With the withdrawal deadline now in the rear-view and private workouts concluded, the 2026 NBA Draft enters its final week with several real questions still open. Here's what sources around the league are telling reporters as of June 16, 2026.
⚡ Quick Answer
The 2026 NBA Draft is set for June 23-24, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The Washington Wizards won the May 10 lottery and hold the No. 1 overall pick — their first since John Wall in 2010. As of June 16, sources tell ESPN's Shams Charania and Jeremy Woo the Wizards have narrowed their decision to AJ Dybantsa (BYU forward, FanDuel -450 favorite) or Darryn Peterson (Kansas guard).
The post-lottery top five: Wizards, Jazz, Grizzlies, Bulls, Clippers (via Indiana). The early-entry withdrawal deadline passed Saturday, June 13, and the NBA Combine wrapped May 17 in Chicago. The wild card hovering over the draft: ongoing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discussions out of Milwaukee.
Draft Week · Latest Intel
Pre-Draft Buzz: Seven Days to Tip-Off
📍 Top of the Draft
Wizards have narrowed it to Dybantsa or Peterson
ESPN's Shams Charania and Jeremy Woo report Washington has narrowed its focus to AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. Dybantsa visited Washington in the past week and Peterson has met with the Wizards "in Los Angeles" and conducted on-court workouts in front of decision-makers. FanDuel Sportsbook has Dybantsa at -450 to go No. 1, followed by Peterson at +380 and Boozer at +1700. Cameron Boozer is reportedly off the table at No. 1, with Memphis the likely landing spot at No. 3.
🎯 The Peterson Gambit
Kansas guard refuses to work out for any team but Washington
In a bold pre-draft posture, Darryn Peterson has informed the Jazz he will take no further team visits, signaling that he wants to be drafted by Washington at No. 1. The strategy carries risk: last year, Ace Bailey tried the same maneuver with the Wizards, declined all other workouts, and Utah took him at No. 2 anyway. Peterson wants to play point guard at the next level — and despite Trae Young's presence in Washington, sources say the Wizards don't view that as an impediment.
⚡ Wild Card
Giannis trade talks have the league in a holding pattern
The biggest pre-draft variable isn't on the lottery board. The Milwaukee Bucks remain open to moving Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Shams Charania reported in May that a resolution is expected before draft night. Multiple lottery teams have prepared contingency draft plans depending on whether Giannis is moved — and to which destination — making this the biggest single trade story of the offseason.
🔁 Trade Inquiries on No. 1
Three teams have called the Wizards about the top pick
The Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, and Chicago Bulls have all reportedly inquired about the No. 1 pick, though sources indicate none of those conversations have matured into serious discussions. ESPN's Bobby Marks floated a Wizards-Jazz swap (pick #1 for pick #2 + Ace Bailey + a future first) as one realistic scenario — but it remains speculative. The Brooklyn Nets at No. 6 are widely viewed as the team most likely to make a move, with Cameron Boozer the rumored target.
📋 Roster Context for Wizards
Washington adding to a roster that already has Anthony Davis and Trae Young
The Wizards' rebuild has accelerated significantly. The team's current core, per The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, includes Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Will Riley, and Kyshawn George. Dybantsa is seen as the cleanest positional fit on the wing, while Peterson would give Washington a second elite scoring guard alongside Trae Young.
⏱ Last Format Year
This is expected to be the final draft under the current lottery format
Commissioner Adam Silver has signaled that the league wants to curb the tanking patterns that defined the 2025-26 season. A revised lottery structure — possibly involving a wheel, draft pyramid, or reduced odds compression for the bottom teams — is expected to be in place for 2027. Several front offices are watching this draft with the knowledge that 14% top odds at No. 1 may not be available again.
2026 NBA Draft Lottery Results
Wizards Win the Lottery — Final Order Set
The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery was held on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The Washington Wizards, who finished the 2025-26 season with the league's worst record at 17-65, won the No. 1 pick despite sharing the highest 14% lottery odds with the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets. It is the franchise's first top overall pick since selecting John Wall in 2010.
The biggest winners outside Washington were the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies, both of whom defied the odds to jump into the top four. The LA Clippers landed at No. 5 via a uniquely protected pick from Indiana acquired in the February Ivica Zubac trade. The biggest losers were the Pacers, who lost their pick entirely, and the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings, who fell out of the top four.
