Darryn Peterson recently met with members of the Utah Jazz front office as the 2026 NBA Draft process approaches its final stage, according to Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal. The former Kansas guard did not participate in an on-court workout for Utah before traveling to New York ahead of draft night.
The meeting comes as Peterson’s draft process has reportedly moved away from Utah and toward the Washington Wizards, who hold the No. 1 overall pick. Afseth previously reported that Peterson has “steered his process toward Washington and away from Utah,” with his camp preferring the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3 over the Jazz if Washington does not select him.
Peterson remains one of the biggest names near the top of the 2026 draft board. The 6-foot-5 guard has publicly expressed confidence in his standing among the class and believes he is the best player available. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Peterson did not plan to hold additional meetings with teams before draft night after his visit with Washington.
Utah’s interest in Peterson adds another layer to the top of the draft. The Jazz finished the 2025-26 season with a 22-60 record, tied for the third-worst mark in the league, and hold the second pick behind Washington. Their front office has been evaluating multiple elite prospects, including Duke forward Cameron Boozer.
The Jazz’s roster situation could influence their decision. Utah already has All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. during the season, and is reportedly focused on retaining restricted free agent center Walker Kessler. Selecting another frontcourt prospect like Boozer would create a different roster balance than adding a perimeter creator such as Peterson.
Peterson’s preference would not necessarily determine Utah’s choice. The Jazz previously selected Ace Bailey with the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft despite reports that Bailey’s camp preferred another destination. Bailey ultimately joined Utah and changed representation afterward.
The Kansas product enters the draft after a strong college season. Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24 games, playing 29 minutes per contest. He shot 38.2% from three-point range and 82.6% from the free-throw line, giving him one of the more complete scoring profiles among the top prospects.
The top of the draft is expected to revolve around Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Boozer. Washington owns the first selection, Utah follows at No. 2, and Memphis holds No. 3, creating a narrow window for where Peterson could land.
