmed on Friday, will see Edwards earn $2 million in the 2025-26 season, an increase from the $1.9 million he would have received under his previous team option.

Edwards, a 6-foot-6 forward from Philadelphia, showcased his potential during his rookie season, averaging 10.1 points and 3.4 rebounds in 40 games. Notably, he scored a career-high 25 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder, demonstrating his capability to perform under pressure, a trait that could benefit fantasy teams as he becomes a more integral part of the Sixers' rotation.