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The NBA trade deadline has now passed, and two very distinct races are unfolding for the rest of the regular season. The first is for playoff seeding – whether that be to get into the play-in, avoid it altogether or lock up home-court advantage.

Conversely, some teams are clearly focused on securing the best draft picks possible in June’s highly anticipated 2026 draft. Franchises like Memphis and Dallas traded away the likes of Anthony Davis and Jaren Jackson in service of that goal. However, that’s not to say Washington and Utah — where Davis and Jackson were relocated — are necessarily fully motivated to win now. As such, it will be interesting to see just how much those new players suit up for the final 30 games or so. The same can be reported for Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, which is now expected to move the former MVP this summer after not completing a deal at the deadline.

We took those variables and others — such as New Orleans owing its pick to Atlanta and thus having no motivation to lose games whatsoever, and the potential for Kawhi Leonard’s durability issues to resurface in the wake of James Harden and Ivica Zubac being traded away, even if those moves were in the franchise’s best long-term interests — into consideration to construct our first 2026 mock draft below.

Duke vs. UNC: Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson set up rivalry’s best NBA prospect matchup in last 40 years

Cameron Salerno

As for the order of the players themselves, the mock draft should not be confused with our big board, as team needs were considered as early as the No. 2 pick.

Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 – Pick 1

Darryn Peterson


PG

Kansas

• Fr

• 6’6″

/ 205 lbs

Projected Team

Sacramento

PROSPECT RNK

1st

POSITION RNK

1st

PPG

21.1

RPG

4.3

APG

1.8

3P%

43.2%

In this scenario, Sacramento secures the No. 1 pick. The Kings have the worst record in the NBA, have lost 10 straight and deliberately did nothing to rectify that at the deadline. In Peterson, they land a dynamic guard they can build around for the next generation. Some of his on-again, off-again availability issues have been labeled “bizarre,” but between the lines he has size, length, physicality, shot-making and playmaking — essentially everything a franchise could want.

Round 1 – Pick 2

Cameron Boozer


PF

Duke

• Fr

• 6’9″

/ 250 lbs

Projected Team

Indiana

PROSPECT RNK

3rd

POSITION RNK

1st

PPG

23.3

RPG

9.9

APG

4

3P%

37.5%

Indiana’s pick will go to the Clippers if it lands between Nos. 5-9, incentivizing the Pacers to keep losing games. What could complicate that is the arrival of Ivica Zubac, who is now the team’s center of the future but would probably be best utilized outside the lineup for the next 30 days. With Zubac joining Tyrese Haliburton (following his return from injury next season) and Pascal Siakam, Indiana wants to compete now. Boozer is the player best able to contribute immediately while also bridging the program’s future, even if AJ Dybantsa may have higher long-term upside.

Round 1 – Pick 3

AJ Dybantsa


SF

BYU

• Fr

• 6’9″

/ 212 lbs

Projected Team

Brooklyn

PROSPECT RNK

2nd

POSITION RNK

1st

PPG

23.9

RPG

6.4

APG

3.5

3P%

35.9%

With a 13-37 record, the Nets currently have a 48% chance of landing in the top three. In this scenario, they end up with Dybantsa, who would provide a go-to scorer to punctuate a developing young core. The 6-foot-9 wing will be a candidate to go first or second and almost certainly won’t fall below No. 3. If Michael Porter Jr. remains in Brooklyn, the two would fit nicely alongside Noah Clowney and Egor Demin.

Round 1 – Pick 4

Caleb Wilson


PF

North Carolina

• Fr

• 6’10”

/ 215 lbs

Projected Team

Dallas

PROSPECT RNK

4th

POSITION RNK

2nd

PPG

20

RPG

9.8

APG

2.8

3P%

25%

The Anthony Davis trade was motivated by the fact that Dallas does not control its own first-round pick again until 2031. Between that and the star power atop this draft, 2026 represents the best chance in the foreseeable future to find a long-term running mate for Cooper Flagg. While Dallas would love to land any of the top three, Wilson provides an elite athlete at the four and a defensive playmaker whose offense has proven ahead of schedule at North Carolina.

Round 1 – Pick 5

Kingston Flemings


PG

Houston

• Fr

• 6’4″

/ 190 lbs

Projected Team

Washington

PROSPECT RNK

7th

POSITION RNK

3rd

PPG

17

RPG

3.4

APG

5.5

3P%

38%

Davis may now be a Wizard, but Washington remains highly incentivized to lose. The team keeps its pick if it lands in the top eight; otherwise, it goes to the Knicks. In other words, don’t expect to see much of Trae Young and Davis together until next season. Flemings gives Washington an explosive athlete and legitimate creator at lead guard, with the potential to share the floor with Young early and mesh long-term with Tre Johnson.

Round 1 – Pick 6

Keaton Wagler


SG

Illinois

• Fr

• 6’6″

/ 185 lbs

Projected Team

Atlanta

PROSPECT RNK

23rd

POSITION RNK

3rd

PPG

17.9

RPG

5

APG

4.3

3P%

44.4%

Atlanta lands its lead guard of the future in Wagler, who brings positional size, shooting and a deliberate pace that should complement Jalen Johnson. He joins a promising young group that includes Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Jonathan Kuminga and Asa Newell, while also benefiting from playing with or behind Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who is under contract through 2027-28.

