Trae Young may have No. 3 problem if Wizards draft AJ Dybantsa

The Washington Wizards already have a notable subplot before the 2026 NBA Draft, and it centers on AJ Dybantsa, Trae Young and the No. 3 jersey. The conversation around Washington’s 2026 draft plans changed again Monday after Dybantsa addressed the possibility of landing with the franchise.

Dybantsa, the former BYU standout and widely projected No. 1 pick, wore No. 3 during his dominant freshman season. That number now belongs to Young, the four-time NBA All-Star who joined Washington in January.

Young built much of his NBA identity around No. 11, but the organization retired the number for the legendary Elvin Hayes. After arriving in DC, Young shifted to No. 3 and leaned into his “TRA3” branding, making the number part of his new start.

NBA Courtside posted a clip Monday on X, formerly Twitter, sharing the 19-year-old’s playful message from Gilbert Arenas’ show about what he would need if Washington called his name.

“If they draft me, I do need 3, Trae. If they draft me. We’re gonna see in like 5 weeks”

AJ Dybantsa says Trae Young will have to come off number 3 if he gets drafted to the Wizards:

“If they draft me, I do need 3, Trae. If they draft me. We’re gonna see in like 5 weeks”

(Via @NoChillGilZero) pic.twitter.com/aUTUvG0oe5

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) June 1, 2026

The comment gave the Wizards another offseason talking point before draft night. It also showed Dybantsa’s confidence as he approaches the next stage of his career with franchise-player expectations already attached. The delivery was playful, but the jersey number would become a real conversation if Washington makes the expected move.

The No. 3 jersey carries meaning for both players. Dybantsa wore it from high school to BYU, while Young rebuilt part of his public identity with his new squad.

Rookies often defer to established veterans on jersey numbers, especially when that veteran has All-Star status. However, the projected No. 1 overall pick’s public message adds a light but intriguing layer to Washington’s draft decision.

If the Wizards select Dybantsa with their pick in this loaded 2026 class, the jersey question will not shape the franchise’s future. Still, it could become the first small negotiation between Washington’s current star and its possible next centerpiece.

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