The Utah JazzTeam·Utah Jazz are reportedly in active discussions with the Washington WizardsTeam·Washington Wizards regarding a trade that would see the Jazz move up to the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA DraftCompetition·NBA Draft. This strategic maneuver is aimed at securing AJ DybantsaPlayer·AJ Dybantsa, a highly-rated prospect from BYU, who is widely projected as the top selection and has expressed a desire to play in Utah.
Both franchises have indicated an openness to draft-day trades. Washington WizardsTeam·Washington Wizards president Michael Winger confirmed the team would consider trading down from the No. 1 pick, noting that this draft is "not a savior moment" for the Wizards. This perspective follows their significant acquisitions during the 2025-2026 season, which included former All-Stars Trae YoungPlayer·Trae Young from the Atlanta HawksTeam·Atlanta Hawks in January and Anthony DavisPlayer·Anthony Davis, alongside D'Angelo RussellPlayer·D'Angelo Russell, in a three-team trade in February. Utah JazzTeam·Utah Jazz president Austin AingeCoach·Austin Ainge has also stated the Jazz are open to moving back from their current No. 2 selection, though their focus now appears to be on ascending the draft board.
The Jazz concluded the 2025-2026 season with a 22-60 record, finishing 15th in the Western ConferenceCompetition·Western Conference and missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. The Wizards, meanwhile, posted a 17-65 record, placing 15th in the Eastern ConferenceCompetition·Eastern Conference and recording the worst record in the entire league for the season, marking their fifth consecutive year out of the playoffs. Despite their recent veteran additions, both Young and Davis were recovering from injuries and did not immediately contribute on the court.
The reported interest in Dybantsa underscores the Jazz's belief in his potential as a foundational player. For the Wizards, a trade could facilitate the accumulation of additional assets, aligning with their view that the No. 1 pick is not their sole path to improvement after their recent roster overhauls. This year's draft class is considered deep, featuring other highly-regarded prospects such as Darryn PetersonPlayer·Darryn Peterson and Cameron BoozerPlayer·Cameron Boozer, suggesting both teams could still secure impactful talent regardless of a potential trade outcome.
AJ Dybantsa dunks for BYU against Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship. (Newscom World/IMAGO)
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