Wizards sign first-round pick to rookie scale contract

Will Riley has signed his rookie scale contract with the Washington Wizards, according to NBA.com’s transaction log.

Riley was selected 21st in the 2025 draft by the Jazz as part of a deal that sent him to the Wizards along with the second-round pick that became Jamir Watkins and two future second-rounders.

A 6-foot--8 forward, Riley averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists while posting .432/.326/.724 shooting splits to claim the honor of Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year for Illinois.

After impressing out of the gate, Riley slowed down in the middle of the season before putting together a strong close to the year. He averaged 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists in his final 13 games, including conference tournaments, before posting 22 points and four rebounds in Illinois’ March Madness opening win against Xavier, though he struggled in the Round of 32 loss to Kentucky.

Tre Johnson, the team’s No. 6 overall pick, also signed his rookie scale contract earlier this weekend, so this deal locks up both of the Wizards’ first-round picks ahead of Summer League.

As our breakdown of this year’s rookie scale shows, Riley is expected to earn $3.5M in the first year of his deal and $17.2M total over the course of his rookie deal.