Utah Jazz Officially Sign Former Kansas Star Darryn Peterson

Darryn Peterson has officially signed with the Utah Jazz. The Utah Jazz announced Wednesday that they have signed the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Per team policy, the organization did not disclose the terms of Peterson's rookie contract.

The signing marks the next chapter for one of the most highly touted recruits in Kansas basketball history. Peterson spent one season in Lawrence before becoming the highest-drafted Jayhawk since Andrew Wiggins went No. 1 overall in 2014.

Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game despite battling hamstring, ankle and recurring cramping issues throughout the season. He still delivered several signature performances, including a 32-point outing against TCU, a dominant showing against AJ Dybantsa and BYU, and late-game heroics in a road win at Texas Tech.

Kansas head coach Bill Self believes Peterson landed in an ideal situation.

"I think he's going to be a perfect fit for them, based on personnel, so he'll have the ball in his hands," Self said after the draft. "I'm really excited for him. I'm excited for his family."

Peterson arrives in Utah with plenty of motivation after being selected behind Dybantsa. During his introductory press conference, he made it clear the draft result will fuel him moving forward.

"The celebration stops tonight. I got drafted today, but tomorrow I'm an NBA player."

He later added:

"I see a guy that went No. 1 on the screen there right now (AJ Dybantsa), so I'm extra motivated... It will always be in my mind for my whole career."

Peterson also emphasized that defense will be a priority at the next level.

"I'm a Kobe guy, so he played both sides of the ball. That's my idol, so I'm trying to lock down on defense."

The rookie also signed a long-term Adidas endorsement that reportedly ranks among the five richest rookie shoe deals in NBA history, further cementing his status as one of basketball's brightest young stars.

Now officially under contract with the Jazz, Peterson begins his NBA career carrying both lofty expectations and the confidence that made him one of the nation's top prospects at Kansas.

Join the Community

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: