The Washington Wizards hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and for a while, that came with a near consensus of using that selection to bring AJ Dybantsa to the USA's capital. The lead-up to the draft has offered some intrigue that could suggest things are not that straightforward.
Darryn Peterson, who most have held up as the consensus second overall pick, took a meeting with the Wizards recently. There should be no surprise in seeing that. The part that is somewhat shocking would be what Peterson's plans hold from here. Shams Charania and Jeremy Woo had the scoop.
"Top NBA draft prospect Darryn Peterson has visited the Washington Wizards, who own the No. 1 pick in next week's draft, but does not plan to grant another team a meeting, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania and Jeremy Woo."
If there is a last-minute shake-up at the top of the draft board for the Wizards that results in Peterson heading to Washington, that would leave Dybantsa available at the second pick. Such a scenario would be music to the ears of the Utah Jazz, who hold that selection. Seeing events unfold in that manner should similarly intrigue the Los Angeles Lakers.
AJ Dybantsa going to Utah could position Lakers to steal Walker Kessler
Dybantsa is a very exciting prospect. His freshman averages of 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game at BYU are nothing to scoff at.
For the Jazz, there would even be added comfort about keeping Dybantsa in the state after having his college days played close by. That is as perfect of a marriage as can happen in the NBA Draft.
It does leave the Jazz asking one major question, though: where does Dybantsa slot in?
For a prospect as good as him, there should be an immediate desire to see the athletic forward start and play considerable minutes. The problem there is that Utah has his spots currently accounted for.
A combination of Walker Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Lauri Markkanen is expected to occupy the three through five in the starting lineup. Positions are overrated and one could make the case for starting Dybantsa at the two, but the more natural solution would be to shake loose one of those three.
Markkanen could be the candidate, given his large deal and the fact he is already 29 years old. However, it is just as easy to look at Kessler as the guy who gets moved.
The looming restricted free agency of the young center has been a rapidly evolving situation. At first, there was a general belief that Utah would match any offer sheet given to Kessler. More recently, a report from NBA insider Sam Amick pointed to serious friction between the Jazz and their man who is set to hit the market.
Why not give everyone a happy ending?
The Jazz and Lakers could link up for a sign-and-trade here. Utah gets to make way for Dybantsa while securing trade assets in return for Kessler. Los Angeles gets their long-term frontcourt partner for Luka Doncic.
Rob Pelinka and company would certainly be ready and willing to give Kessler the type of money that Utah did not want to when negotiations around a rookie-scale extension were going on with their young center. The Jazz would alleviate themselves of multiple headaches in relation to the situation.
To some degree, this can be seen as a win across the board for everyone involved. The Lakers might even get Dybantsa suited for his Jazz jersey themselves.
Add us as a preferred source on Google