We are one week out from the 2026 NBA Draft, which means a lot of rumors — and even more spin — are flying around the league. Here are some of the latest rumors and reports, along with context on how seriously to take the reports.
Darryn Peterson not meeting with Jazz
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson — widely projected as the No. 2 pick in this draft — has refused to visit or work out for the team with the No. 2 pick, the Utah Jazz, a story first reported by Shams Charania and Jeremy Woo of ESPN. For the record, widely projected No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa has worked out for Washington with the No. 1 pick as well as Utah.
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Now comes word from the well-connected Tony Jones at The Athletic that the Jazz are “genuinely torn” between using their pick on Peterson or Duke big man Cameron Boozer (or Dybantsa, if Washington shocks the league and takes Peterson).
The Jazz are drawn to Peterson’s ability to score at a high level. They love Boozer’s ability to pass, rebound and process the game at a high level. That Boozer is firmly in the mix at No. 2 is a testament to how much the Jazz like him, being that he isn’t a clean positional fit. The Jazz already have Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen at his position, but Boozer is so talented that it may not matter for the Jazz.
A few thoughts on all of this:
• League sources told NBC Sports weeks ago that Danny Ainge and the Jazz front office could not possibly care less whether Peterson ever worked out for them or not — if they grade him second on their board, they will take him. Jones from The Athletic echoed that same idea. If Peterson wants to know how this plays out, he should ask Jazz wing Ace Bailey, who tried the same thing a year ago and Utah did not care then and selected him.
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• ESPN’s Woo reports that the medical reports on Peterson — who missed a number of games last season for Kansas due to injuries, and left others early due to cramping — did not raise any major concerns or red flags, and are not considered an issue by teams.
• Most teams have had Peterson ranked ahead of Boozer on their draft boards because they see a higher ceiling with the dynamic point guard. Utah, however, has drafted well in recent years, and if they see something with Boozer, it is worth noting. As a general rule, teams at the top of the draft take the best player regardless of position, but if it’s basically a tie, then position comes more into play.
• As much as Jazz fans would welcome it, do not expect Utah to trade up to get the No. 1 pick and Dybantsa, who played his prep and college ball in Utah. Washington would want a “godfather” offer to move out of the top spot, reports Brian Windhorst of ESPN. The only reason Utah should consider a big offer (Ace Bailey, a future first-rounder and this year’s No. 2 pick) is if it has Dybantsa rated much higher than Peterson. League sources NBC Sports has spoken with don’t see that kind of massive drop-off (if any) between the two.
• It’s worth noting that both Peterson and breakout Jazz point guard Keyonte George both want to play the one and both share an agency (Wasserman). It’s not hard to connect the dots there if you’re looking for motivation for some of this drama.
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Other draft notes
• Oklahoma City reportedly is very open to trading the No. 17 pick in this year’s draft, according to multiple reports. They likely keep the No. 12 pick.
• Miami controls the No. 13 pick, but if the Heat trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, then control of that pick would go to Milwaukee. That would give the rebuilding Bucks two lottery picks, No. 10 and 13.
• Arizona guard Brayden Burries has “drawn interest” from the Warriors at No. 11, reports Anthony Slater of ESPN. The problem for Golden State is that it’s unlikely he’ll still be on the board at that point.
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• It’s no secret that the Sacramento Kings like Darius Acuff Jr., the point guard out of Arkansas, and will take him with the No. 7 pick if he is still on the board. However, multiple reports say that Brooklyn likes him a lot at No. 6, so he may not fall to the Knicks unless they are willing to give up another asset to one up a spot.
