Washington Wizards Offseason Blueprint: Draft Harper and Queen, Build a Contender

Published 6 hours ago• 3 minute read

The Washington Wizards have quietly assembled a promising young core. With size, athleticism, and high basketball IQ, this group has a solid foundation. However, there's a glaring need: a true No. 1 scoring option—someone who can break down a defense, get into the paint, score at all three levels, or create for others under pressure.

Just look at the remaining teams in the playoffs. Each has a dynamic lead guard or offensive engine: Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander all fit that mold. Even the Nuggets have Nikola Jokić, a generational playmaker and scorer. The Wizards? As talented as our young players are, we don’t yet have that go-to bucket-getter.

Step 1: Trade Up for Dylan Harper

That’s why our top priority this offseason must be finding a way to move up to No. 2 in the draft to select Dylan Harper. Harper has the skill set to be the Wizards’ offensive centerpiece. He’s strong, creative, and can get his own shot or facilitate for teammates—exactly what this roster needs.

Here's a bold but calculated move: anticipate a potential trade where the Spurs send their No. 2 pick and assets to Milwaukee for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks’ draft future is bleak—they owe first-round picks or swaps in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. Trading Giannis means they’ll need draft capital to begin a rebuild.

Our Offer to Milwaukee:

Step 2: Trade Into the Top 10 Again for Derik Queen

Once Harper is secured, the next move is getting back into the top 10 to draft Derik Queen, a high-IQ, skilled big man who complements our roster.

Target: New Orleans Pelicans at No. 7. Their core is loaded with two-way guards, wings and forwards in the 23–28 age range (Zion, Murray, Herb Jones, Tre Murphy etc.). With CJ McCollum on an expiring contract, they may be open to retooling their backcourt and adding more shooting.

Three-Team Trade Proposal:

2025–26 Roster Projection

Starters:

Second Unit:

Bench/Development:

Development Notes:

2026–27 Lineup

Starters:

Second Unit:

SG: AJ Johnson
SF: Julian Champagnie
PF: Saddiq Bey
C: Tristan Vukčević

By 2026, the Wizards will have a young, athletic, versatile core, growing together with a lead guard in Harper and an inside presence in Queen. With continuity, internal development, and cap flexibility, this team should be a serious contender by the 2028–29 season.

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