2026 NBA Draft Predictions Post-Trade Deadline
With the conclusion of the 2026 NBA trade deadline, the landscape of the upcoming draft drastically changes. High-profile trades involving stars like Anthony Davis and James Harden have reshaped the potential outlook for top prospects such as Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa. A particularly noteworthy move was the Indiana Pacers, who exchanged a first-round pick to acquire Ivica Zubac from the Clippers; the odds suggest this pick could have a nearly 48% chance of being transferred to Los Angeles.
Draft Forecast
As we look ahead, we forecast the first round of the draft based on ESPN’s anticipated team performances and the implications of recent trades, including potential protections and swaps.
- Washington Wizards: Darryn Peterson (Kansas, Guard, 6’5″, 19 years old)
Following their acquisition of Trae Young and Anthony Davis, the Wizards are in line for an intriguing roster transformation, particularly if they secure the top overall pick. Darryn Peterson, a freshman guard from Kansas, stands out as a premier prospect whose addition could significantly elevate the team’s future. - Sacramento Kings: AJ Dybantsa (BYU, Wing, 6’9″, 19 years old)
The Kings have dealt with a lackluster season and are eager for a fresh start. Selecting BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, who recently made history as the youngest player to achieve a 30-point triple-double, could inject new life into the franchise. - Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Boozer (Duke, Big, 6’9″, 18 years old)
After making a splash in the 2025 draft, the Nets are poised to draft another impact player. Cameron Boozer is an attractive option with a solid overall game that could fit seamlessly into Brooklyn’s roster. - Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Caleb Wilson (North Carolina, Big, 6’10”, 19 years old)
With a valuable pick acquired in the trade for Derik Queen, the Hawks may target North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson. Known for his dunking prowess and prolific scoring, Wilson would enhance their frontcourt alongside Jalen Johnson. - Utah Jazz: Kingston Flemings (Houston, Guard, 6’4″, 19 years old)
Following the addition of Jaren Jackson Jr., the Jazz might turn to Kingston Flemings to further bolster their defense. Having demonstrated scoring ability against ranked opponents, Flemings could provide the defensive improvement the Jazz desperately need. - Los Angeles Clippers (via Pacers): Keaton Wagler (Illinois, Wing, 6’6″, 19 years old)
After trading James Harden, the Clippers will benefit from this first-round pick, potentially selecting the rapidly rising guard Keaton Wagler, who has proven to be a prolific scorer and facilitator. - Dallas Mavericks: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas, Guard, 6’3″, 19 years old)
Darius Acuff Jr. has emerged as a strong lead guard prospect, thriving under coach John Calipari’s system. This talented playmaker could add much-needed playmaking skills to the Mavericks’ backcourt. - Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville, Guard, 6’5″, 20 years old)
As Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future remains uncertain, the Bucks may look to Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr., a former McDonald’s All-American who has shown potential to be a future lead guard. - Chicago Bulls: Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky, Big, 6’9″, 18 years old)
Coming off serious injuries, Jayden Quaintance impressed with his return performance at Kentucky. His remarkable defensive skills would be a vital addition for a Bulls team that recently traded Nikola Vučević. - Memphis Grizzlies: Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan, Big, 6’9″, 23 years old)
The Grizzlies have a chance to select Yaxel Lendeborg, a player known for being ready for the NBA. His versatility on both ends will help Memphis as they continue architecting their rebuilding process. - Portland Trail Blazers: Koa Peat (Arizona, Big, 6’8″, 19 years old)
Koa Peat’s athleticism fits the Trail Blazers’ focus on versatile players who impact the game in multiple ways. - Charlotte Hornets: Labaron Philon (Alabama, Guard, 6’4″, 20 years old)
Despite adding Coby White, the Hornets may seek more resilience in their backcourt, finding value in Alabama’s Labaron Philon, a guard improving in his scoring efficiency. - Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Hannes Steinbach (Washington, Big, 6’11”, 20 years old)
Coming off a championship season, the Thunder are pinning hopes on Hannes Steinbach, a skilled rebounder who has showcased impressive abilities internationally. - San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Thomas Haugh (Florida, Wing, 6’9″, 22 years old)
Florida’s national champion Thomas Haugh offers a blue-collar work ethic and is valued for his ability to contribute without needing the ball. - Golden State Warriors: Cameron Carr (Baylor, Wing, 6’5″, 21 years old)
Rising star Cameron Carr from Baylor has made a name for himself with brilliant athletic plays and shooting accuracy, attracting the Warriors’ attention as they seek new talent. - Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State, Big, 6’9″, 22 years old)
Dependable and skilled, Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson may fit the Grizzlies’ recent scouting patterns, similar to past successes. - Miami Heat: Nate Ament (Tennessee, Wing, 6’10”, 19 years old)
A potential project for the Heat, Nate Ament possesses the length and recent performance to intrigue scouts despite mixed reviews. - Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz (Iowa, Guard, 6’4″, 22 years old)
Stirtz could fulfill the Raptors’ need for another guard, showing impressive skills in creating shots from dribble despite a rough stretch against top teams. - Los Angeles Lakers: Patrick Ngongba II (Duke, Big, 6’11”, 20 years old)
The Lakers might prioritize big-man Patrick Ngongba II, who stands out for his passing ability, vital for today’s spread offense. - Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Karim López (International, Australia, Forward, 6’8″, 19 years old)
Another Australian talent, Karim López, may soon hear his name called as the Thunder explore options for overseas prospects. - Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): Brayden Burries (Arizona, Guard, 6’4″, 20 years old)
A burgeoning star, Burries has made waves with impressive performances, underscoring his readiness to contribute at the next level. - Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor, Wing, 6’5″, 20 years old)
Athletic and explosive, Yessoufou is viewed as an exciting project who could refine his skills and become a crucial asset for the Hawks. - Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Christian Anderson (Texas Tech, Guard, 6’3″, 20 years old)
With a surprising season underway, the Pistons may target Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson, who has excelled in scoring and playmaking. - Denver Nuggets: JT Toppin (Texas Tech, Big, 6’9″, 21 years old)
JT Toppin has been quietly dominant this season and could find himself playing an essential role for a Nuggets team gearing up for the playoffs. - Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Amari Allen (Alabama, Wing, 6’7″, 20 years old)
Amari Allen’s stats reflect his rapid improvement; he is seen as a valuable addition who plays well in transition. - Boston Celtics: Aday Mara (Michigan, Big, 7’3″, 21 years old)
In need of frontcourt support, the Celtics could pursue Aday Mara, an impressive rim protector and playmaker from Michigan who would fit well with their system. - New York Knicks: Henri Veesaar (North Carolina, Big, 7’0″, 22 years old)
After transferring to North Carolina from Arizona, Veesaar has demonstrated significant improvement, making him an appealing target for teams seeking a talented big man. - Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Braylon Mullins (Connecticut, Wing, 6’6″, 19 years old)
Mullins’ return from injury has reignited his stock; his ability as an off-ball player could complement the Cavaliers’ current lineup nicely. - Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State, Wing, 6’8″, 21 years old)
Momcilovic brings an impressive offensive skill set, making him an intriguing choice for the Timberwolves looking to enhance their wing depth. - Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan, Big, 6’9″, 20 years old)
The Mavericks may seek to add Morez Johnson Jr., a standout who has excelled as both a scorer and defender, completing their roster with additional depth.
