NBA Mock Draft 2026: AJ Dybantsa Favored No. 1 Pick, Trades Shift Draft Order

Draft night has arrived, as the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft begins on Tuesday, June 23, at 8 p.m. ET with coverage from ABC and ESPN. A pair of trades on Monday night shifted first round draft order, impacting our 2026 NBA Mock Draft.

First, the blockbuster. Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat, which includes the Bucks acquiring the No. 13 pick for the 2026 NBA Draft. Additionally, the Timberwolves, Nets, and Bulls three-team deal involving F Julius Randle features a 2026 pick swap. 

Each trade was pulled off at the perfect time, as the 2026 NBA Draft class could become one of the most impactful groups of this generation. Let’s gather the latest NBA news and draft rumors, and how it’s impacting the potential order of the 2026 NBA Draft.

We’ll break down that and more in our 2026 NBA Mock Draft, while highlighting draft projections available on PrizePicks Team Picks — offers include payouts for the No. 1 pick, the top 10 selections, and more!

Make your 2026 NBA Draft predictions on PrizePicks now!

{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

NBA Mock Draft 2026 for First Round

Following last night’s trade, the Bucks hold two lottery picks (10 and 13) in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. The Nets also moved their No. 33 selection to No. 28, meaning Brooklyn now has two first-round picks (6 and 28). 

In other news, a prospect seems to be pulling ahead for the No. 1 pick. Furthermore, we could have clear favorites for the first four picks of the 2026 NBA Draft. 

Let’s dig into the 30 selections of the first round in our final 2026 NBA Mock Draft.

Payout data is from PrizePicks Team Picks. It’s live as of writing but is subject to change.

Payouts show potential returns on correct Team Picks predictions. A 2x payout returns $200 on a $100 entry. Lower multipliers reflect more likely outcomes. Payouts are live as of writing and subject to change. 

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU

It’s been a few days since our last 2026 NBA Mock Draft, and that’s often all it takes for expected picks to entirely change. However, that’s not the case for the No.1 overall selection.  

In fact, AJ Dybantsa has pulled away as the favorite to be the No. 1 overall selection. Considering his scoring prowess with 25.5 points per game (PPG) over 35 games at BYU, the Wizards could be landing a franchise cornerstone.

AJ Dybantsa No. 1 Overall Pick Payout: Yes 1.09x | No 6.25x

Who will be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft? Call your shot at PrizePicks! 

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas 

Darryn Peterson may have the highest scoring potential in this class, boosted by a silky-smooth jumpshot with the ability to create his own shot as a three-level scorer. He’s consistently displayed the ability to hit contested shots — something a high-level scorer needs at the next level.

However, Peterson’s availability was shaky at Kansas. He consistently battled cramping issues, leading to multiple absences and limited minutes. If the injury concerns fade, the Jazz would get a franchise cornerstone, as Peterson logged 20.2 PPG over 24 games with Kansas.

Darryn Peterson No. 2 Overall Pick Payout: Yes 1.28x | No 3.44x

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke

With Ja Morant’s future in doubt with the Memphis Grizzlies, this franchise could completely lack a go-to scoring option. Enter Cameron Boozer.

He displayed an impressive scoring punch with 22.5 PPG during his freshman season at Duke, but Boozer brought much more than that. The 6’8.25” forward possesses incredible playmaking and has a solid handle. Paired with his physicality and three-level scoring, Boozer can be a centerpiece for an NBA offense.

Cameron Boozer No. 3 Overall Pick Payout: Yes 1.29x | No 3.33x

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina

Completing the expected top four selections, Caleb Wilson looks to be the next player off the board. The freshman phenom had his season cut short by a hand fracture, but that doesn’t take away from a superb 2025-26 campaign.

Over 24 games as a Tar Heel, Wilson racked up 19.8 PPG and 9.4 rebounds per game (RPG) while shooting 57.8% from the field. His 25.9% 3-point percentage likely keeps him in a frontcourt role.

Among the top four prospects, Wilson is likely the most raw talent, but his athleticism gives him potential as high as anyone in this class.

