The Washington Wizards locked in a guaranteed top-eight selection in the 2026 NBA Draft by falling 129-98 to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night, dropping their record to 17-62.
The pick, protected through the first eight slots, will now remain in Washington’s possession. With the loss, the Wizards are assured of finishing among the league’s three worst teams, which means their pick cannot slide lower than No. 7 once the lottery order is set.
As a result, the franchise no longer owes the New York Knicks a future first-rounder. Instead, Washington will send its own second-round pick in this year’s draft and another second-rounder in 2027 to New York.
Washington has used 26 different players this season in an attempt to stabilize its roster. Former All-Stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis arrived in midseason trades, but Young has appeared in just five games for the Wizards, and Davis has yet to make his debut.
After winning their first two games following the All-Star break, the Wizards entered a prolonged skid, taking only one of their next 24 contests. Three games remain on their schedule.
Source: Hoops Rumors