Final Lottery Order — Top 14 Picks (Pre-Lottery Odds)
| Final Order | Pre-Lottery Record | Pre-Lottery #1 Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Washington WizardsWon lottery | 17-65 | 14.0% |
| 2. Utah JazzMoved up | 17-65 (T) | 11.5% |
| 3. Memphis GrizzliesJumped up | 29-53 | 9.0% |
| 4. Chicago BullsBig winner | 39-43 | 3.0% |
| 5. LA Clippers (via IND) | — | — |
| 6. Brooklyn Nets | 17-65 (T) | 14.0% |
| 7. Sacramento Kings | 22-60 | 11.5% |
| 8. Atlanta Hawks (via NO) | — | — |
| 9. Dallas Mavericks | 39-43 | 3.8% |
| 10. Milwaukee Bucks | 42-40 | 2.0% |
| 11. Golden State Warriors | 43-39 | 1.5% |
| 12. Oklahoma City Thunder | — | — |
| 13. Miami Heat | — | — |
| 14. Charlotte Hornets | 19-63 | 12.5% |
Pre-lottery odds reflect ties broken by random drawing on April 20, 2026. Lottery held May 10 at McCormick Place, Chicago.
Top Prospects 2026
Prospect Deep Dives — The Big Three
The 2026 NBA Draft is headlined by a generational trio of freshmen: AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Darryn Peterson (Kansas), and Cameron Boozer (Duke). All three are projected as top-three picks, and several scouts argue any of them could be the long-term best player from this class. Behind them, North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson is the strongest contender for the fourth pick, with the rest of the top 10 stocked with elite international and college talent.
#1
AJ Dybantsa SF
25.5
PPG
6.8
RPG
3.7
APG
51.0
FG%
33.1
3P%
Dybantsa led the nation in scoring at 25.5 points per game in his lone season at BYU, totaling 894 points — the third-most ever by a Division I freshman. He set BYU's freshman scoring record with 43 points against Utah in January and broke Kevin Durant's record for most points by a freshman in a conference tournament game with 40 against Kansas State. The 6'9" wing with a 6'11" wingspan was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year, consensus All-American First Team, and the Julius Erving Award winner. He is the first player to average 25/6/3 as a consensus All-American since Larry Bird in 1978-79. Pro comparison from Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman: Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown.
Strengths
Elite scoring at all three levels
Positional size (6'9" wing with 6'11" wingspan)
NBA-ready offensive package
Top USA Basketball pedigree (U19 MVP)
Positional size (6'9" wing with 6'11" wingspan)
NBA-ready offensive package
Top USA Basketball pedigree (U19 MVP)
Concerns
3-point shooting (33.1%)
Has trended toward ball-stopping
Decision-making under pressure
Frame still developing
Has trended toward ball-stopping
Decision-making under pressure
Frame still developing
#2
Darryn Peterson SG
20.2
PPG
4.2
RPG
1.6
APG
43.8
FG%
38.2
3P%
Peterson entered the season as ESPN's top-ranked prospect after sweeping the 2025 Naismith Player of the Year and McDonald's All-American MVP honors. His freshman year at Kansas was disrupted by a severe full-body cramping issue that led to hospitalization and 11 missed games. When healthy, the 6'6" combo guard with a 6'10.5" wingspan was electric — averaging 20.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, and 38.2% from three. He earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors and scored 28 points in Kansas' NCAA Tournament opener against Cal Baptist. His closest scouting comp is Devin Booker — strong-bodied scoring guard who plays bigger than his height. As of June 16, Peterson is meeting only with the Wizards in a bold all-or-nothing pre-draft strategy.
Strengths
Elite three-level scorer
Strong frame and physicality
Quick first step + dunk threat
High basketball IQ
Strong frame and physicality
Quick first step + dunk threat
High basketball IQ
Concerns
Health/availability questions
Missed 11 games freshman year
Still developing as a true PG
Assist numbers modest (1.6 APG)
Missed 11 games freshman year
Still developing as a true PG
Assist numbers modest (1.6 APG)
#3
Cameron Boozer PF
22.5
PPG
10.2
RPG
4.1
APG
55.6
FG%
39.1
3P%
22
Dbl-Dbl
Boozer became only the fifth freshman in college basketball history to be named AP National Player of the Year. He swept every major award — Naismith Trophy, Wooden Award, AP/USBWA/NABC/Sporting News National Player of the Year, plus ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, and ACC Tournament MVP. The 6'9", 250-pound forward led Duke in scoring, rebounding, and assists — the first underclassman to average 20/10/4 since Larry Bird in 1976-77. He started all 38 games and tied for the national lead with 22 double-doubles. Son of NBA veteran Carlos Boozer. With Memphis at No. 3 and Brooklyn at No. 6, Boozer's most-rumored landing spots include the Grizzlies (consensus pick) or a Nets trade-up scenario.
