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?
Moment of silence for Brandon Clarke, Jason Collins
The NBA world mourned Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke and retired center Jason Collins yesterday after their untimely deaths. That included a moment of silence in San Antonio before Game 5 between the Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Spurs held a moment of silence for Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins.
(📺NBC) pic.twitter.com/BBEnteyh7m
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 13, 2026
Clarke was also honored in a series of heartbreaking Instagram posts by his former Grizzlies teammate Ja Morant.
Atlanta player waived in the most unfortunate way
Holly Winterburn just had her “Welcome to the W” moment, telling IG she was waived by the Atlanta Dream while getting on the bus for her first game.
Holly Winterburn was released from the Atlanta Dream right before getting on the team bus 😳 pic.twitter.com/gA7moZ2GOG
— WNBA Got Game (@wnbagotgame) May 12, 2026
That’s brutal.
Quick hits: McNabb punishment … Luka wants Reaves to stay … and more
- Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb may face discipline for his hit on Ryan Poehling. Read why FTW’s Charles Curtis says he shouldn’t.
- The Maple Leafs have fired head coach Craig Berube. Here’s Cory Woodroof with five candidates who make sense for the job.
- Luka Doncic wants to continue playing alongside Austin Reaves, even if that means passing on a chance to team with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
- If Jon Rahm has learned any lessons from his experience with LIV Golf, he doesn’t care to share what they are.
- Gio Reyna had the perfect response to a question about his chances of making the USMNT World Cup roster.
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This article originally appeared on For The Win: AJ Dybantsa’s ties to Utah give Wizards so much leverage over Jazz