Caleb Wilson No. 4 Overall Pick Payout: Yes 1.14x | No 4.76x

{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

5. Los Angeles Clippers (via Pacers): Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois 

The fifth overall selection is where the fun starts. Los Angeles is in a favorable spot to target multiple intriguing guard prospects. Among what’s available in our mock draft, Illinois G Keaton Wagler could be a sweet pairing with PG Darius Garland.

Wagler is certainly good with the ball in his hands, finding open teammates. However, his game is much, much more as an elite 3-point specialist. Catch and shoot or off the dribble, Wagler has you covered. He would immediately provide the Clippers with floor space.

Keaton Wagler Top 5 Pick Payout: Yes 1.69x | No 2x

Predict the Top 5 Picks in the 2026 NBA Draft on PrizePicks

6. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas

Darius Acuff is the best point guard in this class, averaging 23.5 PPG and 6.4 assists per game (APG) as a Razorback. His athleticism won’t jump off the screen, yet Acuff constantly gets to his spots.

He’s a three-level scorer who can create his own shot, and the clutch gene is firmly in his DNA. Acuff is precisely the floor general you want at the next level, and the Nets could use some guidance after posting a league-worst 108.2 offensive rating in the 2025-26 season, per NBA.com. 

Darius Acuff No. 6 Overall Pick Payout: Yes 3.33x | No 1.26x

7. Sacramento Kings: Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston

A 37-year-old Russell Westbook and 31-year-old Zach LaVine formed the Kings’ backcourt in the 2025-26 season. Sacramento could use a youth resurgence, and Kingston Flemings is a do-it-all point guard, totaling 16.1 PPG, 5.2 APG, and 3.5 RPG in his freshman season at Houston.

Kingston Flemings No. 7 Overall Pick Payout: Yes 5x | No 1.11x

8. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville

The Hawks may be best suited to target the frontcourt with their first pick, but Mikel Brown Jr. would bring great value with this pick. He’d address the backcourt depth behind CJ McCollum and Nickeil Alexander-Walker with a combo guard skillset, bringing a silky-smooth jumper (34.4% on 3-pointers) with good playmaking (4.7 APG) and an exceptional handle on the rock.

Mikel Brown Jr. Top 10 Pick Payout: Yes 1.12x | No 5.55x

9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona

Dallas made a splash by hiring former Michigan coach Dusty May as its new head coach on Monday. Will he shake up the Mavericks’ draft selection on Tuesday night?

The roster’s need for a starting shooting guard still stands, and Brayden Burries fits that to a T. He’s an elite two-way player who should at minimum be productive as a 3-and-D piece in the Association, supported by a 39.1% 3-point percentage. Plus, Burries has flashed three-level scoring, providing true star potential.

Brayden Burries Top 10 Pick Payout: Yes 1.29x | No 2.94x

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament, PF, Tennessee

We mocked Nate Ament to the Bucks in our first Mock Draft as a potential Giannis replacement. Antetokounmpo is officially headed to the Heat, making Nate Ament a near-perfect fit.

Ament must add weight to his slender 6’9.5”, 211-pound frame, but his defensive versatility, ball handling, and ability to convert triples create an exciting prospect.

Nate Ament Top 10 Pick Payout: Yes 1.49x | No 2.22x

Think you know the Top 10 selections in the 2026 NBA Draft? Make your picks at PrizePicks now!

11. Golden State Warriors: Aday Mara, C, Michigan

The Warriors need a center; the 7-foot-3 Aday Mara perfectly addresses that hole. Mara was a dominant rim protector last season, finishing with an elite 5.34 Defensive Bayesian Performance Rating (third-best nationally) on EvanMiya. Plus, he totaled 12.1 PPG and 6.8 RPG with impressive passing and soft hands.

Aday Mara Top 15 Pick Payout: Yes 1.04x | No 7.14x

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan

Yaxel Lendeborg and the Thunder have been a match made in heaven for months, and I’m not backing down now. In a deep rotation, Lendeborg’s all-around skillset would still likely find the court. Turning 24 in September, Yaxel gives OKC a win-now piece with three-level scoring and elite defense. He could even become a Lu Dort replacement in the starting lineup.

