This is the third pick in our Composite Mock Draft; check out the rest of the picks as they are revealed over the coming days leading into the 2025 NBA Draft.
Pick No. 1: The Dallas Mavericks select Cooper Flagg
Pick No. 2: The Utah Jazz select Dylan Harper
The Washington Wizards just struggled through one of the worst seasons in franchise history, and their reward was, inexplicably, the No. 6 pick. While it's possible to find franchise-changing talent with the sixth pick -- players such as Damian Lillard and Larry Bird have been drafted at No. 6 -- it's much more likely the Wizards end up drafting a ho-hum future bench player.
The allure of trading up, however, allows the Wizards to identify the player they believe has the best chance at being a long-term starter or even star in the NBA and then ensure they draft him before another team does. In the 2025 Draft, trading up to No. 1 or No. 2 is likely to be impossible given the strength of the prospects available there.
There is a drop off in the eys of most talent evaluators to the third pick, and it just so happens that the Philadelphia 76ers own that pick. They are not the typical team picking in the Top 3; while Washington is in an all-out rebuild, the 76ers have three All-Stars and hope to be contending this season. That opens a window of opportunity for a trade.
The Wizards could offer the 76ers future draft capital they can use in a trade, salary cap relief to give them the flexibility to re-sign their free agents, and still provide them a Top-6 pick to add a top prospect to their young core. It's a win-win opportunity for the 76ers, and it allows the Wizards to go after their guy.
Trading up into the Top 3 is historically an expensive move, but Washington is helped by the obvious tier drop in prospects available and their ability to save the 76ers some money.
Therefore, in our Fansided Composite Mock Draft, we have a trade to announce:
The 76ers move off of over $8 million in salary by moving Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond, a significant amount of savings for a team trying to re-sign Quentin Grimes and Guerschon Yabusele under the second tax apron. Philadelphia will also save $2.9 million by going from the No. 3 pick down to the No. 6 pick.
The other piece of the return is Washington's first-round pick for next season, protected 1-4. If it does fall in the Top 4, as Washington likely hopes that it does, they will instead send their other first-round pick (it could come from a number of teams).
The Wizards thus leap up to No. 3 and have their pick of the second tier of players in the 2025 NBA Draft. Recent draft chatter has Washington interested in Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe, bringing him in for a workout and coming away very impressed. His two-way ability in the backcourt can fit next to whoever is their longtime point guard, and he has the upside to become a foundational player and a future All-Star.
Officially, then, the Washington Wizards trade up to No. 3 and draft VJ Edgecombe, freshman guard from Baylor University.
What VJ Edgecombe brings the Wizards
VJ Edgecombe is an elite athlete, explosive and quick-twitch as he flies around the court. That provides him with exceptional defensive tools, and when you add in his nonstop motor and his 6'8" wingspan he can be an All-Defense level backcourt defender.
On offense, he doesn't have the handle to be a full-time lead guard, and his left hand is a weakness right now -- if he is going to be a point guard he will need some significant development. Yet he has an extremely quick first step to attack closeouts, and is a great catch-and-shoot marksman and elite cutter, making him the perfect fit next to another on-ball player.
Edgecombe has the floor of a two-way starter at shooting guard, with the upside to be something much more. His fit with what Washington is building is intriguing, and the reports of his leadership and character make him an excellent player for the team to target. To draft him, however, they likely do need to trade up.