The Utah Jazz have never had it so good going into the NBA Draft.
Armed with the second overall pick and a roster filled with talent, they have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to kick off a new era of Jazz basketball.
And yet, even in the enviable position of selecting anyone except who the Wizards take first overall, the Jazz will get calls about trading the pick, and maybe more than normal. If the last four to five days are any indicator, the league is open for business, and it's going to be a busy couple of weeks.
Players are agreeing to extensions, accepting player options, and removing themselves from the free agency pool. Only a few teams have active cap space, and others are making moves to avoid the luxury tax and letting legitimate rotation players go in cost-saving measures.
The Giannis trade finally happened, and Julius Randle was dealt to Brooklyn in a multi-team deal that takes away a Walker Kessler suitor in the process.
Which means that the draft takes on even more importance than usual. Teams want to improve, while the free agent pool is getting shallow and the trade market has already lost its biggest asset.
Six teams have two first-round picks in this draft, including the Memphis Grizzlies (third and 16th picks), Chicago Bulls (fourth and 15th), Atlanta Hawks (eighth & 23rd), the Dallas Mavericks (ninth and 30th), Oklahoma City Thunder (12th and 17th), Charlotte Hornets (14th and 18th),
How this benefits the Utah Jazz
Even if the Jazz have no interest in dealing the second overall pick, they would be foolish not to listen to offers. With so many teams willing to deal, one of those unexpected deals could emerge that would allow the Jazz to become even better overnight.
Capitalizing on those offers could vault the Jazz from a fringe playoff team into the 48-52 win range, something unheard of in recent years, and something that Jazz fans wouldn't complain about in the least.
If Washington selects Darryn Peterson with the first overall pick, then all bets are off, as the Jazz would likely pick AJ Dybantsa and end the rumors immediately.
But if Dybantsa goes to DC, and the Jazz play their cards right, they could move down one or two picks and get more of what they need in the process - depth and talent.
It's why the Jazz are in the perfect position heading into the 2026 NBA Draft. Everyone is looking to make moves, and they are content to let offers come in and pounce if one is to their liking.
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