Round 1 – Pick 7

Mikel Brown Jr.


PG

Louisville

• Fr

• 6’5″

/ 190 lbs

Projected Team

Memphis

PROSPECT RNK

5th

POSITION RNK

2nd

PPG

15.6

RPG

3

APG

5.1

3P%

27.8%

Ja Morant may still be in Memphis, but that could change this offseason. With no true point guard among its young core, the Grizzlies turn to Brown, whose size and skill with the ball stand out. Memphis’ organizational culture should help him make necessary physical and defensive gains.

Round 1 – Pick 8

Nate Ament


PF

Tennessee

• Fr

• 6’10”

/ 207 lbs

Projected Team

Utah

PROSPECT RNK

6th

POSITION RNK

3rd

PPG

17.1

RPG

6.4

APG

2.5

3P%

31.1%

Utah is ready to compete after acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr., but the Jazz only retain this pick if it lands in the top eight. Ament adds a versatile combo forward and long-term asset to develop alongside Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Walker Kessler and the rest of Utah’s young core.

Round 1 – Pick 9

Jayden Quaintance


C

Kentucky

• Soph

• 6’10”

/ 255 lbs

Projected Team

Milwaukee

PROSPECT RNK

8th

POSITION RNK

1st

PPG

5

RPG

5

APG

0.5

3P%

0

Antetokounmpo is expected to be moved this summer, signaling a rebuild. Quaintance provides interior defense and flexibility, whether alongside Myles Turner or as a foundational frontcourt piece.

Round 1 – Pick 10

Koa Peat


PF

Arizona

• Fr

• 6’8″

/ 235 lbs

Projected Team

Charlotte

PROSPECT RNK

9th

POSITION RNK

4th

PPG

14.8

RPG

5.6

APG

2.6

3P%

35.3%

Charlotte is playing its best basketball in years and pushing for the playoffs. Peat supplies rim pressure and an NBA-ready physicality that this core currently lacks.

  From

Los Angeles Clippers

Round 1 – Pick 11

Thomas Haugh


PF

Florida

• Jr

• 6’9″

/ 215 lbs

Projected Team

Oklahoma City

PROSPECT RNK

10th

POSITION RNK

5th

PPG

17.6

RPG

6.4

APG

1.9

3P%

35%

One of the picks from the Paul George trade turns into Haugh, a versatile wing who fits OKC’s defensive culture and values.

Round 1 – Pick 12

Chris Cenac Jr.


C

Houston

• Fr

• 6’11”

/ 240 lbs

Projected Team

Chicago

PROSPECT RNK

16th

POSITION RNK

2nd

PPG

9.5

RPG

7.8

APG

0.9

3P%

36.5%

Cenac’s measurables and defensive versatility stand out. He is already spacing the floor and projects as a long-term four or five.

Round 1 – Pick 13

Darius Acuff Jr.


PG

Arkansas

• Fr

• 6’3″

/ 190 lbs

Projected Team

Portland

PROSPECT RNK

13th

POSITION RNK

5th

PPG

20.3

RPG

2.9

APG

6.2

3P%

40.8%

With Scoot Henderson nearing his season debut, Portland evaluates its future at point guard. Acuff offers scoring and creation, though this pick would convey to Chicago if it lands outside the lottery.

  From

Atlanta Hawks

Round 1 – Pick 14

Hannes Steinbach


PF

Washington

• Fr

• 6’11”

/ 229 lbs

Projected Team

San Antonio

PROSPECT RNK

15th

POSITION RNK

7th

PPG

17.8

RPG

11.5

APG

1.6

3P%

35.1%

Steinbach provides size, shooting range and inside-out skill to complement Victor Wembanyama.

  From

Orlando Magic

Round 1 – Pick 15

Yaxel Lendeborg


PF

Michigan

• Sr

• 6’9″

/ 235 lbs

Projected Team

Memphis

PROSPECT RNK

11th

POSITION RNK

6th

PPG

14.3

RPG

7.2

APG

3.2

3P%

29.8%

With a second first-rounder, Memphis adds another jumbo wing with two-way versatility.

Round 1 – Pick 16

Brayden Burries


SG

Arizona

• Fr

• 6’4″

/ 205 lbs

Projected Team

Miami

PROSPECT RNK

31st

POSITION RNK

4th

PPG

15.3

RPG

4.5

APG

2.9

3P%

37.1%

Miami faces perimeter turnover. Burries fits the Heat culture and offers positional flexibility and shooting.

Round 1 – Pick 17

Bennett Stirtz


PG

Iowa

• Sr

• 6’4″

/ 190 lbs

Projected Team

Golden St.

PROSPECT RNK

17th

POSITION RNK

6th

PPG

19.2

RPG

2.4

APG

5

3P%

39.4%

Stirtz fits Steve Kerr’s system perfectly with shooting, movement and feel for the game.

