Draft Buzz: Wizards Lean Toward Dybantsa as Teams Weigh Trades Near Top of Board
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The Washington Wizards remain undecided on how they will use the No. 1 pick in the June 23–24 NBA Draft, but league sources continue to view BYU wing AJ Dybantsa as the front-runner, according to reporting from The Athletic.
Dybantsa said Monday he expects his new club to climb the standings quickly, citing his adaptability and work ethic as factors that could mirror the Spurs’ recent rise.
Uncertainty at Nos. 5 and 6
Mock-draft intel compiled by Sam Vecenie indicates substantial intrigue around what the Clippers (No. 5) and Nets (No. 6) will do after the consensus top four. Both teams have been linked to multiple guards in that range and are gauging trade-down scenarios. Los Angeles and Brooklyn have also shown interest in Michigan center Aday Mara, potentially if they move back.
Additional Notes Around the Lottery
- Brooklyn is rumored to be eyeing Nate Ament, though Vecenie’s projection places the Nets with Arkansas guard Darius Acuff, whom he views as the best talent available.
- The Hawks (No. 8) have explored moving down. Vecenie slots Mara to Atlanta, noting the franchise could use a long-term successor to Trae Young.
- Both Vecenie and Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints have the Mavericks selecting Arizona guard Brayden Burries at No. 9. Sources say Klutch Sports may be steering Burries toward Dallas, while other lottery teams wonder why he has conducted few workouts. Dallas continues to survey multiple options at that spot.
- Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg could slide outside the lottery, partly because he is the oldest player projected in that tier. His reported floor is Oklahoma City at No. 17 or Charlotte at No. 18.
- Conversely, Wolverines teammate Morez Johnson is viewed as a rising prospect; several clubs consider him a lottery lock. Vecenie believes Johnson will not fall past No. 15, and both writers currently have Charlotte taking him 14th.
- Prospects such as Ament, Karim Lopez, Chris Cenac, Jayden Quaintance and Ebuka Okorie are considered to have wide draft ranges. Lopez could land anywhere from No. 11 to No. 25, per Vecenie.
The 2026 NBA Draft will be held June 23–24.
Source: Hoops Rumors
