AJ Dybantsa feels like the most likely option to be selected by the Washington Wizards at No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The BYU standout has emerged as arguably the most talented prospect of the loaded draft class and after years of struggling to secure a cornerstone, it feels like the Wizards are finally in a position they can't mess up.
Obviously, Dybantsa's future in Washington won't be discussed by the team until he's officially selected at the end of June, but that hasn't stopped the projected top pick from discussing his future in the DMV.
In fact, Dybantsa seems to already be looking ahead to his potential fit with the Wizards to the point that he's already sent a clear message to Washington's star guard Trae Young.
AJ Dybantsa wants to wear No. 3 for the Wizards
In a recent appearance on Gilbert Arena's show, Gil's Arena, Dybantsa said that if he's selected by the Wizards, he's going to be eyeing Young's No. 3 jersey.
AJ Dybantsa says Trae Young will have to come off number 3 if he gets drafted to the Wizards:
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) June 1, 2026
“If they draft me, I do need 3, Trae. If they draft me. We’re gonna see in like 5 weeks”
(Via @NoChillGilZero) pic.twitter.com/aUTUvG0oe5
Considering Dybantsa has always worn the No. 3, dating back to his high school years, and he carried the tradition to the college level at BYU.
There's no doubt that Young likely won't just give up the number, but there's definitely some type of transaction that the two sides can come to an agreement on.
Young wore the No. 11 during his high school years, with the Oklahoma Sooners in college and the Atlanta Hawks, but with the number being retired by the Wizards in honor of Elvin Hayes, the option no longer remained.
Still, even with the name "Trae", it feels like Young has no real ties to the No. 3, at least that he's made public, and if that is the case, Young feels like the type of guy who's more than willing to work something out with his new running mate.
However, arguably the most encouraging takeaway from Dybantsa's comments is the fact that he's already looking ahead to his potential career in Washington.
Dybantsa seems completely open to joining the Wizards
All of the noise about Dybantsa's NBA Draft Lottery reaction to the Wizards earning the top pick has clearly been shut down.
People tried to create narratives about the forward forcing his way to the Utah Jazz, but all of Dybantsa's comments have directly suggested that he has no interest in doing that.
Being selected No. 1 seems like the Big 12 star's top goal, and landing with the Wizards feels like something he's very open to, and if looking ahead to what jersey number he'll wear in Washington doesn't suggest that, I'm not sure what will.
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