The Utah Jazz have engaged the Washington Wizards in discussions centered on a potential draft pick swap aimed at positioning themselves to select AJ Dybantsa, according to NBA insider Marc J. Spears.
Dybantsa, a former BYU standout, is widely viewed as the top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft class. The Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery, while the Jazz sit at No. 2.
Utah’s inquiry reflects the narrow margin at the top of the draft order, where Washington controls the selection process. Even with the outreach, Washington remains in position to take Dybantsa as expected.
Dybantsa’s single collegiate season at BYU placed him firmly in top-prospect discussions. He averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 35 games, shooting 51.0 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from three-point range.
He also showed consistent free-throw production at 77.4 percent while handling a high usage role, with 34.8 minutes per game across the season. His scoring efficiency included 8.8 made field goals on 17.3 attempts per game.
For Utah, the pursuit aligns with a roster that already features high-volume scoring from Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George. Markkanen averaged 26.7 points across the 2025-26 season, while George added 23.6 points and 6.1 assists.
The Jazz also maintain a developing frontcourt core with Walker Kessler and Kyle Filipowski providing interior production, while younger perimeter pieces such as Ace Bailey and Cody Williams remain part of the rotation mix.
Washington’s position at No. 1 comes after a 17-65 season, followed by a lottery win that reshaped the draft order. The Wizards already feature Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George as key long-term pieces, alongside backcourt production from Tre Johnson and Bub Carrington.
Beyond Dybantsa, the top tier of the draft class includes Darryn Peterson of Kansas, Cameron Boozer of Duke, and Caleb Wilson of North Carolina, all projected to be among the first selections.
Utah remains in a position to evaluate multiple high-end prospects if no trade materializes.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23–24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where both Washington and Utah are expected to shape the direction of the lottery class.
