2026 NBA Mock Draft 3.5: How Giannis trade, 5 other scenarios could shape historic 1st-round deals

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2026 NBA Mock Draft 3.5: How Giannis trade, 5 other scenarios could shape historic 1st-round deals

Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints

Tue, Jun 16, 2026 ·

5 min read

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There will be at least one trade over the course of the next week leading up to the 2026 NBA Draft, and many around the league are expecting Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks to be the first domino to fall. While the Miami Heat are considered the favorites for the two-time MVP, where Giannis ends up will impact the NBA Draft as a whole and all the mock drafts out there.

Obviously, nothing will change at the very top of the board, with the top four picks expected to be AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson in that order, but the lottery will look a lot different once Antetokounmpo is traded. Not to mention, trading him would just be one of many moves the Bucks would look to make before and during the draft.

Outside of all the buzz surrounding Giannis, there are plenty of other trades we could see happen, both involving first-round picks in this year's draft and in future years for win-now talents.

With the league preparing for multiple moves to be made up and down the draft board, especially with how talented a class this is, which teams will potentially look to be aggressive on draft night?

In this special 2026 NBA Mock Draft 3.5 on ClutchPoints, we've put together six hypothetical trade packages, one of which involves Giannis, that could drastically shake things up throughout the first round of the draft. Although there are some obvious differences, this mock draft reflects our Mock Draft 3.0 from June 8 , which is listed below.

Previous ClutchPoints 2026 NBA Draft Big Boards: 4.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.0
Previous ClutchPoints 2026 NBA Mock Drafts: 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.0

1. Washington Wizards – SF AJ Dybantsa – BYU, Freshman

AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson for the No. 1 pick? This debate has been going on for weeks around the league, and some still don't think the Washington Wizards have made up their minds yet. With Peterson canceling his workout scheduled with the Utah Jazz, more theories are being thrown out there about whether the Wizards will actually pass on Dybantsa.

Well, the overwhelming belief among league personnel is that Dybantsa will still be the first pick. Even he believes he will be going first, as sources close to the situation told ClutchPoints that Dybantsa left his workout at the end of last week with the Wizards fully of the belief that he will be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after what was said to be a "perfect" visit.

Dybantsa is exactly what the Wizards need, and as fun as it would be to discuss hypothetical trades at the top of the board, the chances of that happening are slim. Never say never, but it's looking incredibly unlikely that Utah or Memphis will surrender the assets needed to move up to No. 1 overall.

2. Utah Jazz – PG Darryn Peterson – Kansas, Freshman

The Jazz are lucky to be in a position where they can simply wait and take either Dybantsa or Peterson, whichever player is on the board for the second pick in the draft. Although Cam Boozer's name has come up in connection with the Jazz, specifically due to his father working in the front office, his fit makes no sense for Utah's plans to become a real threat in the West to the OKC Thunder and San Antonio Spurs as a young, rising team, specifically due to the amount of talent in their frontcourt already.

Peterson is the easiest fit for Utah and immediately slides into the lead guard spot for years to come alongside Keyonte George. Maybe Peterson doesn't want to play for the Jazz, but neither did Ace Bailey, and things have worked out for him so far.

3. Memphis Grizzlies – PF Cameron Boozer – Duke, Freshman

Cam Boozer is the youngest player in this draft class, and for some reason, he's viewed as having the least long-term potential out of the top-four prospects. This narrative surrounding him is skewed, especially since he, Dybantsa, Peterson, and Caleb Wilson all have All-Star potential.

With the Memphis Grizzlies, Boozer will immediately create a formidable frontcourt pairing with Zach Edey, and his all-around play at the power forward position will take this team into a new era since Ja Morant is expected to be traded this offseason. Boozer and the Grizzlies may just be the best fit out of all the top four picks in this draft.

4. Chicago Bulls – SF/PF Caleb Wilson – North Carolina, Freshman

Length, athleticism, dynamic scoring, and relentless effort defensively are what the Chicago Bulls are getting in Caleb Wilson with the fourth pick, and that's exactly the type of franchise cornerstone new executive Bryson Graham made it clear his team wants to find. Already having Matas Buzelis and after hiring Tiago Splitter, Wilson would join an organization primed to focus on player development, which benefits him, since he is still a raw prospect.

