The Utah Jazz are exploring a trade to acquire AJ Dybantsa, a top prospect, from the Washington Wizards, who hold the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. Conversations are ongoing about what it would take for the Jazz to move up in the draft order.
Wizards trade rumor involving AJ Dybantsa hints at Jazz making blockbuster deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When the Utah Jazz received the No. 2 overall pick in Sunday's NBA Draft Lottery, one of the biggest questions was if the team would move up? As it stands now, there's not only serious interest, but conversations about the Jazz possibly leaping for BYU star AJ Dybantsa.
This year's projected top pick, who grew up in Massachusetts, played his final high school season at Utah Prep before a one-and-done at BYU. Jazz owner Ryan Smith and CEO Danny Ainge have been involved with the Cougars NIL fundraising effort and helped secure Dybantsa.
According to Andscape's Marc J. Spears, Utah started to ask around about what Washington might require for the No. 1 overall pick. "The Jazz have reached out to the Washington Wizards, who have the No. 1 pick, about potentially trading up to land the former BYU standout, a source said."
Acquiring AJ Dybantsa could elevate the Jazz's roster, as he is a highly regarded prospect following his standout season at BYU.
The Wizards have not publicly disclosed their exact demands for the No. 1 pick, but discussions with the Jazz suggest they are evaluating potential trade offers.
Jazz owner Ryan Smith and CEO Danny Ainge are leading the initiative to secure Dybantsa, reflecting their commitment to enhancing the team's future.
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The buzz around Utah has been Dybantsa since he arrived at BYU last year. There's been no shortage of interest, and to keep a generational talent with the same core group that brought him to Provo would be great for all parties involved. Smith and Ainge get a player they've known personally for years and would trust to put the Jazz back on the map in the midst of another rebuild.
Dybantsa is similar to Kevin Durant or an undersized Kevin Garnett. He's athletic and has a great game inside and out. That fit is what's key in the situation. The Jazz feel like Dybantsa is one-of-a-kind and worth putting up assets to get him.
CBS Sports' Adam Finkelstein reported this week from the NBA Combine that Dybantsa was hoping to remain in Utah. This means either Washington will have to pass on him due to being non-committal in the draft process or play hardball with Utah.
Keep in mind, Smith told The Deseret News that "everything should be on the table" for a chance at snagging Dybantsa. Either way, this is setting up to be a blockbuster offer in the making for one of a few generational talents in this year's draft.