With NBA Draft Nearing, Spurs Zero In on Dylan Harper; Jazz Monitoring Ace Bailey
With the 2025 NBA Draft 12 days away, teams around the league are beginning to tip their hands — and two lottery teams appear to have narrowed their sights on standout freshmen from Rutgers.
The San Antonio Spurs, owners of the No. 2 overall pick, have made their intentions clear: Dylan Harper is their guy. According to multiple league sources, Harper is the only player the Spurs have brought in for a pre-draft workout, and team officials have told Harper directly that he is the player they plan to take next Thursday night.
The 6-foot-6 guard is considered one of the most NBA-ready prospects in this year’s class, blending size, creativity and defensive toughness. He was a consistent presence at Rutgers all season long, showcasing a high IQ and polished two-way game. For the Spurs, Harper’s skill set complements franchise centerpiece Victor Wembanyama — a big reason why the team has focus its attention solely on him throughout the draft process.
Meanwhile, further up the board, the Utah Jazz are keeping close tabs on another Rutgers product: forward Ace Bailey.
Utah holds the No. 5 pick and has shown strong interest in Bailey, a 6-foot-10 athletic marvel with the potential to be one of the highest-ceiling players in the draft. Sources say the Jazz have inquired about Bailey in recent days and are seriously evaluating his fit with their young core.
Bailey turned heads all year with his blend of length, fluidity and scoring instincts. His ability to create shots and defend multiple positions has made him a popular name in top-five conversations, and Utah is among the teams doing due diligence.
It’s unclear whether the Jazz would need to trade up to secure Bailey — or if they believe he might fall to them at No. 5 — but the interest is real, and the front office has been actively exploring its options.
With draft boards solidifying and franchises locking in on their targets, both San Antonio and Utah appear to have zeroed in on their preferred players. And if things hold, Rutgers may hear two of its stars called within the first five picks on draft night.
The Spurs’ laser‑focused approach stands in stark contrast to a league-wide trend of casting wide nets during draft season. By locking in on a single player, San Antonio signals supreme confidence in its scouting and a willingness to fast‑track roster cohesion rather than hedge across multiple contingencies.
Brooklyn’s pursuit of Harper underscores the belief by some of the scarcity of true primary playmakers in this year’s class. Many have noted that the Nets have dangled future first‑rounders and veteran contracts in exploratory talks, banking on the belief that Harper’s upside is worth paying a premium to leapfrog the field. Whether any package moves the Spurs off their spot remains doubtful, but the calls illustrate how coveted Harper has become.
For Utah, the Bailey conversations reflect a broader organizational pivot toward length and switchability on the wings. After multiple seasons tinkering with three‑guard lineups, the Jazz appear intent on balancing the roster with a high‑ceiling forward capable of alleviating defensive pressure on the backcourt while adding a secondary scoring option.
Rutgers, once an afterthought in NBA circles, now finds itself on the cusp of a historic night. Should both Harper and Bailey land within the top five, it would mark the program’s first pair of lottery selections in the same draft and provide a recruiting jolt that could reverberate through the Big Ten for years.
Ultimately, the dominoes will fall quickly once the draft clock starts next Thursday. If San Antonio stays put and takes Harper, subsequent picks—particularly Nos. 3 through 6—could turn into a scramble as teams adjust on the fly. Until then, the chatter will only intensify, but for now the betting money is on Harper in silver and black, Bailey drawing serious looks in Salt Lake City, and the Nets lying in wait for any sign of movement.
“Hearing the Spurs have only brought in one player for a workout — Dylan Harper.
He visited their facility earlier this week and returned to NJ yesterday.
I'm told San Antonio wants him at No. 2. The Nets are interested too.
Also hearing the Jazz (No. 5) have eyes on Rutgers' Ace Bailey.”
- Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson
The Brooklyn Nets have dangled future first‑rounders and veteran contracts in their pursuit of Dylan Harper Jr, per @ScoopB
“Whether any package moves the Spurs off their (2) spot remains doubtful”
#2 for Cam Johnson, 26’ unprotected, 28’ unprotected and 30’ unprotected. Is that enough of a haul for the Spurs and is this a trade Brooklyn would even consider? Or would they want #14 and/or a player? KJ, Vassell or Sochan? By the way I’m not saying I want this I’m good with PG Fox, SG Harper and SF Castle.
Trading a franchise level creator/scorer to BKN devalues those picks immediately.
Love it. Welcome to SA, Dylan! Nets can off and keep their future FRPs
Scoop B is a clown FYI
I honestly can't comprehend the "let's trade a winning lottery ticket for more lottery tickets" logic.
Not just in this case, but in general.
