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• Updated May 15, 2026 at 2:57pm

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AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars is one player at stake with the NBA draft lottery looming.

When it comes to AJ Dybantsa’s reality, the chances of him going No. 1 to join the Washington Wizards are growing each day.

But when it comes to wishes, he just might be hoping for the Utah Jazz to make the move up to grab him.

CBS Sports’ Adam Finklestein suggested that Dybantsa has a preference, despite the fact that he doesn’t have the power to choose where he wants to go.

The message is out there for the Utah Jazz.

GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 27: Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge reacts to a play during the second half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Arena on March 27, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

“Dybantsa’s own comments on lottery night added a little more intrigue to the scenario at the top of the draft. The BYU star implied that he was open to working out for more than one team (two to be exact),” Finklestein wrote from the Combine on Wednesday.

“That comment by Dybantsa was also consistent with one of the most repeated pieces of intel floating around Chicago this week: that Dybantsa was reportedly hoping to stay in Utah.”

The latest rumors regarding the Jazz’s draft night plans suggest that the message was received.

What Are The Jazz Up To?

GettyPROVO, UT – JANUARY 24: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the Brigham Young Cougars reacts after sinking a three-pointer against the Utah Utes during the second half of their game at the Marriott Center on January 24, 2026 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

According to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, the Jazz have reached out to the Wizards about “potentially trading up.” That move would be to grab Dybantsa.

Dybantsa has been in Utah for two years now. He spent his final year of high school in the state before attending BYU for his freshman year.

GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – APRIL 12: AJ Dybantsa #7 of Team USA goes up for a dunk during the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit at Moda Center on April 12, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

The freshman forward started all 35 games he played for the program. Seeing the court for 34.8 minutes per game, Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, while shooting 51.0% from the field and hitting on 33.1% of his threes.

Dybantsa also came down with 6.8 rebounds per game and dished out 3.7 assists per game. There were plenty of debates about his standing as the No. 1 prospect throughout the year, but with the combine underway, Dybantsa seems to be separating himself as the No. 1 option for Washington–or the Utah Jazz.

If the Jazz don’t get the Dybantsa selection, they’ll get a chance to go right on the clock at No. 2, where they still have some strong options. However, there seems to be a lot of mutual interest between Dybantsa and Utah. The Jazz will be a name to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.