The Washington Wizards have waited 16 years for the chance to own the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft again, and the team's good fortune couldn't have come at a better time.
With a loaded draft class headlined by top prospects such as BYU's AJ Dybantsa and Kansas standout Darryn Peterson, teams around the league are looking for any possible way to persuade Washington to consider moving on from their top pick.
Obviously, after years of misfortune, it will take an absolute haul for the Wizards to consider trading down, but in a league where anything is possible, never say never.
That said, here's a look at three hypothetical trades that could force Washington to at least THINK about moving back in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Jazz send a haul for No. 1
This trade scenario may be the most realistic and the lone deal that I personally could see the Wizards doing.
Washington was locked in on selecting Ace Bailey last offseason as a strong consolation prize to missing out on Cooper Flagg, and the opportunity to acquire Bailey and still select one of Dybantsa or Peterson at No. 2 may be too good to pass up.
Of course, an extra future first-round pick is hard to turn down, and while it may be wishful thinking, Washington can name their price if Utah truly wants the top pick, as reports suggest.
Verdict: Accept
Bucks risk it all for AJ Dybantsa
Since Giannis Antetokounmpo became available, every team in the league has brainstormed a possible path to bring him to their city. For the Wizards, it never seemed like a realistic possibility, but if things get crazy this offseason, who knows?
The main question here is whether it's worth offloading Anthony Davis for Antetokounmpo and sliding back nine spots in the draft order.
Personally, the price seems too rich, especially considering Antetokounmpo's age and injury history. Not to mention, Washington would risk the Greek Freak choosing to walk in a couple of years, as he's yet to sign an extension.
Verdict: Decline
Bulls take a massive swing
The Chicago Bulls stumbled their way into the top four, and that alone could be a sign for them to go all out.
Looking at Chicago's roster, it's hard to think of a player that makes sense for Washington to bring back in any potential deal, so the most realistic package put together would probably include former lottery pick Matas Buzelis, who would fill a frontcourt need and offers upside.
In addition, Washington would slide down to No. 4 in the draft with the chance to select one of the remaining top prospects, which would likely consist of names such as Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, or Darius Acuff Jr.
Picking at No. 15 too would give Washington even more ammunition to add to their roster.
As for the 2029 first-round pick swap, that would obviously come down to which team is still trying to figure things out.
Verdict: Decline
Keep in mind, Washington doesn't have to move their pick, and if they deem the best outcome for them is to select the player of their choice, don't be shocked to see the Wizards remain at No. 1 overall.
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