Trade Rumors Emerge Over 2026 NBA Draft No. 1 Pick

The Utah Jazz finished the 2026 NBA Lottery with the No. 2 pick, the franchise’s highest placement. Prospect AJ Dybantsa, a former Brigham Young forward, has spent two seasons in Utah—one at Utah Prep and one at BYU. CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein reported that Dybantsa has repeatedly signaled a preference to stay in Utah, a sentiment noted at the NBA Combine in Chicago.

Jazz may not have to trade up to get their hands on AJ DybantsaReport: The Jazz want to trade up to No. 1

• AJ Dybantsa – BYU forward, wants to play for Utah.

Jazz may not have to trade up to get their hands on AJ Dybantsa

• Utah Jazz – No. 2 pick, open to trading up.

Report: The Jazz want to trade up to No. 1

• Washington Wizards – No. 1 pick; President Michael Winger open to moving down.

Report: The Jazz want to trade up to No. 1

• Smith – Jazz executive, quoted “everything should be on the table.”

Report: The Jazz want to trade up to No. 1

Lottery day gave Washington the No. 1 pick; Michael Winger told Jake Fischer the club is open to moving down. At the NBA Combine, Finkelstein reported Dybantsa’s Utah preference and Smith’s “everything should be on the table” comment. By Tuesday, sources said Dybantsa’s camp was not pursuing a trade, tempering speculation.

Report: The Jazz want to trade up to No. 1

Washington president Michael Winger confirmed willingness to consider moving down the draft order, though no package is disclosed. Jazz executive Smith said all options remain on the table. Finkelstein noted Dybantsa’s representatives have no intention to force a trade, implying any 1-2 swap must be initiated by the prospect’s camp.

Report: The Jazz want to trade up to No. 1

A high-ranking scout told Finkelstein Dybantsa is “not a sure thing as the No. 1 pick,” challenging narratives that cast him as a foregone selection. The scout added, “We were surprised the broadcast made it seem like such a foregone conclusion,” underscoring doubts about the Jazz’s ability to secure him without a trade.

Jazz may not have to trade up to get their hands on AJ Dybantsa

Early combine coverage highlighted Dybantsa’s desire to stay in Utah; later reports say his camp is not pushing a trade. The Wizards’ exact terms for moving down remain undisclosed, leaving a 1-2 swap uncertain.

Jazz may not have to trade up to get their hands on AJ Dybantsa

• “everything should be on the table.” — Smith, Utah Jazz

Report: The Jazz want to trade up to No. 1

• “Absolutely not,” — High-ranking scout, speaking to Adam Finkelstein

Jazz may not have to trade up to get their hands on AJ Dybantsa

• “We were surprised the broadcast made it seem like such a foregone conclusion.” — High-ranking scout

Jazz may not have to trade up to get their hands on AJ Dybantsa

• “Any potential trade talk of a 1-2 swap would likely have to be ignited by Dybantsa's camp.” — Adam Finkelstein

Jazz may not have to trade up to get their hands on AJ Dybantsa

Washington will exercise its No. 1 pick. If the Jazz keep the No. 2 slot, they could consider a trade only if Dybantsa’s camp initiates discussions. Ongoing statements from both front offices and any movement from Dybantsa’s representatives will determine whether a 1-2 swap materializes.

Jazz may not have to trade up to get their hands on AJ Dybantsa