Surprise Team Could Land AJ Dybantsa if Washington Wizards Trade Top Pick

While the majority of the attention remains around the two teams, another surprise team has suddenly entered the conversation.

The Chicago Bulls have reportedly shown significant interest in Dybantsa during combine week despite currently owning the No. 4 pick.

According to ESPN’s Marc Spears in a separate report, the talented small forward met with several teams in Chicago, including Washington, Utah, and Chicago, fueling speculation that the Bulls are at least exploring the possibility of moving up the board.

The intrigue surrounding the top of this draft comes from how executives reportedly view the class. While many scouts widely consider Dybantsa the favorite to go first overall, they place four prospects in the same top tier: Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson.

That perceived lack of separation could create a trade market rarely seen at the top of the draft.

AJ Dybantsa Details How He Left LeBron James Surprised 

Projected No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa has already earned praise from some of basketball’s biggest stars, but one recent interaction with LeBron James appears to have left a lasting impression on the BYU standout.

Speaking during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Dybantsa opened up about what he learned while training alongside James and revealed the specific move that even caught the attention of the four-time NBA champion.

“Just his patience,” he said while discussing the workout session with the Los Angeles Lakers superstar. “He’s super patient, even when he works out. If it’s in the post, if he’s reading defenses, his patience is key. That’s probably why he’s played so long.”

“My hesi,” he added. “He said my hesi was crazy. Like, he could tell, ‘Oh that’s probably got to be his move.’”

Coming from a player widely regarded as one of the smartest basketball minds ever, the compliment carried significant weight.

Dybantsa has spent the last few years training around elite NBA talent, including workouts with Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, and Paul George. But his recent closed-door session with James offered another reminder of how highly regarded the 19-year-old already is entering the 2026 NBA Draft.