With the Utah Jazz eyeing top prospect AJ Dybantsa, Washington faces a high-stakes dilemma: leverage the number one selection for a massive haul or draft a franchise-defining cornerstone.
The Washington Wizards didn’t have much time to enjoy its victory on lottery night. With the Wizards landing the first overall pick, all eyes quickly turned to AJ Dybantsa, hoping to see his reaction.
Dybantsa appeared calm, not showing much expression. However, the Utah Jazz landed the second overall pick. This is where things get really interesting.
Could the Wizards actually consider a scenario involving them trading back a spot or two? It’s possible, and the Wizards said they’d hear teams out.
This was the expectation, and the correct way of thinking here.
The Washington Wizards will reportedly consider trading down from the No. 1 pick, The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer reports with two teams expected to show interest.
“Winger told me directly that the Wizards will at least consider trading down. He insisted that this is ‘not a savior moment’ for Washington given that the franchise just traded for two former All-Stars in Trae Young and Anthony Davis on top of the slew of recent lottery picks it already has accumulated. He added that, in accordance with Wizards general manager Will Dawkins' prospect evaluations, Washington will not rule out a move downward if Dawkins determines there are two or three players that the Wizards are eager to come away with.”
Enter Utah owner Ryan Smith.
Smith became an influential force to bring Dybantsa to Utah. Smith’s ultimate goal has been to bring a prominent sports culture to the state of Utah.
Smith played a role in helping Dybantsa receive millions of dollars to play for BYU in 2025.
How badly does Utah want Dybantsa? When has a team actually given up the first overall pick? It’s actually fairly recent, and it involves Jazz GM Danny Ainge.
Ainge was part of the Celtics’ front office that traded down from the first pick in 2017. That led to Boston drafting Jayson Tatum third overall, with Markelle Fultz going number one to Philadelphia. We know how that turned out.
Should the Wizards entertain calls? Of course. This is the due diligence that Washington’s front office has prided itself with. Whether it’s gathering intel, listening to offers, player interviews, this group values assessing all options available.
This is the third time in franchise history the Wizards have the first pick. It’s hard to pass up on that opportunity.
The Jazz have an extremely intriguing asset profile to work with, but what would incline them to give up that future flexibility just to move up one spot. They own an extra first round pick via the Lakers next season, which is top-four protected. They also have the rights to a 2031 first rounder via Phoenix.
In terms of young asset players, Utah, much like Washington, is filled with solid pieces already. Many have floated an idea of the Jazz being willing to move 2025 fifth round pick Ace Bailey as part of a deal.
Reporting following the draft last year detailed Bailey’s decisions to avoid workouts with teams in the top four were made with the goal of falling to the Wizards. I still find it unlikely Utah moves him in this deal, nor would the Wizards be inclined to move down without a massive return.
The Jazz’s stockpiled future picks and assets give them strong flexibility in the future to mold out their roster even more. Like the Wizards, the Jazz intend to take a step forward next season. I don’t think the trade offers Washington will receive will be outlandish by any means.
So, the Wizards have a big decision to make. Do they stick and pick? Also, who should be the guy?
“This isn’t just a one person draft, but we got to go find the right one person for us,” Dawkins told The Sports Junkies on Monday morning.
Dawkins added the exciting part of their position is that they have “the power of choice”, which they haven’t always had
If the power of choice is truly important to the Wizards, they should take who they believe is their best choice at first overall.
It took the Wizards winning just over 50 games over a three year span to finally find a stroke of serendipity.
They are in search of their franchise cornerstone. This is the best opportunity they’ve ever had to get one in the last decade. Unless an offer truly is impossible to not accept, or Washington feels they are equally as happy with either of the top 2-3 prospects, I’d prefer to see them select someone with the top choice.