It didn't take long for the AJ Dybantsa-Utah Jazz rumors to heat up after the Jazz won the second overall pick. We all know Dybantsa's well-documented history with Utah, just as we know that the Jazz's interest in getting the BYU alum is very much mutual. So, if the chance to get him is right there, the Jazz should take it, right?
Well, it's complicated. Dybantsa might be the consensus No. 1 pick, but he isn't the obvious favorite over Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer. That doesn't mean Utah shouldn't trade up for him, but they shouldn't pay through the teeth to get their hands on him.
Bleacher Report's Dan Favale proposed the following swap in which the Jazz pay a hefty toll to the Washington Wizards for Dybantsa, but not too hefty.
Jazz get: First overall pick (to take Dybantsa)
Wizards get: Second overall pick, 2027 first-round pick (second-most favorable from Cleveland, Minnesota or Utah) and 2029 first-round pick (most favorable from Cleveland, Minnesota (top-five protection) or Utah)
Favale explained why Utah would pull the trigger on this.
"Utah shouldn't have any qualms about who it might land at No. 2, but there's power in making the choice for yourself. If the Jazz believe the Wizards are gravitating toward their highest-ranked prospect (likely Dybantsa), this is the cost of getting him.
"Assuming Dybantsa is the choice, Utah can spin this as targeting the star upside with a cleaner fit."
Okay, so they're not doing something drastic, like giving up someone like Ace Bailey, but they are giving up something of substance, which is why this should be considered as an all-in move. Deals like these reflect well on the fact that while Utah gave up their best assets for Jaren Jackson Jr., they are not completely out of assets.
This would be a fair compromise because it gives the Wizards good incentive to trade down without overpaying while Utah gets the guy they've all but coveted for years.
But would the Wizards accept that deal?
Rumor has it the Jazz want to move up in the 2026 NBA Draft. Well, spoilers: so does pretty much everyone else. Why bring that up? Because teams will compete for the chance to get Dybantsa too, not just the Jazz.
If the Wizards are truly considering trading down, they should evaluate all of their option. Not just with the Jazz. It's debatable as to whether Washington is on the same level as Utah, but they will be trying hard next season. Acquiring Trae Young and Anthony Davis were clear signals of that.
If they're trading down, they are trading for someone who is ready to help next year. The Jazz would be wise to keep their top-five - Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Walker Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr. Ace Bailey - off the table in a deal, but other teams that are more desperate might not.
With all that out there, this is a pretty excellent deal for the Jazz. As long as that's all it costs, Utah should absolutely make this deal.
Grade: A+
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