AJ Dybantsa's ties to Utah make this year's NBA draft so interesting

TL;DR

The Washington Wizards won the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft lottery, sparking discussions about a potential trade to allow the Utah Jazz to draft AJ Dybantsa, who has strong ties to Utah.

Key points

Washington Wizards won the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft lottery
Utah Jazz may trade up to draft AJ Dybantsa
Dybantsa has strong ties to Utah, attending school there
Jazz owner Ryan Smith is open to bold draft moves
Jazz hold the No. 2 overall pick

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BYU

Washington WizardsUtah JazzAJ Dybantsa

The Washington Wizards finally won the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft lottery... and now everybody wants them to trade it.

OK, maybe not everybody. But a loud faction of the internet is calling for Washington to consider moving back one spot for one reason, and one reason only: so the Utah Jazz can draft AJ Dybantsa.

Dybantsa's ties to Utah are well-documented. The Massachusetts-raised 19-year-old finished high school in "The Mormon State," attending Utah Prep Academy in 2024 before spending his one year of college at BYU, in Provo, Utah, on a multimillion dollar NIL deal reportedly funded by Jazz owner Ryan Smith and CEO Danny Ainge, both BYU alums.

So, the assumption is Utah wants to keep Dybantsa in Utah. And for what it's worth, Smith didn't say no when asked if the Jazz would make a play for Dybantsa. After winning the No. 2 overall pick in the lottery, they're so close to being able to make that a reality.

"We're trying to win a championship, so everything should be on the table," Smith told the Dessert Voices podcast. "[Jazz president Austin Ainge] and Danny have been known to do some pretty crazy stuff on draft night. The next 40 days, you're going to see some madness in the NBA. And it might or might not be with us."

Here's the thing, though. The Wizards might want Dybantsa for themselves. Especially after he impressed at the combine Tuesday with his insane athleticism. Plus, nobody knows if Dybantsa himself cares to stay in Utah.

Combined with the other incredible talent at the top of this year's draft, including Darryn Peterson, Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer, it all makes for what could be the most interesting draft in a long time.

Because whether or not the Wizards like Dybantsa at No. 1, they're about to be his biggest fan until that pick is called on June 23. Either because they actually plan to take him, or because they need the Jazz to believe they plan to take him. In which case, Utah, how much are you willing to give up to get your guy?