AJ Dybantsa is projected to go first overall in many mock NBA drafts, and he is in prime position to become a Washington Wizard this season. However, there are rumblings that Dybantsa might end up playing for a different team after all.
According to insider Marc Spears, the Wizards have been in talks with the Utah Jazz, who are reportedly not content with having the no. 2 pick and want to trade up to get the first overall selection.
Adding intrigue to this situation is another recent report by CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein, who claimed that AJ Dybantsa is “hoping to stay in Utah.”
Dybantsa, of course, has spent the past two years playing in this state (first for Utah Prep, then for BYU). Finkelstein added that Dybantsa’s family have joined him in Utah and that they’ve “grown to like” Utah as well.
If a Washington-Utah trade does materialize, it might involve the Wizards trading down and acquiring the no. 2 pick from the Jazz. That could mean, then, that highly-touted draft prospect Darryn Peterson could be making his way to D.C.
For a time, Peterson had overtaken Dybantsa in a number of mock drafts. However, as the college season neared its end, concerns about Peterson’s availability and even commitment to the game would emerge, giving Dybantsa some traction once again as the no. 1 pick.
“DC Is a Great City”: AJ Dybantsa Talks About Prospect of Playing in Washington
For what it’s worth, AJ Dybantsa has said positive words about Washington D.C. and the prospect of playing for the Wizards.
Appearing on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Dybantsa said that he’d be grateful to play in Washington if given the chance.
“It’d be great…I don’t want to take anything for granted. D.C. is a great city. I’ve been there a couple of times.”
As presently constructed, the Wizards roster has two All-Stars in Anthony Davis and Trae Young waiting to welcome Dybantsa to his first NBA team.
