Trae Young Already Has a Jersey Number Problem With the No. 1 Pick

The Washington Wizards took AJ Dybantsa first overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, and within minutes the internet had a new question: who gets to wear No. 3?

Trae Young, the Wizards’ veteran point guard, posted a welcome message on X shortly after the pick. “Welcome to D.C., AJ Dybantsa!!” Young wrote. “The story has been written. The City is Ready! We’ll talk about that [number] soon.”

Young, 27, has worn No. 3 his entire career. Dybantsa, 19, wore it at BYU too. The Wizards haven’t said anything official about who might switch, but fans online immediately started speculating. Some joked Young should offer cash. Others said the rookie has to earn it. Either way, it’s a minor drama that comes with every draft when two players share a number.

The Wizards’ new-look lineup

Dybantsa joins a roster that now includes Young, Anthony Davis, and 2025 first-round pick Tre Johnson. That’s a lot of firepower for a team that’s been rebuilding for years. The projected starting five, based on the roster as it stands: Young at point, Johnson at shooting guard, Dybantsa at small forward, Davis at power forward, and Alex Sarr at center.

It’s not a championship lineup yet, but it’s a lot more interesting than what Washington was running two seasons ago. The front office will have a chance to add depth when free agency opens June 30.

What Dybantsa brings

Dybantsa spent one year at BYU and led the nation in scoring at 25.5 points per game. He also pulled down 6.8 rebounds, dished 3.7 assists, and grabbed 1.1 steals a night. Those numbers came on 51% from the field and 33.1% from three. He was a First-Team All-American and played 35 games for the Cougars.

Scouts liked his combination of scoring and defense — not something you always get from a freshman. He’s long, athletic, and seems to understand spacing at both ends. Whether he starts right away or comes off the bench, he’ll get plenty of minutes.

The Wizards have quietly put together a core that could compete in the East sooner than people thought. But first, someone’s gotta give up that jersey number.