By securing one of the league’s three worst records, the Washington Wizards ensured they will keep their 2026 first-round draft pick.
This guarantees the team won’t fall lower than the seventh selection in the draft.
The pick was protected within the top eight, meaning it would have gone to the New York Knicks if it landed at No. 9 or later.
Instead, Washington will send second-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to New York.
This was the final year those protections applied. Looking ahead, the Wizards control all of their own future first-round picks, along with “most favorable” swap rights in 2028 and 2030.
Even after dealing two second-rounders, they still possess up to 12 second-round picks over the next seven drafts.
Each of the three teams with the worst records holds a 52.1 percent chance at a top-four pick and a 14 percent chance at the No. 1 overall pick.
Wizards Clinch Keeping 2026 First Round Pick https://t.co/3091QZo0io
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 8, 2026
