AJ Dybantsa already has one request in mind if the Washington Wizards call his name in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The comment came off as lighthearted, but it pointed to a real jersey-number issue that could follow him into the league. When a projected top pick has worn a number for years, even a veteran star can become part of the conversation.
That is why his message to Trae Young carried a bit more weight than a throwaway joke. It gave fans an early glimpse at how quickly a new franchise face can create awkward decisions.
Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images
Speaking on Gil's Arena , Dybantsa made it clear that he has not forgotten about the jersey number he wants if Washington drafts him.
"If they draft me, I do need 3, Trae. If they draft me. We're going to see in like five weeks," Dybantsa joked.
The line was casual, but the confidence was clear. Dybantsa is widely viewed as one of the top prospects in the 2026 class, and Washington's position near the top of the draft has made the fit a major talking point.
For the Wizards, the basketball appeal is clear. Dybantsa would give them a young wing scorer with star upside, while Young would provide a proven playmaker who could help ease his transition into the league.
The jersey issue exists because Dybantsa has been closely tied to No. 3, including during his BYU chapter, while Young now wears the same number in Washington.
Young wore No. 11 for the Atlanta Hawks , but that number was not available with the Wizards because it is retired by the franchise. That forced him into a new identity in Washington, where he took No. 3 after the trade.
That makes Dybantsa's warning fun, but not simple. If Washington drafts him, Young would not just be giving up any number; he would be giving up the one he had already chosen for his own fresh start.
Still, jersey-number negotiations are part of NBA culture. Veterans and rookies have worked out everything from cash deals to gifts when a number matters enough.
Dybantsa's message was not disrespectful. It was a confident joke from a player who clearly sees No. 3 as part of his identity. If the Wizards do draft him, the first negotiation with Young might happen before the first practice.
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