Not to mention, Wilson himself has made it clear he wants to play for the Bulls, claiming he's a winner and will help "change the culture" in Chicago . Doesn't that sound like a young Michael Jordan from when he was first drafted? The Bulls should be thrilled to welcome Wilson through the doors.

5. Los Angeles Clippers – PG Mikel Brown Jr. – Louisville, Freshman

There has been a lot of noise surrounding Mikel Brown being a top-six pick in recent weeks, with both the LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets expressing a ton of interest in the Louisville guard. Although the Clippers have discussed possible trades with multiple teams regarding this No. 5 pick, there has not been traction on a deal quite yet.

Ending up with Brown, Keaton Wagler, or Kingston Flemings in this spot is highly advantageous to the Clippers, considering Kawhi Leonard's future is a question mark, and Darius Garland could eventually be flipped in the near future. Drafting a young guard with star potential makes the most sense for this franchise, which is why Brown stands out as a three-level scorer who has been blowing teams away in his pre-draft workouts.

6. Brooklyn Nets – PG Darius Acuff Jr. – Arkansas, Freshman

Another team mentioned as a possible trade candidate inside the top 10 is the Brooklyn Nets, although they are looking at multiple guards with the sixth pick. Wagler would obviously be a strong option if the Clippers opt to bypass him, but after watching Brown go off the board to the Clippers, whom the Nets hold very strong interest in, then maybe Sean Marks and the Nets do go for star potential with Darius Acuff Jr.

It does feel like the Nets have warmed up slightly to the idea of drafting Acuff as of late, and his scoring abilities are exactly what this team needs to attempt to take a step forward in the Eastern Conference. However, Acuff is the top option for the Sacramento Kings one pick after this, so maybe the idea of the Nets being interested in Acuff is simply a ploy to force the Kings to trade up. Either way, this fit makes sense.

7. Sacramento Kings – PG/SG Keaton Wagler – Illinois, Freshman

With his do-it-all abilities and his 3-point shooting, Wagler can immediately become the lead guard in Sacramento. Brown and Acuff are both high on the Kings' draft board, which leaves Wagler and Kingston Flemings as their only options here. Perhaps the Kings would consider trading this pick with their two top options off the board, especially with the Thunder making it known to teams that they'll move #12 and #17 in this draft for a top-10 pick.

Nonetheless, Wagler would join the Kings as a sound prospect who can bring out the best in those around him. Even though Wagler is not the most athletic player who will blow you away with his dynamic play, his high IQ and playmaking abilities stand out. The Kings had a guy like this in Tyrese Haliburton not too long ago, and they could fix their problems of the past with a prospect like Wagler.

8. TRADE #1: Milwaukee Bucks – PG Kingston Flemings – Houston, Freshman

MIL receives: G Buddy Hield (via ATL), Pick #8 (via ATL), Pick #17 (via OKC)
ATL receives: F/C Bobby Portis (via MIL), Pick #12 (via OKC → MIL)
OKC receives: Pick #10 (via MIL)

Finally, we have reached our first trade of this mock draft, and it involves the Milwaukee Bucks finding a way to move up into the top 10 to find their point guard of the future: Kingston Flemings.

With Giannis having one foot out the door, it's very likely that the Bucks will want to move on from Bobby Portis as well. Portis is a seasoned veteran big man who thrives in his role off the bench, and he would bring the exact type of toughness and leadership the young Atlanta Hawks need. Plus, by moving down a few spots, the Hawks can still be in a position to add talent to their backcourt while also addressing their frontcourt needs.

Oklahoma City has been actively attempting to package #12 and #17 to move up into the top 10 , and they would be getting the Bucks' pick in this spot to draft Aday Mara. More on that shortly. From the Bucks' perspective, moving up two spots and adding another first-round pick at the expense of Portis and the Thunder's pick is a major win, especially if they are adding a key guard like Flemings as Taylor Jenkins' new lead guard alongside Ryan Rollins.

