With the NBA Draft lottery nearly one week away, we take a look at what the options could be if the fifth overall pick materializes for the Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards may detest the idea of landing at No. 5 in the 2026 NBA Draft, but with roughly a 48% chance of ending up there, it’s a viable scenario that is tormenting the already tormented Wizards fan. And if that happens, the franchise will face a pivotal decision in its rebuild.
If the Wizards get scorned and are forced to draft at the undeserved slot at five, I believe there will be three options for the Wizards, all of which could have a lingering domino effect that could change the overall makeup of the Wizards.
Option one is the most aggressive: trade up. History shows it can work if the right partner emerges. The classic example remains when the Dallas Mavericks moved up in the 2018 draft to select Luka Doncic, striking a deal with the Atlanta Hawks, who were comfortable sliding down for Trae Young while gaining draft capital for their future. The Mavericks gave up a future top five protected pick to move up only two slots to select their franchise player. For Washington, a similar move would require finding a team at No. 3 or 4 (most likely 4) that is equally sold on a player likely to be available at five, perhaps a guard like Acuff or Wager. Ideally, this would be a team that is in major need of their lead guard of the future. But as always, it takes two to tango, and the price could be steep.
Option two is simpler: stay put and take the best player available. After a brutal season, the Wizards are in no position to draft for fit. Talent, especially potential superstar talent, has to be the priority. Even if the current Wizards roster is already stacked at guard, passing on the highest-upside prospect, which in this case would most likely be a guard, would be a mistake. You lost 65 games last year and don't yet have a clear vision as to who will be your best player moving forward, drafting for fit would be a travesty. Teams only draft for fit once they already have a clear vision of their roster makeup for the foreseeable future. The Wizards have a talented young roster that is brimming with potential, but next year will be a crucial year where the front office will sift through their roster and assess their key players moving, but most importantly, assess who will be their franchise player moving forward. Add talent to the mix and let the best man win is what I say.
Option three is a weird one: trading down. It’s not the most popular idea, but it has precedent. Deals like the recent Will Riley move, where the Wizards slid back a few spots while collecting additional second-round picks, offer a potential blueprint. If Washington believes a target like Wagler or Acuff or any player of their liking could still be available at No. 6 or 7, moving down and still securing “your guy” while stockpiling assets could be the move. The risk, of course, is losing “your guy” entirely.
Beyond the pick itself, the ripple effects could reshape the roster. Bub Carrington becomes a name to watch. While fans may speculate about moving him, I would be inclined to think otherwise. I believe the Wizards really value Bub, and with how his second year played out, especially in the 3 point department, could Bub Carrington offer some semblance of off ball prowess that Tre Johnson would but at a much lower cost? Lot of questions to be answered here. I believe the Wizards would only trade Bub if they feel they are getting compensated very fairly in return.
Then there’s Trae Young. With a potential extension looming, the Wizards must decide whether he fits their long-term vision. Even if a guard is selected at No. 5, Young’s playmaking, experience, and mentorship could justify keeping him, but it would have to be done at the right price. A 3 year 120 million contract extension could be in the works, but like everything else, it will depend on the lottery on May 10th.