DHJ Quick Take: Darryn Peterson Met With Utah Jazz Before 2026 NBA Draft
Darryn Peterson met with the Utah Jazz front office ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft without holding an on-court workout, positioning the Jazz at No. 2 as his next likely landing spot. The development comes as the Washington Wizards plan to take AJ Dybantsa No. 1 overall.
- Who did Darryn Peterson meet with before the draft? Peterson met with members of the Utah Jazz front office in advance of the 2026 NBA Draft, according to Dallas Hoops Journal sources.
- Did Peterson work out for the Jazz? No, Peterson did not hold an on-court workout for Utah, and he only worked out for the Washington Wizards during the pre-draft process.
- Who do the Wizards plan to draft No. 1? Washington plans to select former BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick, as Dallas Hoops Journal first reported.
- Does backcourt overlap with Keyonte George affect Utah’s thinking? Sources said the overlap is not believed to factor into Utah’s process, and Peterson would welcome the opportunity to play for the Jazz.
With the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday, teams are nearing the end of their due diligence process.
Former Kansas guard Darryn Peterson recently met with members of the Utah Jazz front office before arriving in New York ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, though he did not hold an on-court workout for the franchise, according to Dallas Hoops Journal sources.
Peterson’s limited workout schedule traces back to an early belief he carried throughout the pre-draft process that he would be selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Wizards. As Dallas Hoops Journal reported, Peterson only worked out for Washington.
Washington Wizards Plan to Draft AJ Dybantsa No. 1
Peterson’s meeting with Utah is important context considering other developments at the top of the draft. The Wizards plan to draft former BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick, as Dallas Hoops Journal first reported on Saturday.
With Washington positioned to take Dybantsa, the No. 2 selection held by the Jazz becomes the next possible landing spot for Peterson.
Peterson has only helped himself during the pre-draft process. He’s generated positive intel throughout the pre-draft process as he’s remained highly focused on working on his game, sources said. Additionally, his former Kansas teammates have shared positive feedback about how he leads and operates as a teammate.
Utah Jazz Face Decision at No. 2
As it stands, Peterson is a likely choice at No. 2 for the Jazz. However, in addition to Peterson, Cameron Boozer is a prospect Utah has a strong view of, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal. Boozer was among prospects that visited the Jazz, as he did with the other teams at the top of the draft order.
Various outlets, including Dallas Hoops Journal, reported a potential concern from Peterson’s representation about backcourt overlap with Keyonte George, a fellow client at the same agency (The Team), who is eligible for a contract extension in July. However, sources said that is not believed to factor into Utah’s thought process, and it’s also not a reflection of Peterson’s perception of the Jazz, as he would welcome the opportunity to play in Utah if drafted by the Jazz.
Whether this factors much into Utah’s calculus or not, our sources indicated that Lauri Markkanen prefers to play the three and Jaren Jackson Jr. the four. The 6-foot-9 Boozer, who has rim protection limitations as one of his weaknesses as a prospect, would join a crowded frontcourt. Meanwhile, Peterson projects as a clean fit on the perimeter next to George in the backcourt.
What’s Next
Peterson remains among the headline prospects in a class widely regarded as one of the deepest in recent years, and his standing at the top of the board has held steady into draft week.
The start of the NBA Draft is Tuesday, June 23 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
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