Washington Wizards: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Darryn Peterson uses 1 word to sum up feeling before NBA Draft

There are only two days left before the 2026 NBA Draft, and for a few young men, the opportunity of a lifetime is on the horizon. Many talent evaluators believe that this draft class is stacked, especially at the top — with Kansas guard Darryn Peterson being one of the most hyped up prospects in this year’s crop.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

NBA Mock Draft Roundup Vol. 2: Who the experts think the Wizards will take

On May 26, Greg Finberg wrote a 2026 NBA mock draft roundup on which prospect will be going No. 1 to the Washington Wizards. Today is June 22, the day before the real thing.

Washington Wizards News / DC Sports King / June 22

Darryn Peterson Has Forced His Way into Wizards No. 1 Debate

Here we sit on Monday, June 22, 2026. In less than 36 hours, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn will go dead silent, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will step to the podium, and the Washington Wizards will officially go on the clock.

Anthony Davis News / Total Pro Sports / June 21

Anthony Davis’ Future in Washington Wizards Could Soon Reach a Franchise-Altering Crossroads

The Washington Wizards were supposed to be focused on the future. Suddenly, the present is demanding attention too. Between a potential No. 1 overall pick, a rising young core, and a pair of established stars, stuff seems to be getting interesting fast in D.C.

Washington Wizards News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'NBA assist champions' quiz

How many of the players to win the NBA's assist title since the NBA/ABA merger in 1976-77 season can you name in five minutes?

The 'Most NBA games played' quiz

The 'Active NBA All-Star leaders' quiz

The 'NBA Finals MVPs' quiz

Trae Young News / HITC / June 21

What if the wizards drafted to fit Trae Young? The risky move that could backfire

When Trae Young turned down his $48.97 million player option, it set off the usual cycle: rumours about free agency, discussions of possible destinations, and questions about whether Washington could hold onto him.

NBA News / Yardbarker

The best homegrown player for every NBA franchise

As an NBA fan, it hits different when a team's best player is a guy the franchise nurtured from the very start. There's a greater attachment to stars who have been there since the start, who have bled the team's colors since the start of their careers.

Washington Wizards News / The Spun / June 19

Report: Wizards Torn Between AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson For No. 1 Pick

The Washington Wizards have not yet determined who they'll select with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. AJ Dybantsa, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, has been the projected No.

Washington Wizards News / Larry Brown Sports / June 19

Wizards may be having second thoughts about the No. 1 pick

A new report suggests that the Washington Wizards may not be quite as decided on the No. 1 overall pick as the conventional wisdom has suggested. Multiple experts privately believe there is still a real chance that the Wizards draft Darryn Peterson ahead of AJ Dybantsa first overall, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

Washington Wizards News / NBA on ClutchPoints / June 19

Unfolding AJ Dybantsa-Darryn Peterson debate for Wizards’ No. 1 pick in NBA Draft

On Tuesday, the Washington Wizards will experience the day they’ve waited for since president Michael Winger and general manager Will Dawkins took over in 2023.

Washington Wizards News / NBA on ClutchPoints / June 19

Wizards guard D’Angelo Russell makes $6 million decision ahead of 2026-27 season

Washington Wizards guard D’Angelo Russell has decided to remain with the franchise for the 2026-27 season. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Russell has exercised his $6 million player option, ensuring he will stay under contract with Washington for another year rather than entering free agency this summer.

Washington Wizards News / Hoops Rumors / June 19

Wizards’ D’Angelo Russell Picks Up 2026/27 Option

D’Angelo Russell has become the first veteran to pick up a player option this offseason, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, who reports (via Twitter) that the Wizards point guard has opted in for the 2026/27 season.

Washington Wizards News / Bullets Forever / June 19

Report: D’Angelo Russell opts in to $6M player option

Veteran guard D’Angelo Russell has opted in to his $6 million player option for the 2026-27 season, Jake Fischer reported Friday. Russell, 30, was acquired by the Wizards on Feb.

NBA News / Yardbarker

The most unlikely 50-point games in NBA history

If an NBA player ends a game with 30 points, that's generally a great night. 40 points is fantastic, and 50 points is an event. That's especially true when that type of scoring outburst comes from an unexpected source.

