A wild trade scenario is making waves ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite the odds and draft order suggesting otherwise, CBB analysts are floating the idea of Rutgers star Dylan Harper landing with the Washington Wizards.
With the Wizards holding the No. 6 pick and Harper projected to go second overall, the speculation has ignited debate about what it would take for Washington to make such a blockbuster move.
Dylan Harper and the Wizards: A Dream Fit or Fantasy?
The buzz around Dylan Harper centers on his status as the likely No. 2 pick, with most projections sending him to the San Antonio Spurs. Yet, as Adam Finkelstein put it, “the best fit would have been and maybe still could be the Washington Wizards,” citing the franchise’s accumulation of young assets and glaring need for a franchise point guard.
Harper, who averaged 19.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.9 rebounds as a freshman at Rutgers, brings the kind of all-around game and leadership that could transform Washington’s rebuilding roster.
After back-to-back seasons at the bottom of the standings (15-67 in 2023-24, 18-64 last year), the Wizards have amassed a core of promising talent but lack a clear floor general. The analyst’s scenario hinges on a series of unlikely but intriguing events, such as San Antonio getting involved in a multi-team deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo and needing a third team to facilitate, possibly putting Harper in play for Washington.
“I think it’s improbable, highly unlikely, but if I were Washington, I would be exhausting almost all possibilities to see if there was any way that Dylan Harper could be a Wizard in just a few weeks,” Finkelstein noted.
Washington’s young assets—ranging from Bilal Coulibaly to Alex Sarr—could be tempting trade chips, but moving from No. 6 to No. 2 would require a king’s ransom. With Harper’s combination of size (6-4½ without shoes, 213 pounds), wingspan (6-10½), and a true shooting percentage of 59.3%, he’s seen as a foundational piece for any franchise.
The Wizards’ pursuit, while far-fetched, underscores the franchise’s desperation for a star point guard to pair with their growing stable of young wings.
Draft Night Intrigue: Bailey, Edgecombe, and the Search for Perfect Fits
While the Harper-to-Wizards scenario dominates headlines, analysts also weigh in on the best NBA fits for other top prospects. Another Rutgers standout, Ace Bailey is widely seen as a potential star if he lands with the Brooklyn Nets.
“There is a star upside here… I think he needs to be in a situation where he has freedom to experiment and where development is emphasized over immediate results,” as Finkelstein notes. Bailey’s freshman numbers—17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 34.6% from three—highlight his unique scoring ability and versatility at 6’10”.
Meanwhile, VJ Edgecombe has become a potential favorite of the Charlotte Hornets. His raw athleticism and defensive potential fit naturally alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. In the Big 12, Edgecombe averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, garnering Freshman of the Year status.
“The fit with him in Charlotte is so obvious,” Finkelstein said, adding that Edgecombe’s rim pressure and defensive potential could help the Hornets build a more well-balanced and multi-dimensional lineup.
KEEP READING: Why College Basketball Players Keep Transfer Options Open After Declaring for the NBA Draft
As the 2025 NBA Draft nears, the inane trade speculation and team-fit discussions add to the suspense. Whether the Wizards actually plan to pull off the impossible and acquire Dylan Harper remains to be seen, but the fact it’s in play does speak to the high drama and unknown territory of a draft night.
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