Utah has contacted Washington about acquiring the No. 1 overall choice in next month’s NBA Draft, but league and team sources believe the Jazz are not expected to move up from No. 2, according to Sarah Todd of The Deseret News.
Todd reports that, despite widespread chatter following the draft lottery, discussions between the franchises have not progressed toward a deal. Interest in a possible swap surfaced partly because owner Ryan Smith, CEO Danny Ainge and president of basketball operations Austin Ainge—each a Brigham Young University alumnus—share ties with BYU freshman wing AJ Dybantsa, a projected top-two prospect.
Conversations with rival executives and Jazz personnel indicate Utah is “highly unlikely” to part with the second pick, Todd writes. The front office is conducting standard diligence by speaking with both the Wizards about moving up and other clubs about potentially moving down.
This year’s class lacks a consensus No. 1, but evaluators broadly view the player available at No. 2 as a potential franchise cornerstone. Dybantsa and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson are generally considered the leading candidates, while forward Cameron Boozer and big man Caleb Wilson also draw strong support from some teams.
Carlos Boozer—Cameron’s father and a former NBA All-Star—works as a Jazz scout, yet Todd notes the organization will base its decision solely on talent and fit, not personal connections. Utah’s priority remains selecting the best player available when it is on the clock.
Source: Hoops Rumors