Round 1 – Pick 18

Labaron Philon


PG

Alabama

• Fr

• 6’3″

/ 175 lbs

Projected Team

Toronto

PROSPECT RNK

12th

POSITION RNK

4th

PPG

21.4

RPG

3.5

APG

4.9

3P%

38.5%

Toronto still lacks elite guard depth. Philon provides scoring, playmaking and defensive upside.

  From

Philadelphia 76ers

Round 1 – Pick 19

Patrick Ngongba II


C

Duke

• Soph

• 6’11”

/ 250 lbs

Projected Team

Oklahoma City

PROSPECT RNK

28th

POSITION RNK

4th

PPG

11

RPG

6.2

APG

2

3P%

29.2%

Ngongba offers defensive presence and developing offense as OKC plans for frontcourt flexibility.

  From

Cleveland Cavaliers

Round 1 – Pick 20

player headshot


Karim Lopez


SF

Mexico

• 6’8″

/ 224 lbs

Projected Team

Atlanta

PROSPECT RNK

22nd

POSITION RNK

4th

Lopez is a skilled offensive wing from Mexico playing in New Zealand, offering versatility and developmental upside.

  From

Philadelphia 76ers

Round 1 – Pick 21

Christian Anderson


PG

Texas Tech

• Soph

• 6’3″

/ 178 lbs

Projected Team

Charlotte

PROSPECT RNK

27th

POSITION RNK

8th

PPG

19.6

RPG

3.4

APG

7.5

3P%

43.6%

Anderson gives Charlotte a contingency option at guard with high skill and basketball IQ.

Round 1 – Pick 22

Joshua Jefferson


PF

Iowa State

• Sr

• 6’9″

/ 240 lbs

Projected Team

L.A. Lakers

PROSPECT RNK

30th

POSITION RNK

8th

PPG

17.3

RPG

7.8

APG

5.1

3P%

40.6%

Jefferson’s strength, defense, passing and spacing make him a cost-effective contributor.

  From

Indiana Pacers

Round 1 – Pick 23

Cameron Carr


SG

Baylor

• Soph

• 6’5″

/ 190 lbs

Projected Team

New Orleans

PROSPECT RNK

14th

POSITION RNK

1st

PPG

19.4

RPG

5.8

APG

2.8

3P%

40.5%

Carr brings length, athleticism and shooting but will need time to add strength.

Round 1 – Pick 24

Isaiah Evans


SF

Duke

• Soph

• 6’6″

/ 180 lbs

Projected Team

Philadelphia

PROSPECT RNK

24th

POSITION RNK

5th

PPG

14.2

RPG

3.1

APG

1.2

3P%

33.5%

Evans provides floor spacing and size around Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

Round 1 – Pick 25

Henri Veesaar


C

North Carolina

• Jr

• 7’0″

/ 225 lbs

Projected Team

Denver

PROSPECT RNK

26th

POSITION RNK

3rd

PPG

16.8

RPG

9

APG

2

3P%

45.9%

Veesaar projects as a long-term backup center option behind Nikola Jokic.

Round 1 – Pick 26

Braylon Mullins


SG

Connecticut

• Fr

• 6’6″

/ 196 lbs

Projected Team

Boston

PROSPECT RNK

20th

POSITION RNK

2nd

PPG

11.8

RPG

3.4

APG

1.4

3P%

38%

Mullins’ elite shooting and underrated defense fit Boston’s needs.

Round 1 – Pick 27

Aday Mara


C

Michigan

• Jr

• 7’3″

/ 255 lbs

Projected Team

New York

PROSPECT RNK

29th

POSITION RNK

5th

PPG

10.8

RPG

7

APG

2.2

3P%

0%

Mara provides massive size and defensive impact as Mitchell Robinson approaches free agency.

  From

San Antonio Spurs

Round 1 – Pick 28

Morez Johnson Jr.


F

Michigan

• Soph

• 6’9″

/ 250 lbs

Projected Team

Cleveland

PROSPECT RNK

N/A

POSITION RNK

N/A

PPG

13.7

RPG

7

APG

1.2

3P%

41.7%

Johnson’s physicality complements Cleveland’s two-big approach.

  From

Detroit Pistons

Round 1 – Pick 29

Tounde Yessoufou


SF

Baylor

• Fr

• 6’5″

/ 215 lbs

Projected Team

Minnesota

PROSPECT RNK

19th

POSITION RNK

3rd

PPG

17.7

RPG

5.9

APG

1.7

3P%

31.3%

Yessoufou is a high-upside long-term play late in the first round.

  From

Oklahoma City Thunder

Round 1 – Pick 30

Juke Harris


SF

Wake Forest

• Soph

• 6’7″

/ 200 lbs

Projected Team

Dallas

PROSPECT RNK

40th

POSITION RNK

7th

PPG

20.9

RPG

6.2

APG

1.5

3P%

36.5%

Harris offers size and shooting on the wing to space the floor around Cooper Flagg.