Washington Wizards News / Washington Wizards on SI / June 19

The Wizards' Hunt for Another Lottery Pick: What's Worth Trading and Who's Worth Scouting?

The Washington Wizards couldn't have asked for a better result out of last month's live NBA Draft Lottery drawing. After years of toiling away in repeatedly ending up lower in the selection order than fans hope, their luck finally came through at a fortunate junction.

Trae Young News / Total Apex Fantasy Sports / June 19

Trae Young’s Free Agency Move Signals Confidence, Not Uncertainty

When news broke that Trae Young would decline his 2026‑27 player option, nearly $49 million on the table, the immediate reaction around the league was predictable: shock, curiosity, and a whole lot of speculation.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'College World Series winners' quiz

The 'NBA assist champions' quiz

The 'Game-winning-drives record by team' quiz

The 'Last cycle by MLB team' quiz

Washington Wizards News / HITC / June 19

AJ Dybantsa’s spot as the likely No. 1 pick increasingly threatened leading into NBA Draft night

AJ Dybantsa still looks like the safest bet at No. 1, but Darryn Peterson has turned the final stretch before NBA Draft night into a real Washington Wizards debate.

Anthony Davis News / Fadeaway World / June 19

Unrealistic Trade Idea Sends Anthony Davis Back To The Lakers, But Remains Unlikely

With the offseason underway, many eyes have turned toward the Washington Wizards, who are currently in possession of the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft. Given the opportunity to select a franchise player this season, the Wizards are in a great place to add to their current core of Anthony Davis and Trae Young.

Washington Wizards News / Hoops Wire / June 19

Darryn Peterson gaining momentum for Wizards at No. 1?

The Wizards may be keeping everyone guessing right up until draft night. For months, the widespread assumption around the NBA has been that AJ Dybantsa would be the favorite to go No.

Washington Wizards News / Hoops Rumors / June 19

Wizards Giving ‘Increased Consideration’ To Drafting Peterson No. 1?

Although the outside perception has largely been that AJ Dybantsa is the frontrunner to be selected first overall during next week’s draft, multiple draft experts believe there’s a real chance the Wizards will instead take Darryn Peterson, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Substack link).

Anthony Davis News / Hoops Wire / June 18

Anthony Davis reportedly wants to remain with Wizards long term

The Wizards may have more stability than some expected. Not only is Trae Young widely expected to re-sign with Washington after declining his player option, but Anthony Davis reportedly wants to stick around, too.

Washington Wizards News / Washington Wizards on SI / June 18

Reporters' Roundtable: Deciphering the Wizards' Draft Preferences

The masses have accepted that there's no more information left to wring out of the Washington Wizards' NBA Draft strategy that hasn't already been leaked, as very little has seeped through their institutional cracks over the month since they won the lottery.

Washington Wizards News / FortyEightMinutes / June 18

Wizards Eyeing Trade To Become 4th-Ever No. 1 Pick Holder With Two Lottery Selections

The Washington Wizards are reportedly exploring a trade to acquire a second pick in the late lottery, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. The Wizards already hold the No.

Washington Wizards News / AirJordanChronicles / June 18

John Wall Has a Clear Favorite for the Wizards in the 2026 NBA Draft

The Washington Wizards have the privilege to take the first pick in the 2026 NBA draft, and former Wizards star John Wall wants them to go the unpopular route.

Washington Wizards News / Larry Brown Sports / June 18

Report: Major development on Young’s future with Wizards emerges

Report: Major development on Trae Young’s future with Wizards emerges

He appeared in only five games for the Wizards last season, averaging 15.2 points, 6.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 59.5 percent from the floor.

Why this West team makes the most sense for Trae Young

The '2021-22 NBA All-Stars' quiz

Washington Wizards News / NBA on ClutchPoints / June 17

John Wall names his top choice for Wizards’ No. 1 NBA Draft pick

The Washington Wizards own the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft that kicks off on June 23. However, many are debating who should be the top selection between AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson.

Washington Wizards News / Larry Brown Sports / June 15

Wizards star suffers concerning offseason injury

The Washington Wizards’ offseason is off to a somewhat concerning start thanks to an injury to center Alex Sarr. Sarr suffered a broken right foot during an offseason workout last week, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.