Yaxel Lendeborg Top 15 Pick Payout: Yes 1.2x | No 3.57x

{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

13. Milwaukee Bucks (via Heat): Labaron Philon Jr., G, Alabama

In the Giannis trade, the Bucks landed G Tyler Herro, F Jaime Jaquez Jr., C Kel’el Ware, and G Kasparas Jakucionis. The power forward spot could be filled by Nate Ament, and Labaron Philon Jr. has been linked to the Bucks at the No. 13 pick over the last few days. 

Philon keeps the ball on a string, and his wiry 6’6.25” wingspan makes him a tough guard off the dribble. Following a meteoric rise in college, going from 31.5% on 3-pointers in 2024-25 to 39.9% last season, Philon is one of the most intriguing prospects of the class.

If Milwaukee looks to trade Tyler Herro — fueled by recent rumors — Philon’s path to playing time is clear.

Labaron Philon Jr. Top 15 Pick Payout: Yes 2.43x | No 1.49x

14. Charlotte Hornets: Morez Johnson Jr., PF, Michigan

We initially mocked Washington PF/C Hannes Steinbach to the Hornets, following the Heat selection Michigan PF Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 13 overall. Charlotte may benefit from Miami sending the 13th pick to Milwaukee.

Johnson feels like better fit for the Hornets compared to Steinbach. The Michigan product is expected to fill a traditional power forward role, which would leave the center spot to Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner.

Morez Johnson Jr. Top 15 Pick Payout: Yes 1.08x | No 6.25x

15. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Cameron Carr, G, Baylor

Chicago heads into this draft with plenty of needs, and luckily, it has two first-round picks. After landing C Nic Claxton in a trade on Monday night, the Bulls’ frontcourt could be set if they draft Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 pick.

The backcourt will likely be targeted with the No. 15 pick, and Cameron Carr would be an excellent acquisition. He’s your prototypical wing at 6’4.5” with a 7’0.5” wingspan, shooting 37.4% on 3-pointers in the 2025-26 season. 

Cameron Carr Top 15 Pick Payout: Yes 1.75x | No 2x

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Sun): Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech

If the Grizzlies manage to pair Christian Anderson with Cameron Boozer in the 2026 NBA Draft, this offense’s passing is about to get a lot better overnight. Anderson was one of the best floor generals in college basketball, tallying 18.5 PPG and 7.4 APG. Plus, his 40.0% career 3-point percentage over two collegiate seasons gifts improved floor spacing.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington

The Thunder seem to always make the right pick. After landing a versatile piece in Yaxel Lendeborg, Hannes Steinbach would be the perfect selection to address frontcourt depth.

Steinbach has a stout 6-foot-11 frame that allows him to play center, and his ability to knock down 3-point shots gives him stretch four potential, too.

18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Dailyn Swain, F, Texas

Charlotte comes off a highly successful season, and it could take the next step with an improved bench. Dailyn Swain would bring good versatility off the bench as a shooting guard and small forward. He’s a good defender, can score from almost any spot on the floor, and is excellent on the glass (7.5 RPG in 2025-26).

19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz, PG, Raptors

The Raptors knocks out two birds with one stone with this pick. Toronto likely wants another true point guard, and it shot only 35.4% on 3-pointers (21st) and made 11.3 made triples per game (26th) in the regular season. Stirtz was the engine of Iowa’s offense, tallying 19.8 PPG and 4.4 APG while shooting 35.8% from deep on a high volume of 6.9 attempted treys per game. 

20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, Kentucky

San Antonio came up short in the NBA Finals, and its lack of depth in the frontcourt behind C Victor Wembanyama can take some of the blame. There was an immediate defensive drop-off when Wemby left the court. How about snagging perhaps the best defensive prospect of the class in Jayden Quaintance?

Quaintance has clear injury concerns after a partial ACL tear in the 2024-25 season, followed by only four games played for Kentucky in 2025-26. He’d be the perfect defensive pairing alongside Wemby at power forward while providing depth at center, making the selection worth the risk.

Jayden Quaintance First Round Pick Payout: Yes 1.42x | No 2.63x

{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford

Ebuka Okorie’s 6’1.25” and 186-pound frame could keep him locked at the point guard position, but it may work in Detroit with Cade Cunningham drawing forward assignments on the defensive end. 

