The Chicago Bulls aren’t in the range to select BYU star AJ Dybantsa. Yet, that hasn’t stopped them from doing their due diligence on the forward.
According to ESPN Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, the Bulls are still showing some level of interest in Dybantsa during the NBA Draft Combine week.
via Marc Spears on X: BYU forward AJ Dybantsa met with the Wizards in Chicago during the NBA pre-draft camp. Washington is supposed to visit with “multiple players” in DC for the top pick, source days. Dybantsa also met with Utah, Chicago, Sacramento, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Dallas, Memphis & the Clippers.
Where Do The Bulls Stand?
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dunks the ball over Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery treated the Bulls well.
After the drawing, Chicago moved up five spots to pick up the fourth-overall pick, after finishing the season with a 31-51 record.
Still, the Bulls aren’t in play for Dybantsa. Even if the Washington Wizards pass up on him at No. 1, Dybantsa would certainly be on his way to join the Utah Jazz at No. 2.
If the Bulls want him, they’ll have to work the phones with Washington to acquire the No. 1 pick. While the Wizards are expected to entertain offers for the selection, the Bulls haven’t been linked to a deal with Washington at this time.
Chicago’s meeting with the incoming rookie out of BYU is simply the new front office doing its due diligence before deciding what’s next for their team. Even if trading up for Dybantsa isn’t in the cards, the Bulls are in a good spot to acquire a stellar player.
AJ Dybantsa Is The Top Prospect
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 18: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars reacts during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 18, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
During his lone season at BYU, Dybantsa started all 35 games he played.
Seeing the court for 34.8 minutes per game, Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points per game on 51.0% shooting from the field. He led the NCAA-DI in PPG. Along with his scoring, Dybantsa came down with 6.8 rebounds per game, averaged 3.7 assists, and came up with 1.1 steals per game.
The Bulls still have plenty of time to figure out what their big move will be on draft night. The 2026 NBA Draft will take place in Brooklyn, New York, on June 23, 2026.