Utah Jazz's Biggest Offseason Needs Ahead of 2026 NBA Draft

This will be a quick and easy draft night for the Utah Jazz as they own the No. 2 (and only the No. 2) overall pick.

Trading up to No. 1 and trying to land AJ Dybantsa should be a priority all the way up until draft night. Keeping the BYU star at home and pairing him with Ace Bailey, Jaren Jackson Jr., Walker Kessler (restricted free agent) and Keyonte George would give this team one of the best young cores in the entire NBA.

Darryn Peterson is a fine consolation prize, although Dybantsa should be the top choice if the price is reasonable to move up.

2025-26 Record: 22-60

Draft Pick: 2

AJ Dybantsa

Overall, the Jazz can't really go wrong with the second pick. Regardless of who the Washington Wizards take at No. 1, they'll get a potential superstar next.

But with Dybantsa, Utah would get someone familiar with the area, who plays multiple positions, who can create for others and who has star scoring upside.

And his size, in lineups with Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler (assuming he's re-signed), could make the Jazz terrifyingly big.

Re-Sign Walker Kessler

There may be some friction between Kessler and the Jazz right now, but restricted free agency gives the team the opportunity to match whatever offer he signs.

And over the course of his four losing seasons in Utah, the Jazz actually have a positive point differential when Kessler is on the floor with Markkanen.

If they really want to turn the corner and start trying to win, Kessler's size, rebounding and rim protection will make it an awful lot easier.

Keep Developing

Even if the Jazz are more competitive and start leaning more heavily on vets, they can't (and probably won't) lose sight of the development of younger players like Keyonte George, Bailey, Cody Williams and others.

In the league's current cap landscape, with all the penalties that come from exceeding the tax and aprons, genuinely helpful minutes from players on rookie contracts are crucial.