Wizards, Jazz and Grizzlies Entertain Offers After Landing Top Three Lottery Picks
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The Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 selection in Sunday’s NBA draft lottery, but team officials say the pick is far from locked in on BYU standout AJ Dybantsa. According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, Washington plans to spend the next six weeks evaluating every option, including the possibility of trading down.
League sources told Mannix that general manager Will Dawkins will review reports on all top prospects and would consider a deal if the player the front office values could be obtained later in the draft. Executives around the league describe this class as top-heavy with no clear-cut franchise cornerstone.
Jazz eye potential move to No. 1
The Utah Jazz, holders of the second pick, are viewed as a candidate to trade up for Dybantsa. After acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. in February, Utah’s frontcourt is set, reducing the appeal of big man Cameron Boozer. With Keyonte George tabbed as the future point guard, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is also a less obvious fit. Sources believe the Jazz would have to present a significant package to climb one spot.
Front-office leaders keep options open
Wizards president Michael Winger confirmed to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line that he is “willing to listen” to offers for the top pick, calling the lottery win “another piece of the puzzle” alongside recent draft success and mid-season trades for Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Jazz president Austin Ainge struck a similar tone, telling Fischer, “We’re open. We’ll always listen.”
Grizzlies’ No. 3 pick draws interest
Fischer added that Memphis’ third overall pick is attracting heavy attention. One agent in Chicago speculated the selection could be included in a potential Ja Morant trade, though Fischer doubts the Grizzlies would part with a premium asset solely to shed salary. Team president Zach Kleiman has a history of aggressive draft moves, having traded up to No. 11 last year to land Cedric Coward.
Nets fall to sixth, explore options
The Brooklyn Nets slipped from No. 3 to No. 6 and are considered the lottery’s biggest loser. General manager Sean Marks said the organization will “look at everything” to move up, but multiple team officials around the league are skeptical anyone will drop to sixth. Most expect any maneuvering to occur within the top four selections.
The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov echoed that sentiment, quoting a high-ranking executive who said, “A team in the top four would be stupid to trade out.” Several executives also relayed that Peterson is not a certainty at No. 2 if Dybantsa goes first, noting some clubs prefer Boozer or Caleb Wilson.
With six weeks until draft night, the top of the board remains fluid, and rival front offices are bracing for significant negotiations involving the first three picks.
Source: Hoops Rumors
