The Washington Wizards continued building for the future in the 2025 NBA Draft, adding two promising young players with their first-round selections: Tre Johnson and Will Riley. These moves signal the team’s clear focus on acquiring skilled offensive talent as they navigate their developmental timeline.
While the season ended on a high note with a buzzer-beating win, the focus quickly shifted to the draft lottery, where the Wizards ultimately landed the sixth overall pick. Their draft night didn’t stop there, as a trade with the Utah Jazz reshaped their second first-round selection.
Wizards Select Sharpshooter Tre Johnson at No. 6
With the sixth pick, the Wizards chose Tre Johnson, a 6-foot-5 guard from the University of Texas. Johnson, just 19 years old, arrived in Washington highly regarded for his offensive prowess, particularly his elite shooting ability.
During his freshman season at Texas, Johnson averaged nearly 20 points per game and shot an impressive 40 percent from three-point range. Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins didn’t mince words, calling Johnson potentially “one of the best shooters in the draft.” But his game isn’t limited to scoring; Dawkins also highlighted his capacity to “make plays for others.”
Draft analysts and team brass acknowledge that like many young prospects, Johnson has areas for significant growth, including defense, finishing at the basket, and physical strength. The Wizards took a transparent approach, even showing Johnson film clips where he took plays off to gauge his reaction and basketball IQ – a test he reportedly passed positively, showing it motivated him. This upfront communication is seen as vital for his development alongside other young Wizards like Bilal Coulibaly and Bub Carrington.
Johnson’s selection at No. 6 came with a degree of bittersweetness for some, as the Wizards reportedly had high interest in Ace Bailey, who was taken just one pick earlier by the Jazz. This outcome links Johnson and Bailey in the narrative of the 2025 draft lottery fall for Washington. Nevertheless, the Wizards are betting on Johnson’s work ethic and competitive fire, viewing him as potentially the team’s best young two-guard prospect since drafting Bradley Beal.
Trading Down and Adding Will Riley at No. 21
Later in the first round, the Wizards executed a trade, sending the rights to the 18th pick (Walter Clayton Jr.) to the Utah Jazz. In return, Washington acquired the 21st overall pick, the 43rd pick in this draft, and two future second-round selections.
With the newly acquired 21st pick, the Wizards selected Will Riley, a 6-foot-8 swingman from the University of Illinois. Riley, also 19, spent one season with the Illini, earning the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award while averaging 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
Dawkins praised Riley’s “ball skills” and playmaking potential, noting he’s “probably a better defender than people give him credit for.” While he has a thin frame and needs to improve efficiency, Riley is described as a competitive player with a good feel for the game who drives confidently.
The trade down to select Riley is seen by some as a “bold” move that yielded valuable assets while still landing a player reportedly high on the Wizards’ board. His potential has been evident since his days as a five-star recruit and standout performer on the EYBL circuit, where he once dropped 42 points efficiently. Standing over 6-foot-8 with a 78-inch wingspan, Riley possesses the physical tools for the wing position.
Strategy: Adding Skilled, Developmental Wings
The selections of Tre Johnson and Will Riley underscore the Wizards’ strategic approach: adding young, skilled offensive players who fit the mold of versatile wings. General Manager Will Dawkins emphasized the importance of acquiring players who “wanted to be here” and noted that both possess the skills to “move the scoreboard.”
The Wizards are betting heavily on the developmental upside of both players. Like Johnson, Riley is characterized as a hard worker who “eats the gym,” and the organization believes his game will benefit from consistent playing time under Coach Brian Keefe. Recent roster moves, including the Jordan Poole trade, have created significant opportunities for both rookies to earn minutes early in their NBA careers.
By adding Johnson and Riley, the Wizards continue to build one of the youngest cores in the league, stocking up on first and second-year talent. While there’s work ahead for both prospects, their selection reflects Washington’s commitment to patient development and acquiring the type of offensive firepower necessary for future success.