9. TRADE #2: Brooklyn Nets – SF Nate Ament – Tennessee, Freshman

BKN receives: G Klay Thompson (via DAL), F Sam Hauser (via BOS), Pick #9 (via DAL), Pick #40 (via BOS)
DAL receives: F Michael Porter Jr. (via BKN), C Day'Ron Sharpe (via BKN), Pick #27 (via BOS), NYK 2027 1st-round pick (via BKN), 2029 DAL/HOU/PHX 1st-round pick (least favorable, via BKN), 2031 BOS 2nd-round pick (least favorable of BOS/CLE, via BOS)
BOS receives: C Daniel Gafford, CHI 2027 2nd-round pick (via DAL)

There has been chatter about the Nets exploring ways to move back into the lottery after making the sixth pick. Nate Ament has drawn interest from Brooklyn if they were to acquire a second pick, as has Mara. Those two can easily be flip-flopped in this mock draft in terms of #9 and #10, but we will go with Ament for the Nets here.

This would be quite the trade for Brooklyn, Dallas, and Boston to make, with Michael Porter Jr. and Daniel Gafford being moved. From the Nets' perspective, moving Porter and adding a top-10 pick would be a win, considering he's in the final year of his contract and needs to be moved while his value is high. Moving up to ninth and drafting Ament, who has drawn comparisons to Porter, gives the Nets a young, more cost-effective long-term option on the wing.

Adding him in a package with Day'Ron Sharpe and future draft assets that are expendable gives the Mavericks reason to trade down and out of the #9 spot. Not to mention, Klay Thompson and Sam Hauser would be two veteran leaders for the Nets who can set the tone from the perimeter. Maybe there is another deal to be had here with Thompson in the final year of his contract.

The Celtics would be adding a big man they've long targeted for the 27th pick, Hauser, and some second-round value, while the Mavs and Masai Ujiri take a swing early in the Cooper Flagg era. Dallas has no intentions of trading Kyrie Irving, and they want to set themselves up to be competitive again in the playoffs. Adding Porter as their No. 3 option next to Flagg and Irving certainly does this, and Sharpe would hold a key role in the frontcourt next to Dereck Lively II at a lower price than Gafford.

Most importantly, the Mavs trade down, which opens up options for them to explore more trades with the #27, #30, and #48 picks.

10. TRADE #1: Oklahoma City Thunder – C Aday Mara – Michigan, Junior

(See Trade #1 details under Pick #8)

It is possible that the Nets could trade up, like in this mock draft, and take Mara as a long-term building block in their frontcourt. But it is no secret to anyone that the Thunder are high on Mara, and he would be their target in a trade-up scenario from #12 and #17 in the first round. Going back to Trade #1, that is exactly what the Thunder accomplished, as they snag Mara here with the 10th pick.

Despite drafting Thomas Sorber last year to be a long-term option in their frontcourt next to Chet Holmgren, Mara stands out as a valuable addition, regardless of whether Isaiah Hartenstein stays in Oklahoma City or not. The Thunder know they will need size moving forward in a Western Conference that just became more competitive with Victor Wembanyama, and drafting Mara gives them yet another reliable rim protector and rebounder to dominate the paint.

As reported on ClutchPoints, the Thunder have also been linked to Ament, so that's why the selections at #9 and #10 in this mock could be flipped. If they do not trade up from 12th, the Thunder will consider whoever falls to them, possibly Ament and Mara, or they'll consider taking Yaxel Lendeborg.

11. TRADE #3: Atlanta Hawks – PG/SG Brayden Burries – Arizona, Freshman

ATL receives: Pick #11, Pick #54
GSW receives: Pick #12 (via OKC → ATL), 2030 1st-round pick (Protected 1-12, 15-20)

After moving back from #8 to #12 earlier in the mock draft, the Hawks can now make a very simple deal with the Golden State Warriors, with whom they are familiar with doing business, and get the backcourt piece they need at #11 overall. Best of all from Atlanta's perspective, the cost wouldn't be high whatsoever, especially since they add a second-round pick and heavily protect their 2030 first-round pick. Per the NBA's new draft rules, teams cannot protect picks in the 12-15 range anymore, which is why this pick would have special 1-to-12 and 15-to-20 protections going to Golden State.

Why would the Warriors need this? Well, the Warriors sent their 2030 first-round pick with top-20 protection to Washington as part of the Chris Paul trade a few years ago, and that is now owned by the Mavs. By adding this Atlanta pick that has "top-20 protections," the Warriors would have trade access to every pick through 2033. That will be important for them when the time comes for the trade deadline in February 2027.

