AJ Dybantsa has narrowed his pre-draft process to just two teams, with workouts scheduled only for the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz, according to NBA insider Evan Sidery. In a class where the top of the board already feels settled, the move adds another layer to the 2026 NBA Draft conversation.
Sidery wrote on Sunday, May 31, that Dybantsa’s plan is “eye-opening,” especially because Utah picks right behind Washington at No. 2. That is a strong signal that the BYU star is focused on the two franchises most likely to control his draft night outcome.
The Wizards earned the No. 1 overall pick after finishing 17-65, while the Jazz sit at No. 2 after a 22-60 season. With the draft set for June 23-24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the timing suggests the race at the top may be coming into sharper view.
Dybantsa’s one season at BYU gave teams plenty to study. He averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists while starting all 35 games, and he shot 51.0% from the field, 33.1% from three and 77.4% at the free-throw line.
That production is why he remains widely projected as the favorite to go first overall. He combined shot creation, size and scoring efficiency in a way that fits the profile of a modern No. 1 pick, even if his game still has room to grow in several areas.
Sidery also noted that Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is following a similar path, with private workouts scheduled only for Washington and Utah as well.
For the Wizards, the choice is straightforward: if they stay at No. 1, they can add a premier talent who already looks built to carry a scoring load. For the Jazz, the question is whether Dybantsa is still available at No. 2, or whether they need to pivot to another elite prospect such as Peterson or Duke forward Cameron Boozer.