The Pistons lacked a scoring punch at times in the playoffs, and Okorie is a certified bucket getter who can create his own shot — proven by 23.2 PPG over 31 collegiate games.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Koa Peat, PF, Arizona

This 76ers frontcourt needs help with C Joel Embiid’s availability never being a sure thing. Koa Peat lacks the height to man center, but he fills power forward nicely with his bruising physicality at 6’7”, 245 pounds. Peat provides constant pressure on the rim while gathering rebounds and facilitating nice passes.

23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston

Atlanta doesn’t have much frontcourt depth behind F Jalen Johnson and C Onyeka Okongwu, and Chris Cenac Jr. has versatility to play power forward or center. Standing at 6’10.5” with a 7’5” wingspan, Cenac immediately upgrades the Hawks’ rim protection, and he’s flashed the ability to become a reliable stretch big.

24. New York Knicks: Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina

Yes, Knicks fans continue to celebrate, but no team is perfect. New York could need a center with Mitchell Robinson a pending free agent this summer. Fortunately, this is a good spot, and Henri Veesaar logged 8.7 RPG and 1.2 blocks per game last season.

Further, New York’s floor spacing would finally continue when Karl-Anthony Towns leaves the court, as the 7-foot center from UNC cashed in 42.6% of his 3-point looks last season.

Henri Veesaar First Round Pick Payout: Yes 1.4x | No 2.04x

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Karim Lopez, PF, New Zealand

LeBron James and Austin Reaves are due for new contracts this summer, putting the Lakers in a bind with this pick. For now, we will assume Los Angeles makes the obvious choice to address the frontcourt. Karim Lopez is another bruising power forward who can get to the bucket at will while providing defensive versatility.

26. Denver Nuggets: Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara

Allen Graves came off the bench for Santa Clara last season, yet here we are with the 6’7.75” forward likely landing in the first round. In only 22.6 minutes per game, Graves boasted absurd efficiency with 11.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 51.2% and 41.3% on triples. He’s a do-it-all piece that addresses Denver’s frontcourt depth.

{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

27. Boston Celtics: Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas

The Celtics could land an excellent backcourt piece in Meleek Thomas with the 20th overall pick. Shooting 41.6% on 3-pointers at Arkansas, Thomas is an excellent shooter who can knock them down off-dribble or on the catch-and-shoot. He provides combo guard skills, too, getting to the bucket with his impressive length, capped by strong playmaking.

Meleek Thomas First Round Pick Payout: Yes 1.28x | No 2.77x

28. Brooklyn Nets (via Timberwolves): Isaiah Evans, G, Duke

Isaiah Evans possesses the prototypical wing frame at 6’5.5” with a 6’7.75” wingspan. Backed by 15.0 PPG with a strong midrange game and the ability to consistently knock down 3-pointers off screens, Evans can add a scoring boost off the Nets’ bench.

Make your 2026 NBA Draft First Round predictions on PrizePicks before the clock begins to tick!

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Joshua Jefferson, PF, Iowa State

Behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers don’t have much in the frontcourt — especially when Dean Wade consistently mans small forward. At 6’7.75”, Joshua Jefferson is locked in at the power forward position for the NBA. 

He brings the usual skillsets like a strong game around the post and on the glass. Jefferson’s elite passing for a big separates him from the rest and would help keep the ball buzzing in Cleveland’s second unit.

Joshua Jefferson First Round Pick Payout: Yes 1.17x | No 2.56x

30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn

Tarris Reed Jr. was a force in the NCAA Tournament with 19.5 PPG and 13.2 PPG over six games. Playing in 55, 36, and 7 games over his first three seasons, Mavericks C Dereck Lively II has clear injury concerns. Dallas can plan accordingly by adding depth in the form of Reed.

Tarris Reed Jr. First Round Pick Payout: Yes 1.16x | No 2.94x

{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

Make 2026 NBA Draft Predictions on PrizePicks

The 2026 NBA Draft is just hours away. Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, and Wilson seem penciled in for the first four picks. But how coulid the remainder of the draft play out?

You can get in on the action with PrizePicks Team Picks, with projections available for the No. 1 pick, who will be drafted among the top 3, 5, or 10 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, and much more. While the Knicks are still partying after their NBA Finals win, the NBA tab is already open with projections for the 2027 NBA Finals winner.

Stay tuned with the Playbook for continued NBA predictions, picks, news, and analysis all year long.