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Wizards Debut No.1 Pick Dybantsa, Sign Middleton After Russell Trade

7/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Wizards will debut No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa against No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson in the Las Vegas Summer League opener on July 9.
The Wizards signed Khris Middleton to a $17.6 million deal after he averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
The sign-and-trade sent D'Angelo Russell and second-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Dybantsa will also face rookies Darrius Acuff, Caleb Wilson and Keaton Wagler on July 12, 14 and 15.

History

Historical Context

The NBA launched the Las Vegas Summer League in 2004 with six teams—including the Wizards—creating a unified venue for rookie assessment that later grew to all 30 franchises by 2018. Reflecting that tradition, the 2024 Wizards field No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa against No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson in Las Vegas and sign veteran Khris Middleton, a strategy reminiscent of the team’s 2014 league-MVP success.

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Story summary

The Wizards will debut No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa against No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson in the Las Vegas Summer League opener on July 9.
The Wizards signed Khris Middleton to a $17.6 million deal after he averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
The sign-and-trade sent D'Angelo Russell and second-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Dybantsa will also face rookies Darrius Acuff, Caleb Wilson and Keaton Wagler on July 12, 14 and 15.

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