Going back to the Hawks, moving up a spot to secure Brayden Burries, who the Warriors do hold interest in, gives Atlanta a competitive two-way guard whose overall feel for the game stands out alongside Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Not many are talking about Burries going to the Hawks, but he would be a sneaky addition for them in a potential trade-down scenario from the #8 pick.

12. TRADE #3: Golden State Warriors – PF Yaxel Lendeborg – Michigan, Senior

(See Trade #3 details under Pick #11)

Mara and Burries are off the board, which means the Warriors would likely be deciding between Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. after trading down one spot with Atlanta. Lendeborg gets the nod in this mock draft since he is the most win-now player available in the lottery and can instantly become a key piece of the Warriors' rotation for at least the next decade.

Lendeborg doesn't have a high ceiling like other draft prospects this year, but his floor is what he is now — an extremely efficient and impactful two-way forward who makes winning plays. These types of players thrive in Steve Kerr's system, and the Warriors have a clear need for forward talent, especially on the wing with Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody hurt.

Either Lendeborg or Johnson makes a ton of sense here with how this mock has played out to this point. The Warriors recently hosted Lendeborg for a pre-draft workout.

13. TRADE #4: Milwaukee Bucks – PF/C Hannes Steinbach – Washington, Freshman

MIA receives: F Giannis Antetokounmpo
MIL receives: G Tyler Herro, C Kel'el Ware, G Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pick #13, additional player & draft assets

And now, we get to the Giannis trade. Although there is a lot of talk of other teams potentially being in the mix, including the Boston Celtics, the overwhelming belief among agents and scouts around the NBA is that Antetokounmpo is heading to South Beach. This means a package of Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., the No. 13 pick, and additional assets will be leaving Miami.

Whatever the Bucks decide to do with Herro, Ware, and the other assets is a mystery, but they covet this 13th overall pick because of the talent still on the board. Already moving up to take Flemings earlier, the Bucks can now add to their depleted frontcourt with Hannes Steinbach.

At 6'10" without shoes, Steinbach answered the key question at the combine: whether he could hold his own as a true center in this league. Steinbach has the tools to become a stretch big man with a solid-looking jumper, and he's already an above-average rebounder on both sides of the floor. Pairing Flemings with a long-term center option in Steinbach paves the road forward for Milwaukee, who aren't done quite yet in this mock draft since they still own the Thunder's #17 pick.

14. Charlotte Hornets – PF/C Morez Johnson Jr. – Michigan, Sophomore

Morez Johnson and the Charlotte Hornets are a match made in heaven. His relentless energy and grit when it comes to attacking the glass is exactly what the Hornets need in their frontcourt, and he brings a different dynamic as a versatile defender compared to Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate.

Johnson is exactly the type of athletic player the Hornets need in their frontcourt, even if he isn't necessarily viewed as a reliable option at center in the NBA. His shooting may be a concern, but Johnson makes up for this with his physicality and motor, two intangibles you can't teach. Along with considering Johnson in this spot, the Hornets have also been heavily linked to Lendeborg, should he fall past OKC and Golden State.

15. Chicago Bulls – SF/PF Karim Lopez – Mexico (New Zealand Breakers – NBL)

Where Karim Lopez ends up in the draft is a mystery, as I've heard interest in him from every team in the 10-to-20 range other than the Toronto Raptors. And that is not to say the Raptors aren't interested either, but I have not heard them as an option, possibly because he will be off the board by then. Although the Chicago Bulls have been trying to move into the top 10, it doesn't look like that will be a possibility.

Continuing to add length and versatility on the wing would be advantageous for the Bulls, which is why Cameron Carr is also a unique fit in this spot. But with Lopez on the board, he is worth taking a swing at. With his size and length, as well as the ability to hold different roles on the court, Lopez would join the Bulls as a defensive-minded wing with plenty of room to grow, especially as a perimeter threat. Splitter would definitely be able to bring out the most in him after helping Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara take a major step this past season.

