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Wizards Secure No. 1 Pick, Weigh Trade; Dybantsa Shines

5/16/2026

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Summary

Wizards Get #1

Washington Wizards got No. 1 pick in the 2026 lottery; Utah Jazz got No. 2.
Owner Ryan Smith said it should be on the table, noting that executive Danny Ainge said team is open to a trade and Wizards president Michael Winger will consider trading down as pick is not a “savior moment.”
BYU junior AJ Dybantsa, 25.5 points per game, won the Julius Erving Award and met teams at the combine.

Summary

Jazz Trade

The Utah Jazz will include a 2027 first-round pick in the trade with Washington.
Darryn Peterson blamed high-dose creatine for season-long cramping that stopped after he quit, averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game at Kansas.
Jaren Jackson Jr. posted 22.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in three games before a left-knee procedure ended his season.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 the Orlando Magic won the draft lottery and used the No. 1 pick to select Shaquille O'Neal, a move that later helped the Lakers win three championships after the Magic traded his rights. The Magic sent a 1996 pick to the Washington Wizards, a precedent echoed today as Wizards owner Ryan Smith and exec Danny Ainge discuss trading the 2026 No. 1 lottery selection.

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Wizards Get #1

Washington Wizards got No. 1 pick in the 2026 lottery; Utah Jazz got No. 2.
Owner Ryan Smith said it should be on the table, noting that executive Danny Ainge said team is open to a trade and Wizards president Michael Winger will consider trading down as pick is not a “savior moment.”
BYU junior AJ Dybantsa, 25.5 points per game, won the Julius Erving Award and met teams at the combine.

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