The Utah Jazz Could Make The Playoffs In 2027

Dec 23, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey (19) and Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) watch a free throw shot during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

The Utah Jazz Could Make The Playoffs In 2027

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By David Desa | Last updated May 22, 2026 1:28 PM ET

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The Utah Jazz have a great opportunity to return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season, largely due to their front office. They made the moves to get to where they’re at, and after years of tanking basketball, it seems to be finally paying off. The lottery balls bounced their way, and they ended up with the second pick in the NBA draft. There have been many rumors about what they will do with this pick, as they have many directions they can take. One thing is certain: the move will be made with the goal of winning.

Decisions The Jazz Need To Make

The first thing the Jazz have to figure out is what they’re going to do with the second overall pick in June, which is right around the corner. They could draft Darryn Peterson at number two because it looks like Dybantsa is going first to the Washington Wizards. The combo guard could fit in nicely with Keyonte George; they would be a great backcourt to build around for years to come. Rumors have come out that Dybantsa might not want to be drafted by the Wizards, and would prefer staying near where he went to college, and join the Jazz.

The Wizards aren’t just going to do the Jazz a favor and draft Peterson so they can draft Dybantsa. They would ask to trade down with Jazz so they could select their guy, but will Utah be willing to give up extra pieces in order to move up to the first pick? Utah might like Dybantsa more as a player than they do with Peterson, but the latter seems to fit what they currently have in their roster. He would slide right into that shooting guard position, whereas Dybantsa would be added to a crowded front court that already features Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler.

End Of Jazz Rant

Utah will be an interesting team to follow during the offseason, and whatever they decide to do will shape how they look during the regular season. The 2026-27 season could be the start of winning basketball for a team that hasn’t seen a winning season in a few years. The addition of Jackson Jr. at the trade deadline could really make a difference if they really want to make a push for the playoffs next year. The Jazz look like they could make a similar improvement that the Portland Trail Blazers made this season. Utah has the talent, but they have to put it all together.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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