16. TRADE #5:New Orleans Pelicans – SG Cameron Carr – Baylor, Sophomore

NOP receives: F/C Santi Aldama, Pick #16
MEM receives: G/F Herb Jones, G Jordan Hawkins, NOP/MIL 2027 1st-round pick (more favorable), NOP 2030 1st-round swap (more favorable to MEM)

The New Orleans Pelicans are attempting to trade up into the top 20 after moving their first-round pick in this draft last year to select Derik Queen. Despite the rumors surrounding Trey Murphy III, the Pelicans continue to hold him in high regard and would only deal him for a haul of assets or a superstar player. That is why Herb Jones is the better option to trade for a top-20 pick, especially since he would be replaced with this pick.

Cam Carr surprised many with his near 7'1″ wingspan at the NBA Draft Combine, and he continued to raise eyebrows with his impressive 30-point scrimmage performance. The 21-year-old swingman has a unique blend of length and athleticism that allows him to attack opponents off the dribble and be a factor on defensive, as well, especially as an off-ball defender disrupting passing lanes. That is the exact role Jones holds in New Orleans.

It makes a lot of sense that Carr would be the player the Pels want to try to move up and grab in this draft. While this would take sacrificing Jones and future draft picks, as they did a year ago, the Pelicans want to win right now. Adding Carr to replace Jones and also adding key frontcourt depth with Santi Aldama, who the Grizzlies will be making available in trade talks this offseason, are two win-now moves to expand New Orleans' skill and depth at two key positions.

And for the Grizzlies, they can continue to rebuild by stockpiling draft assets and adding a two-way wing that playoff teams have coveted for the last year. This could lead to another trade involving Jones, and Memphis would have three outright draft picks in 2027, with the chance to possibly have four depending on protections. That is potentially four chances at the No. 1 pick under the new lottery format.

17. TRADE #1:Milwaukee Bucks – SG/SF Dailyn Swain – Texas, Junior

(See Trade #1 details under Pick #8)

Remember when we said the Bucks still had another first-round pick in this mock draft? Well, here it is, and Milwaukee can take a little bit of a risk in this spot by going after an athletic, lengthy wing with two-way potential in Dailyn Swain. Not much has been said about Swain throughout the pre-draft process, which has many wondering if he's received a promise inside the top 20.

There will be teams willing to bet on Swain's long-term potential since he presents defensive upside and can immediately make a difference as a hard-nosed driver with the ball on offense. Whether he can develop a consistent jumper is the big question surrounding him. Walking away with Flemings, Steinbach, Swain, and whatever other assets the Bucks get in a Giannis trade would be viewed as a massive win for Milwaukee.

18. Charlotte Hornets – PG/SG Labaron Philon Jr. – Alabama, Sophomore

Although Labaron Philon Jr. is a possible option for the Bucks, it's hard to see them taking both him and Flemings, especially since they still have Rollins under contract. In this mock draft, Philon slips a little bit and ends up with the Hornets, who need another ball-handler and playmaker in their backcourt next to LaMelo Ball.

Philon is a very strong scorer off the dribble, and he has great instincts for moving the ball around, especially when there are cutters around him. As far as his all-around game goes, many scouts believe Philon is one of the better two-way guards in this draft class when it comes to making an impact right away. Even if the Hornets bring back Coby White in free agency, they could still use another floor general, especially after seeing the Spurs make the Finals with a three-headed monster in their backcourt.

19. Toronto Raptors – PF Allen Graves – Santa Clara, Freshman

Both the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs are said to be big fans of Allen Graves, who is one of the analytics darlings of the 2026 draft class. Graves is a player who does a little bit of everything at the power forward position, but he is not the most athletic forward you'll ever see. Instead, he's a point-forward who is comfortable bringing the ball up the court, facilitating an offense, and has a terrific feel for the game, especially as a defender.

The Raptors need some more depth in their frontcourt, and Graves' ability to be a plug-and-play option right away next to Scottie Barnes creates an interesting dynamic in Toronto. In addition to eyeing Graves, the Raptors are also linked to several guards in this spot: Christian Anderson Jr., Bennett Stritz, and Philon.

