Dylan Harper’s landing spot in the NBA may not be as certain as it once seemed.
The former Rutgers star is almost unanimously seen as the second-best prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft following expected top pick Cooper Flagg, so there is little question about when he will get picked. But with the event quickly approaching, there is some mystery about which team will be there to take him at No. 2 overall.
The San Antonio Spurs currently have the pick, but other teams are looking into the possibility of trading for it.
The Philadelphia 76ers, who currently have the No. 3 pick and have been linked with Harper’s former Rutgers teammate Ace Bailey, are the latest to be linked to a potential switch, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The local team has "engaged with the Spurs about potentially moving up to the No. 2 pick," Scotto reported. For now, he adds that the Sixers have zeroed in on four NBA Draft prospects with the No. 3 pick they currently hold. They held a private workout last week with VJ Edgecombe, while Bailey is expected to visit Philadelphia next week.
Those around the NBA do not seem to believe the trade is likely, however.
In his latest mock draft released on Thursday morning, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie wrote that “it feels like the only way that this selection would be on the table in a trade is if (Bucks star) Giannis Antetokounmpo became available in a deal.”
No matter what happens, both Rutgers stars will be in the building at the Barclays Center to see their NBA fate play out. Harper and Bailey both received invites to the green room, per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
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Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com.