Sounds like the Spurs gave Harper a promise so a trade is extremely unlikely.
San Antonio Spurs, owners of the No. 2 overall pick, have made their intentions clear: Dylan Harper is their guy. According to multiple league sources, Harper is the only player the Spurs have brought in for a pre-draft workout, and team officials have told Harper directly that he is the player they plan to take next Thursday night.
He might be but looks like he is well connected in the New Jersey area especially at Rutgers.
he should probably correct when the draft starts in his article. He thinks it’s next Thursday. It’s actually Wednesday the 25th.
The article just said, “Dylan Harper is their guy,” no Cam Johnson, no future picks.
The discussion would be trading up from #14, staying pat. Who is the target. I seriously think it’s trading up #14 plus Vassell or Barnes for Maluach if that’s who their target. In the process moving Vassell while hot, and freeing minutes for Harper.
For those who want Cam Johnson or Trey Murphy III. I seriously think you’ll find two or three of those in this draft, but only 1 Dylan Harper. This kid will be multiple All-Star, you don’t one to trade for a borderline All-Star.
The article just said, “Dylan Harper is their guy,” no Cam Johnson, no future picks. The discussion would be trading up from #14, staying pat. Who is the target. I seriously think it’s trading up #14 plus Vassell or Barnes for Maluach if that’s who their target. In the process moving Vassell while hot, and freeing minutes for Harper. For those who want Cam Johnson or Trey Murphy III. I seriously think you’ll find two or three of those in this draft, but only 1 Dylan Harper. This kid will be multiple All-Star, you don’t one to trade for a borderline All-Star.
Best scenario, #2 Harper, trade Vassell plus #14 and draft Malauch. John Collins opts out and ring chase with the Spurs. #38 project big or shooter. Capela or Adams signs as backup C. I’ll even throw in CP3 if he wants to ring chase only on a much reduced minutes, as playing coach to help both Castle and Harper.
Fox, CP3, Wesley,
Harper, Champ, Branham
Castle, Barnes, Keldon
Collins, Sochan, Mamu
Wemby, Malauch, Capela, #38 (2way)
Last edited by John B; 06-13-2025 at 03:14 PM.
Trade him where?
My assumption is that Malauch isn't making it past the Raptors at #9.
Sixers, Hornets, Jazz, Wizards, Pelicans, Nets. Which of those teams would trade down because they see Vassell as a valuable piece?
Sixers have Maxey and will probably get VJ.
The last thing Hornets need is another score first player with negative defense.
Jazz, Nets and Wizards have nothing, they want to take swings on BPA.
Pelicans need a point guard, maybe a big. They're not trading down for another shooting guard.
I was just hypothesizing what Brooklyn offered the Spurs for #2.
I wouldn't trade Harper for Cam in Johnson. Again the only time they should actually entertain this if they get some borderline All-Stars back, 3 future firsts and have a guy who they see becoming a future All-Star in the lower top 10 as a target. And that's more of a move that you would make after you indeed get KD.
Other than that just get Harper.
some people say he might fall. I just can't see him get past Atlanta. If he's there at #13 we would have some leverage with the ATL pick and swap, although I'd hate to trade those with Trae's future in jeopardy.
Last edited by RC_Drunkford; 06-13-2025 at 02:55 PM.
Da fuq?team officials have told Harper directly that he is the player they plan to take next Thursday night.
Draft is just under two weeks from now... on a Wednesday.
Journalism is dead. Welcome to our AI overlords.
I have a good feeling our starting lineup will be: Fox, Harper, Castle, John Collins, Wemby. I’m hoping John Collins opts out and signs with Spurs. I don’t see why he opts in just for Ainge to trade him to move up the draft. He’s a perfect fit in the Spurs and helps his future team. Or am I missing something?
Whether they get Maluach with Vassell plus #14, or Sorber at #14. The Spurs are not desperate. It’s a matter of moving Vassell and his salary, and free-up minutes for Harper.
Either Adams or Capela will be the backup Center.
The Spurs don’t need to be too cute about getting KD, etc.
They're still trying to claim Ace Bailey is 6'10"?
If we don't get KD I'd rather keep Devin. He's coming off a down season and would look much better. I'm all for John Collins. We could just package Barnes and Branham for him.
He literally said in his article Spurs are thinking of drafting Sarr or Risacher or Harper
Wasn’t it mentioned in the 2025 NBA Draft thread that Maluach was brought in for a workout, which directly contradicts this information?
Lmao hahahahaHe literally said in his article Spurs are thinking of drafting Sarr or Risacher or Harper
Seriously? Is he joking, or did he really not know who's in the draft?He literally said in his article Spurs are thinking of drafting Sarr or Risacher or Harper
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