20. San Antonio Spurs – C Chris Cenac Jr. – Houston, Freshman

While Chris Cenac Jr. still needs time to reach his full potential, which could very well be a similar skill set to Jalen Duren, he would immediately benefit from playing behind Victor Wembanyama and in a system that allows him to display his mobility as a big man. His footwork and versatility on defense are also what would stand out in the second unit. The best spot for Cenac to end up is with a team that already has an established winning culture and can devote time to slowly integrating him into the rotation, which fits the Spurs.

Sources say San Antonio is looking at a few different players in this spot already, with Cenac, Graves, and Swain frequently mentioned. Whether or not Cenac has already privately worked out for the Spurs is unknown, but if it hasn't happened yet, it will. Keep an eye on him rising in the top 20 before the draft.

21. Detroit Pistons – PG Christian Anderson Jr. – Iowa State, Sophomore

Christian Anderson Jr. may be the best perimeter shooter in this draft class, especially after shooting over 41% from distance while in an elevated role at Texas Tech. At the NBA Draft Combine, Anderson ranked second among all players by shooting 27-of-30 off the dribble, and his confidence from the perimeter was on full display. This is why multiple teams with lottery picks have been enamored with him.

As of right now, there is a good chance Anderson ends up as a top-20 pick after being invited to the green room for the draft. The Detroit Pistons need another guard, especially someone who could score, next to Cade Cunningham in the backcourt, and Anderson has the tools to bring immediate offense to a contending team like the Pistons.

22. TRADE #6:Dallas Mavericks – PG Ebuka Okorie – Stanford, Freshman

DAL receives: Pick #22
PHI receives: Pick #27 (via BOS → DAL), Pick #30

The last trade in our 2026 NBA Mock Draft 3.5 involves the Mavericks moving back up after previously acquiring the 27th pick from the Celtics. At this point in the draft, the Mavs can take a big swing and move their two late first-round picks for a high-potential, young guard in Ebuka Okorie.

Okorie thrives as an offensive playmaker who can get to his spots and attack multiple defenders with his unique ball-handling skills. He also isn't afraid to pull from deep, although his shot selection can be criticized at times. Word surrounding Okorie is that he could honestly go anywhere in the first round, and if he's still on the board here, this seems like a classic Ujiri pick for long-term upside.

As for the Philadelphia 76ers, Mike Gansey should have no problem with this being his first move running the show in Philly, especially since the Sixers need to add small contracts and youthful depth around Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Best of all, the player the 76ers are likely targeting would still be on the board where they trade down to.

23. Atlanta Hawks – PG Bennett Stirtz – Iowa, Senior

Although he may be 22 years old and turning 23 by the start of the 2026-27 season, Bennett Stirtz offers a lot on the offensive end of the court. A lot of scouts are saying Stirtz has thrived in workouts as an off-ball shooter, and he should be able to contribute to a winning team right away as a guard option off the bench.

The Hawks not only need another ball-handler, even if they do draft Burries earlier, but Stirtz bringing 3-point shooting is what really stands out here. Toronto and Detroit have been the two most mentioned teams when it comes to Stirtz, as have the Hawks with the No. 23 pick.

24. New York Knicks – PG/SG Meleek Thomas – Arkansas, Freshman

While many have pinpointed this spot in the draft for the New York Knicks to possibly find a replacement for Mitchell Robinson, adding another versatile guard for extra backcourt depth to protect Jalen Brunson may make more sense. Meleek Thomas thrived playing alongside a smaller score-first guard like Darius Acuff in college and being a secondary playmaker who can score off the dribble.

Thomas is a three-level scorer who is much better defensively off the ball than many give him credit for. He would essentially fill the gaps off the bench for the Knicks, something the team lost when they traded Donte DiVincenzo in the package for Karl-Anthony Towns. There have been heavy links between the Knicks and Thomas in recent weeks, which makes sense given the Arkansas-John Calipari-Knicks connections, along with the fact that the 19-year-old is represented by CAA.

25. Los Angeles Lakers – C Jayden Quaintance – Kentucky, Sophomore

Jayden Quaintance is slipping on a lot of teams' draft boards. There are even teams that don't view him as an option for them anymore because of his injury history and yellow flags that exist due to his persisting knee problems.

