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Wizards Keep No. 1 as AJ Dybantsa Publicly Asks for Trae Young’s No. 3

A public jersey request has introduced a branding and locker-room wrinkle as Washington finalizes trade talks, medical reviews, and workouts before the June 23 draft.

Overview

  • The Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and have not announced a decision about using it or trading it.
  • AJ Dybantsa, the BYU wing widely projected to be the likely No. 1 pick, told Gilbert Arenas on a podcast that he would want to wear No. 3 if Washington selects him.
  • Dybantsa’s comment, made in a media appearance this week, drew some fan backlash for appearing bold toward Trae Young, who adopted No. 3 after joining the Wizards in January.
  • Front-office context remains fluid: Washington president Michael Winger is reportedly listening to offers, teams continue pre-draft workouts, and Darryn Peterson’s pending medicals are the principal variable that could reshuffle the top selections.
  • Beyond the jersey flap, scouts and analysts project Dybantsa as a high-upside, franchise-caliber wing with comparisons to Jaylen Brown and Tracy McGrady while noting shooting, playmaking, and defensive polish as areas to develop.