As if the Washington Wizards needed even more reason to get excited about the debut season of BYU product and budding superstar AJ Dybantsa, the beginning of NBA free agency has brought about countless waves of potentially league-shifting moves.
And perhaps no wave hit harder than the announcement that LeBron James had informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would be returning to play basketball this season, but it wouldn't be with them.
Great timing for the James family, considering how Bronny James' contract became fully-guranteed just a day before. A great move from Senior.
The Golden State Warriors, equipped with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, have been the early frontrunners to secure LeBron, as these stars hope to secure one final championship ring together in the twilight of their careers. The reported plan was to bring in Anthony Davis, James' former teammate in Los Angeles and current Washington Wizard, to pair alongside LeBron and Curry.
But with the news that Washington has no interest in trading Anthony Davis this offseason, the script has flipped in the direction of the nation's capital -- LeBron James to the Wizards is gaining steam, and that could mean a ceremonial passing of the torch between one of basketball's greatest players and AJ Dybantsa, a rookie who hopes to leave behind a similar legacy as a pro.
REPORT: The Wizards have emerged as a wild card in the LeBron James sweepstakes, per @ScoopB pic.twitter.com/LuDwn01YHi
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 30, 2026
REPORT: The Wizards DON'T want to trade Anthony Davis to the Warriors
— WizardsMuse (@WizardsMuse1) June 30, 2026
(Via @WindhorstESPN)
"I don't have data that says the AD trade is likely... I don't see the Wizards to want to do that, the Warriors told Jimmy they aren't trading him"
AD to the Warriors is DEAD 😳😳 pic.twitter.com/YjNdFygauC
News that the Warriors had informed Jimmy Butler, who would be a key trade piece in returning a player like Davis, that he wasn't going anywhere this offseason, essentially squashing that half of the fantasy for the former dynasty.
But as teammates, LeBron and AJ could be a formidable tandem for a rocketing franchise set on reaching the NBA Playoffs for the first time in a very long while. Two big forwards who can do it all -- pass, score, shoot, defend -- James has a great deal of wisdom that he could impart on Dybantsa, a prospect who may develop into a comparable NBA player and perennial All-NBA consideration.
If the Wizards want to get the most out of their number-one pick, what better teacher than perhaps the greatest forward to ever touch a basketball?
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