Just over a week after their heartbreaking end to the 2024–25 season, Duke basketball may be on the verge of making its first major move in the transfer portal. The Blue Devils are considered one of the frontrunners to land Princeton standout guard Xaivian Lee.
According to 247Sports insider Travis Branham, Lee is currently weighing offers from four programs: Duke, Florida, Kentucky, and BYU.
“The four schools I’ve heard consistently are Kentucky, Florida, Duke, and BYU,” Branham said on the 247Sports College Basketball Show. “Even though Kentucky just picked up Jaland Lowe, they could still use another scoring guard. Florida has a big hole to fill with Walter Clayton Jr. gone. Duke’s situation depends on which players stay or declare, and BYU is actively pursuing a guard, with Lee high on their list.”
However, BYU may now be a less likely destination after adding former Baylor guard Rob Wright through the portal on Wednesday.
Lee just completed his junior year at Princeton, where he averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He shot 43.9% from the field and 36.6% from three, leading a Tigers team that finished 19–11. Widely regarded as one of the most dynamic guards in the nation, Lee earned back-to-back First Team All-Ivy League honors in 2024 and 2025.
A known NBA prospect, Lee has tested the draft waters in consecutive offseasons. He’s currently projected as the 51st overall pick to the New York Knicks in Bleacher Report’s latest 2025 NBA mock draft. However, signs now point toward Lee returning to the college ranks for one more season rather than going pro.
His addition would be a major boost for a Duke program that could be facing a near-total overhaul of its starting five. Senior guard Sion James has exhausted his eligibility, and Tyrese Proctor is expected to declare for the NBA Draft. Meanwhile, key reserves like Caleb Foster and Isaiah Evans are still undecided, weighing NBA, portal, or return options.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, Lee would be an ideal fit for Jon Scheyer’s system—a long, athletic lead guard who defends, scores from all levels, and facilitates offense at a high level. If Duke lands him, it could be a pivotal piece in shaping a competitive 2025–26 squad.
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