What happened: A new wave of draft chatter says the Washington Wizards are no longer locked in on their No. 1 overall selection, with AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson both in the conversation. The report frames the pick as genuinely open rather than a formality, a shift from earlier expectations that Dybantsa was the clear favorite.

Why it matters: Holding the No. 1 pick is the centerpiece of Washington's rebuild, so any wavering at the top reshapes how the rest of the lottery falls. The choice between Dybantsa and Peterson sets the franchise's direction for years and influences trade interest from teams hoping to move up.

What to watch: Watch for pre-draft workouts and any movement in trade talks as rival teams gauge whether Washington is willing to deal the pick.

Sources