Wizards Have Made Aggressive Trade Offers To Land Top Pick In Draft

Dylan Harper #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

As the NBA Draft approaches, the Washington Wizards are focused on addressing one of the most pressing needs on their roster: finding a long-term answer at point guard.

Holding picks No. 6 and 18 in the first round, the Wizards have explored trade-up scenarios in hopes of securing one of the top backcourt prospects, league sources told RG. Washington has made multiple offers to teams in the top five in an effort to land either Dylan Harper or Jeremiah Fears, even being willing to part with surprising names to move up to No. 2 overall. Thus far, those attempts have been rebuffed.

San Antonio, which holds the No. 2 pick, has turned down overtures from both Washington and Philadelphia and remains committed to using the selection. Fears has also drawn top-five interest, leaving it unclear whether he will still be available when Washington is on the clock.

Washington’s front office, led by general manager Will Dawkins, remains committed to a youth-driven rebuild centered on upside and player development. Finding stability at point guard has become a central focus, with the organization prioritizing a player who can grow into a foundational piece.

In the event none of their preferred options are available at No. 6, the Wizards have also conducted significant due diligence on point guard prospects projected to be available at No. 18, sources told RG.

Jordan Poole spent a significant portion of last season handling lead guard duties, but reducing that responsibility could allow him to focus more on scoring while using his playmaking as a secondary strength.

Many scouts who have spoken to RG view Bub Carrington as best suited to provide a spark off the bench rather than serving as a full-time starter. Marcus Smart, acquired at the trade deadline, brings experience and defensive leadership but is entering the final year of a $21.6 million contract. At 31, he does not align with the team’s long-term timeline.

Malcolm Brogdon, who appeared in 24 games last season, is now an unrestricted free agent and is not expected to return, sources told RG. Among the teams being monitored as potential landing spots for Brogdon are the Dallas Mavericks, who are expected to pursue a veteran guard to help manage minutes while Kyrie Irving recovers from a torn ACL.

There will be options for Dallas in both the trade market and free agency. Several agents representing point guards in this year’s class told RG they view the Mavericks as an appealing opportunity to build value and contribute to a playoff-caliber roster.

The 2025 NBA Draft begins June 25 and will be held over two nights at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.