One outlet projected several trades centered around the Washington Wizards trading the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Do any of them make sense?
The frenzy around the Washington Wizards landing the top overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has led to all types of rumors and speculation about what the front office could do. While one report noted two teams are expected to show interest in the Wizards' top pick, Bleacher Report projected five more trades centered around the top overall pick. Do any of them make sense? We break down what they are and whether it's one that's logical for the Wizards.
Most Logical?
- Washington sends: #1 pick
- Utah sends: No. 2 pick, 2027 first-round pick (second-most favorable from Cleveland, Minnesota or Utah) and 2029 first-round pick (most favorable from Cleveland, Minnesota (top-five protection) or Utah)
Opinion: if a trade were to materialize, a top three pick makes the most sense with all eyes on what Utah would give up to move up once into the coveted top overall pick. Could this deal make sense? It may feel light of a return given it's only draft capital rather than Ace Bailey like fans hoped or Walker Kessler as was linked during the season. Still, adding two additional future first round picks over the next three drafts would stockpile the future outlook, while potentially adding some bargaining chips to make playoff pushes over the next two seasons. A 2029 pick would sweeten the future draft capital outlook considering Washington still owns three second round picks and two first round swaps with the Phoenix Suns through 2030.
Fallback option?
- Memphis sends: No. 3 pick, 2027 first-round pick (second-most favorable of CLE, MEM, MIN, LAL, UTA), Orlando's 2030 first-round pick
- Washington sends: No. 1 pick
Opinion: this would be likely the furthest many would be willing to go in a trade that involves only draft capital, and given the number three pick would likely give the front office the choice of either Cam Boozer or Caleb Wilson, both who could be integral pieces. A 2030 does make it a less incentivizing package, though the type of player the Wizards could add, like Wilson, could give next year's roster an immediate boost. But would this package even be enough?
Three team deal
- Washington Receives: No. 4, Philadelphia's 2028 first-round pick (top-eight protection), Denver's 2032 first-round pick (via Brooklyn)
- Chicago Receives: No. 6
- Brooklyn Receives: No. 1, Patrick Williams
Opinion: we're getting to the more complex trades, but this one might not make as much sense. A 2032 pick isn't all too enticing for a team looking to become more competitive, while a top-eight protected pick in two years may not be much more appealing after the Wizards ensured their top-eight protected pick stayed in the organization. Maybe for other teams, but this one doesn't make sense for Washington.
Longshot blockbuster
- Washington Receives: No. 3, Indiana's 2029 first-round pick (via LAC)
- Golden State Receives: Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal
- Los Angeles Clippers Receives: Jimmy Butler, No. 1
- Memphis Receives: No. 5, No. 11
Opinion: like we said, we're getting to the more complex trades. This one makes much more sense for other teams, specifically Golden State and the Clippers. Yet is it an attractive package for Washington? The third pick and a 2029 first round pick isn't a bad return, though if that 2029 could turn into a 2028, even a 2027, maybe this becomes something the front office gives credence to if a package like this does come to fruition.
Headscratcher...
- Washington Receives: Jalen Williams, Scoot Henderson, No. 12, Sacramento's 2028 second-round pick (via Portland), Denver's 2029 first-round pick (top-five protection; via OKC), Portland's 2031 second-round pick
- Oklahoma City Receives: Jerami Grant, No. 1
- Portland Receives: Anthony Davis
Opinion: even with all the noise about whether Anthony Davis truly wants to be in DC, this takes the prize for the worst projected trade. Not much needs to be said other than who should the Wizards take with the first overall pick?
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