The 2026 NBA Draft is top-heavy. A lot can change following Sunday’s lottery, but the initial belief is that AJ Dybantsa is in a position to become the No. 1 pick. If that’s the case, he’s going to the Washington Wizards.
But the Utah Jazz are hearing some good news about the attractiveness of their organization in this case. According to CBS Sports’ Adam Finklestein, Dybantsa has a preference, and the Jazz top the list.
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz yells to his team during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Delta Center on February 26, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
“Dybantsa’s own comments on lottery night added a little more intrigue to the scenario at the top of the draft. The BYU star implied that he was open to working out for more than one team (two to be exact),” Finklestein wrote from the Combine on Wednesday.
“That comment by Dybantsa was also consistent with one of the most repeated pieces of intel floating around Chicago this week: that Dybantsa was reportedly hoping to stay in Utah.”
Being a BYU star, who attended high school in the state, Dybansta has been in Utah for two years. Before going to Utah Prep, he spent time at Prolific Prep (California) and Saint Sebastian’s (Massachusetts).
Dybansta Has Eyes For The Utah Jazz
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 18: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars reacts during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 18, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
The Jazz just need one pick to go by to get Dybansta. If the Wizards find out there is a strong mutual interest there, the Wizards would be wise to use that as leverage in potential trade talks.
For the time being, the assumption is that the Wizards would keep the pick and use it on Dybansta. After all, the organizations hold all of the power in the draft.
Before Dybansta ended up at BYU, the forward was expected to gain attention as a top pick. After 35 games as a freshman, he has a good chance of going No. 1.
During his run in the Big 12, Dybansta averaged 25.5 points, while shooting 51.0% from the field, and hitting on 33.1% of his threes. He also came down with 6.8 rebounds per game and produced 3.7 assists per game.
After Combine week, the league will have a better idea of Dybansta’s standing. While going No. 1 is most players’ dream, it seems Dybansta would embrace a slip to No. 2 if it means staying in Utah to play with the Jazz.
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