The 2026 NBA Draft is less than a week away, and the landscape is shifting by the hour. While most eyes are on the Washington Wizards at No. 1, the biggest story might actually be brewing in Milwaukee: the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga is nearing a conclusion, and it could reshape the entire first round.
According to multiple league sources, the Bucks and Heat remain the most likely trade partners, with Miami offering Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, the 13th pick, and additional assets. Milwaukee is reportedly pushing for as many first-round picks as possible and has explored deals with other teams to acquire a third or even fourth first-round selection for Tuesday night.
Who Goes No. 1? Dybantsa vs. Peterson
The biggest debate at the top of the draft isn’t about talent—it’s about certainty. AJ Dybantsa has been the presumed No. 1 pick for months, but Darryn Peterson is making a late push. Peterson canceled workouts with the Jazz, who hold the No. 2 pick, signaling his camp believes he should be the first name called on June 23.
Yet the Wizards have not made a final decision. Sources close to the situation told ClutchPoints that Dybantsa’s recent workout and meetings in Washington went “perfect,” and he received strong signals that he would be selected first overall. But Peterson’s camp is working the narrative hard, emphasizing that he wants to fight for the Wizards—something team president Michael Winger has publicly valued in prospects.
The Jazz, for their part, seem unfazed. Utah is prepared to take Peterson second if Dybantsa goes first, and they are not worried about any posturing. If Peterson is available at No. 2, he will be the pick—unless the Jazz pivot to Cameron Boozer, which has gained slight traction as a possible twist.
The Guard Market Is Heating Up
Behind the top four, the draft’s intrigue centers on a deep guard class. Mikel Brown Jr. has surged in recent weeks and is now viewed as the second-best guard in the class, behind Peterson. The Clippers and Nets are both seriously interested in Brown at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively. One executive whose team holds a top-10 pick told ClutchPoints: “Watching him in the gym has been incredible. His back problems are a thing of the past, and he looks every bit like a star.”
If Brown goes to the Clippers, the Nets could pivot to Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff, or Nate Ament. Acuff is especially interesting: sources say the Kings will sprint to the podium if he’s available at No. 7. Should Acuff be off the board, Sacramento could entertain trade-down offers—Oklahoma City has already made their interest known.
Wagler is generating buzz across multiple teams, including the Bulls, Hawks, and Thunder. There is growing belief that he could slide to Atlanta at No. 8, where the Hawks are also considering Michigan center Aday Mara.
Trade Talks Everywhere
The Mavericks, holding the No. 9 pick, are viewed as a prime trade-up target. Dallas is open to moving down and acquiring multiple picks, according to league sources. Ament, Mara, and Flemings are all names being discussed in trade-up scenarios around that spot.
The Bucks, meanwhile, are expected to be among the most aggressive teams on draft night. Beyond trading Giannis, they are looking to add extra first-round picks and reshape the roster quickly. Only guard Ryan Rollins is considered off-limits, sources said.
Other notable trade chatter: the Nuggets are exploring packaging Cam Johnson and the No. 26 pick to move into the top 20. The Timberwolves are gauging the market for Donte DiVincenzo’s expiring contract and the No. 28 pick. And the Pelicans remain firm that Trey Murphy III will not be moved unless a valuable first-round pick and more assets come back.
Late-Round Intel and Smokescreens
As always, this week is full of noise. Karim Lopez has the widest range in the draft—anywhere from No. 10 to the early 20s. Jayden Quaintance’s knee issues have caused some teams to remove him from their boards entirely, and he could fall into the 20s. Sergio De Larrea has locked himself into the first round, with the Mavericks at No. 30 seen as his floor.
One name to watch: Kingston Flemings. Many scouts believe he would be a top-five pick in most other drafts, but he could slide to the 8-to-11 range. If he’s available at No. 9, the Raptors have a fascinating decision to make.
One more thing: the Celtics are quietly looking for frontcourt help and have been linked to Allen Graves and Hannes Steinbach. Golden State, picking 11th, has its eyes on a trio of Michigan bigs and Brayden Burries, who could be the pick if he’s still on the board.
Everything changes between now and Tuesday night. But one thing is clear: this draft is deeper than the top four—and the dominoes start falling the moment Adam Silver steps to the podium.
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