The Jazz Should Entertain a Trade Down Regardless of Who Draft's Top Selection Is

As of May 26, it seems like a forgone conclusion that the Washington Wizards will select AJ Dybantsa first overall in next month's draft. There's been plenty of discourse surrounding the Utah Jazz potentially swapping their pick with Washington, but as it currently stands, Dybantsa is likely to be a Wizard. 

That leaves Utah with its choice of Darryn Peterson, who some should be the top selection over Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer or even Caleb Wilson at pick two. 

From a value standpoint, Peterson should be the pick. Getting a guy that has the two-way potential Peterson possesses without winning the draft lottery is a dream come true for any organization — especially if he is to be paired alongside Keyonte George in the backcourt. 

But what if the Jazz don't identify Peterson as the second-best prospect in this class? 

Utah shipped out three future firsts in exchange for Jaren Jackson Jr. back in February, but could quickly regain some of that capital if it can swing a trade down. 

Since we've already seen the Jazz and Grizzlies come together on a blockbuster, could it happen again, this time in a pick two for pick three swap? 

Just as there's been smoke of Utah eying Dybantsa, there have also been plenty of rumblings that suggest Boozer could be the guy, and it certainly helps that his father, Carlos, is a Jazz scout and personnel evaluator. 

The frontcourt would certainly become crowded by adding Boozer to the mix, but Lauri Markkanen's versatility to play multiple positions could help alleviate that worry — and the immediate fit may not matter if Utah is properly compensated in the preceding trade that leads to Boozer's acquisition. 

All is dependent on where the Jazz views its current timeline. There may not be a need to collect even more capital, since Utah already owes Memphis its most favorable first-rounder in 2027, which could include its own. 

The Jackson trade accelerated the rebuild, which may force the Jazz into a "best player available" scenario, but there's no guarantee the franchise sees Peterson as a member of that category. 

While there could be some wacky scenario where Peterson goes first and Dybantsa is available at two, the philosophy shouldn't change. 

A team that currently sits outside of the top four could very well end up massively overpaying in a trade-up. If the Jazz can find a way to be the team that benefits from said hypothetical overpay while still landing one of the draft's top names, the franchise could quickly become viewed as a future headache for the top of the Western Conference — if it isn't already.