The NBA is exploring expansion to 32 teams, with Las Vegas and Seattle identified as the leading candidates for new franchises that could begin play in the 2028-29 season.
The expansion draft will require each team to protect up to eight players who are under contract or designated as restricted free agents, while unrestricted free agents are ineligible for protection and every team must leave at least one player unprotected.
Former BYU Cougars AJ Dybantsa, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and Will Riley are projected to be protected for the Washington Wizards, with Dybantsa remaining on his rookie deal and showing high potential to contribute.
Justin Champagnie, who has two years and less than $6 million remaining on his contract, is also expected to be protected, whereas Trae Young, under a four-year, $212.8 million contract, is not expected to be protected in the expansion draft.
Egor Dëmin, another former BYU Cougar, and Mike Brown Jr. are mentioned as potential protected players for the Brooklyn Nets.
The expansion draft process will involve strategic decisions based on player contracts and market needs, shaping the composition of the new franchises.