The Wizards have the top pick. What they do with it is far from settled.
According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, Washington is not locked in on AJ Dybantsa despite his run atop mock drafts. Team officials plan to evaluate the class over the next six weeks and are open to all options, including trading down in what many around the league view as a top-heavy draft without a clear No. 1.
General manager Will Dawkins is expected to take a full look at the top tier. If a preferred target could be available later, sources told Mannix the Wizards would consider moving the pick.
One team to watch is the Jazz at No. 2. Mannix suggests Utah could have interest in moving up for Dybantsa, who may be the cleanest fit.
The Jazz already addressed the frontcourt with Jaren Jackson Jr. and have Keyonte George in place at point guard, making other top prospects less ideal. The cost to move up, however, would be significant.
Elsewhere, league-wide chatter continues to build.
Wizards executive Michael Winger told Jake Fischer of The Stein Line the team is willing to listen to offers for the top pick, adding it is “not a savior moment.” The Jazz are also open to discussions, with president Austin Ainge saying the team will always listen.
The Grizzlies at No. 3 are drawing strong interest as well. Fischer reports there is “no shortage” of inquiries, including speculation the pick could be tied to a deal involving Ja Morant.
That said, Memphis is not expected to move the selection simply to shed Morant, and executive Zach Kleiman has a track record of using picks aggressively.
As for the Nets, the lottery did them no favors. Brooklyn dropped to No. 6 and may be out of range for the top tier of prospects. General manager Sean Marks said the team will explore ways to move up, though rival executives are skeptical a deal from that spot is realistic.
The expectation across the league is that any movement will come near the top of the draft. The question is how aggressive teams are willing to be.
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