New NBA Rumors Reveal AJ Dybantsa Not 'Lock' to Go No. 1 to Wizards amid Trade Buzz

Despite seemingly being the favorite to go No. 1 overall to the Washington Wizards in the 2026 NBA draft next month, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa reportedly isn't considered a sure thing to be the first player off the board.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Woo, "Rival teams don't view Dybantsa as a lock to go first," and there is a belief within the league that the Wizards will at least consider all of Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson.

Woo added that there does appear to be a clear line of demarcation between the four aforementioned players and the rest of the draft class, which could potentially open the door for some trade movement.

Despite the top pick still being up for debate, Woo projected Dybantsa to go No. 1 overall to the Wizards in his latest mock draft, followed by Peterson to the Utah Jazz at No. 2, Boozer to the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3 and Wilson to the Chicago Bulls at No. 4.

That is the exact same top four Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman had in his newest mock as well.

Dybantsa was every bit as good as advertised in his one and only collegiate season, leading the nation with 25.5 points per game on 51.0 percent shooting from the field to go along with 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 three-pointers made and 1.1 steals per contest.

AJ Dybantsa Scores 34 Points vs. Texas Longhorns

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The 19-year-old was named a consensus First Team All-American, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and the winner of the Julius Erving Award, which is given annually to the best small forward in college basketball.

At 17-65, the Wizards had the worst record in the NBA this season, but if they nail the No. 1 overall pick, they are in a unique position where they could immediately turn things around and be a playoff team.

The Wizards acquired a pair of perennial All-Stars this season in Trae Young and Anthony Davis, but Young only played five games for the team and Davis didn't play at all.

Assuming both are healthy and ready to go next season along with 2024 No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr and whoever they take No. 1 overall, the Wizards could be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference next season.

It could be argued that Peterson would be a better team fit than Dybantsa since the Wizards are much lighter on quality guards than frontcourt players, but given their situation, they figure to go with whoever they believe is the best player in the class.