The Washington Wizards are heading into the 2026 NBA Draft with the first pick. They now control the destiny of the top players: AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, and Caleb Wilson. However, they’ve made it clear they aren’t sold on Dybantsa being the consensus top pick , and are open to moving down if the offer is right or looking for an opportunity to make another NBA blockbuster.
While it was previously reported that the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets held discussions about trading up in the draft, two new teams have been reportedly trying to strike a deal with Washington as well.
2 Lottery Teams Contacted The Washington Wizards About First Pick In 2026 NBA Draft
According to ClutchPoint’s Brett Siegel, the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks have contacted the Wizards’ front office about moving up in the draft. The Bulls currently own the fourth pick, while the Hawks sit four picks behind them at eighth. Both teams could make decent offers for the first selection, but whose would Washington pounce on? Let’s dive into what Chicago and Atlanta could be offering, and which would be more likely for the Wizards to take.
The Chicago Bulls’ Potential Offer
Chicago finished their 2025-26 campaign with a record of 31-51, missing out on the playoffs, but has found two franchise cornerstones in Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. As mentioned, the team owns the fourth pick in the draft, but they also hold picks 15, 38, and 56 in the 2026 draft. While moving outside of the top three isn’t preferred, the Bulls’ capital in this draft could be what the Wizards are looking for.
Taking their two firsts and a second, alongside a high upside player, could entice Washington not to hang up the phone. The Bulls don’t have many high-value players for a trade like this, but Patrick Williams, Rob Dillingham, or Nick Richards could see themselves in a potential package. The Wizards would miss out on Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer, but could take Wilson or one of the top guards like Keaton Wagler or Kingston Flemings instead.
The Atlanta Hawks’ Potential Offer
Atlanta had the misfortune of a solid run by the New Orleans Pelicans at the end of the regular season. At one point, the Hawks were projected to land the first pick while also competing for a playoff spot, but the Pelicans weren’t trying to lose, as Atlanta fleeced them out of their pick.
The Hawks could be one or two pieces away from contending in the Eastern Conference, and they may entice Washington with their list of picks as well. On top of the eighth pick, they also own picks 23 and 57 in the 2026 draft. While Chicago has the better picks, Atlanta’s depth could give Washington a few more players to pick from.
Players like Jonathan Kuminga or Zacchaire Risacher could find themselves in the package as the Wizards would try to find the talent to make up for moving down so far.
Is It Worth It?
While the Wizards are open to trading down, most experts believe they won’t. Being able to draft a potential superstar like Dybantsa, Boozer, or Peterson isn’t a possibility every draft. The last few draft classes have raised expectations by far, but most classes don’t have 10-15 potential All-Stars. Why give up your pick for anything less than a superstar? Teams may call, but if the Wizards aren’t blown away by an offer, don’t expect them to move at all. Washington most likely will retain their pick and make their first number one overall selection since drafting franchise legend John Wall in 2010.
Featured Image: David Banks-Imagn Images