As far as talent goes, and assuming he can be his previous self, Quaintance projects to be an elite defensive playmaker with a high understanding of being a lob threat in pick-and-roll situations. There are a lot of similarities in his game to a young Robert Williams III early in his career with the Boston Celtics. But again, everything for Quaintance depends on his health and records leading up to the draft.

Should Quaintance slip out of the top 20, which looks likely right now, the Los Angeles Lakers should be willing to take the risk here since the potential reward outweighs the concerns surrounding the Kentucky center. If healthy, he would be a defensive menace in Los Angeles and an early lob threat for Luka Doncic in pick-and-roll scenarios.

26. Denver Nuggets – SG/SF Isaiah Evans – Duke, Sophomore

A lot of teams in the 20-to-30 range of the draft have expressed interest in Isaiah Evans, a 3-and-D wing who provides floor spacing and the occasional burst coming off screens as a finisher in the lane. That is the exact type of wing the Denver Nuggets need to find this offseason since they will be trading either Christian Braun or Cam Johnson.

Evans stands about 6'6″ with a 6'8″ wingspan, and he can be an instant-impact player off the bench for a Nuggets team that expects to be right back in the championship mix during the 2026-27 season. It is possible that Denver trades this pick as well to cut their costs.

27. TRADE #6:Philadelphia 76ers – PF Koa Peat – Arizona, Freshman

(See Trade #6 details under Pick #22)

League personnel continue to link Koa Peat to the 76ers, along with both the Nuggets and Celtics. Peat's lack of shooting and ability to create on offense outside of using his physicality in the paint are reasons why he could slip into the late-first-round region. With his athleticism and upside, Peat would fit in alongside Maxey and Edgecombe long-term as a slasher and pick-and-roll forward.

If there is one team that could benefit from taking a chance on Peat due to his athleticism and rebounding abilities as a power forward, it's the 76ers, especially since Kelly Oubre Jr. will be a free agent this offseason, and the Sixers don't have virtually any production at this position. Peat could work on becoming a better shooter over time, while immediately being a factor in the paint and on the glass, similar to an Aaron Gordon-like player.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves – PG/SG Sergio De Larrea – Spain (Valencia – Liga ACB)

Sergio De Larrea is trending up the week before the 2026 NBA Draft, with many believing he has locked himself into being a first-round pick. At 6'6″ with a 6'9″ wingspan, De Larrea is a bigger guard who actually fits in with the Minnesota Timberwolves really well.

Mike Conley's future is uncertain, and with Donte DiVincenzo hurt, the Wolves really need another backcourt option who is capable of facilitating and making plays for others. The best thing about drafting De Larrea is that he has proven in Spain that he can play off the ball, especially as a 3-point-shooting threat.

He may not be the most flashy prospect, but De Larrea has a chance to become a solid starter in the NBA as a combo guard who looks to have the tools to complement the play of a star like Anthony Edwards alongside him.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers – C Tarris Reed Jr. – UConn, Senior

Tarris Reed is a proven center who spent the last two years working on his frame and footwork at UConn. He was a big reason why the Huskies were able to get back to the national championship game this year after nearly averaging a double-double for the season. While Reed may not be a new-age center in terms of consistently stepping out on the perimeter and knocking down shots, he has drawn a lot of comparisons to a lengthy and athletic big man like Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe.

The Cleveland Cavaliers need more frontcourt help, and Reed would step into a key bench role behind Jarrett Allen in the frontcourt. Not to mention, Allen could see his name pop up in trade rumors this summer with the Cavs needing to cut costs, so perhaps Reed could step into a larger role than imagined.

30. TRADE #6:Philadelphia 76ers – C Henri Veesaar – North Carolina, Junior

(See Trade #1 details under Pick #22)

The 76ers need to add some more help in the frontcourt behind Joel Embiid, since he will play half the regular season at most. Already adding Peat a few picks before this one, the Sixers can now add Henri Veesaar, a stretch big man, at the end of the first round.

Despite there being some questions about his overall toughness against bigger NBA centers and whether he can make an impact defensively, Veesaar is a 7-footer who can draw a lot of attention when in the low post. Not to mention, he's the ideal type of big man for Maxey and Edgecombe to run screens with since he can pop out to the perimeter and knock down shots.

Adding two rookies at the cost of their 22nd pick is exactly what the 76ers need to do in this draft.

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