Strengths
Historic statistical season
Elite passing for size (4.1 APG)
Best floor of the top three
NBA pedigree, NBA-ready body
Elite passing for size (4.1 APG)
Best floor of the top three
NBA pedigree, NBA-ready body
Concerns
Less explosive than Dybantsa
Limited 3-point volume
Defensive switchability at NBA level
Lower ceiling than top peers
Limited 3-point volume
Defensive switchability at NBA level
Lower ceiling than top peers
Post-Lottery, Pre-Draft Mock
2026 NBA Mock Draft — First Round Projection
Following the May 10 lottery and a month of private workouts, the projected first-round order has tightened. Dybantsa to Washington and Peterson to Utah remain the consensus top two among ESPN, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, and CBS Sports. The bigger question is what happens between picks 5 and 14 — where the Clippers (via Indiana), Nets, Kings, and Hawks all have flexibility, and where rumored Cameron Boozer trade-up scenarios could shake the board. The mock below reflects the most recent projections as of June 16, 2026.
2026 NBA Mock Draft — Top 16 Projection
| Pick | Player | Pos | School / Origin | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AJ Dybantsa | SF | BYU | Washington Wizards |
| 2 | Darryn Peterson | SG | Kansas | Utah Jazz |
| 3 | Cameron Boozer | PF | Duke | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 4 | Caleb Wilson | PF | North Carolina | Chicago Bulls |
| 5 | Nate Ament | SF | Tennessee | LA Clippers (via IND) |
| 6 | Mikel Brown Jr. | PG | Louisville | Brooklyn Nets |
| 7 | Jayden Quaintance | C | Kentucky | Sacramento Kings |
| 8 | Karim Lopez | SF | Mexico / NZ Breakers | Atlanta Hawks (via NO) |
| 9 | Dame Sarr | SG | Duke | Dallas Mavericks |
| 10 | Dash Daniels | PG | Australia (NBL Next Stars) | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 11 | Yaxel Lendeborg | PF | Michigan | Golden State Warriors |
| 12 | Boogie Fland | PG | Florida | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 13 | Chris Cenac Jr. | C | Houston | Miami Heat |
| 14 | Tahaad Pettiford | PG | Auburn | Charlotte Hornets |
| 15 | Hannes Steinbach | C | Washington | Chicago Bulls (via POR) |
| 16 | Acaden Lewis | PG | Villanova | Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX) |
Mock draft projections compiled from ESPN (Charania/Woo), The Athletic (Vecenie), Bleacher Report (Wasserman), and CBS Sports analysts as of June 16, 2026. Subject to change as draft night trade discussions evolve.
Money Matters
NBA Rookie Salary Scale 2026
2026 NBA Rookie Scale — First Round (Projected)
| Pick | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 (Option) | Year 4 (Option) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11.2M | $11.7M | $12.2M | $12.8M |
| 2 | $10.1M | $10.6M | $11.0M | $11.6M |
| 3 | $9.2M | $9.6M | $10.0M | $10.5M |
| 5 | $7.8M | $8.2M | $8.5M | $8.9M |
| 10 | $5.6M | $5.9M | $6.2M | $6.5M |
| 14 | $4.4M | $4.7M | $4.9M | $5.1M |
| 20 | $3.2M | $3.4M | $3.6M | $3.7M |
| 30 | $2.1M | $2.2M | $2.3M | $2.5M |
All first-round picks receive 4-year rookie scale contracts. Teams hold options on Years 3 and 4. Second-round picks negotiate freely and are not slotted. Final cap-based numbers will be confirmed by the NBA in early July when the 2026-27 salary cap is officially set.
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 NBA Draft?
The 2026 NBA Draft will be held over two days: Round 1 on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN, and Round 2 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, on ESPN. The draft takes place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The early-entry withdrawal deadline passed on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Who won the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery?
The Washington Wizards won the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on May 10, 2026, securing the No. 1 overall pick with 14 percent odds. Washington finished the 2025-26 season with the league's worst record at 17-65. It is the franchise's first No. 1 overall selection since drafting John Wall in 2010.
Who is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft?
BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa is the consensus projected No. 1 overall pick, listed at -450 on FanDuel Sportsbook as of mid-June 2026. As reported by ESPN's Shams Charania and Jeremy Woo, the Washington Wizards have narrowed their decision to Dybantsa or Kansas guard Darryn Peterson.
Who are the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft?
The top three projected prospects are AJ Dybantsa (BYU forward), Darryn Peterson (Kansas guard), and Cameron Boozer (Duke forward and AP National Player of the Year). Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) is the consensus No. 4. Other top-10 prospects include Nate Ament (Tennessee), Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville), and Karim Lopez (Mexico/NZ Breakers).
What is the full 2026 NBA Draft Lottery order?
1) Washington Wizards, 2) Utah Jazz, 3) Memphis Grizzlies, 4) Chicago Bulls, 5) LA Clippers (via Indiana), 6) Brooklyn Nets, 7) Sacramento Kings, 8) Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans), 9) Dallas Mavericks, 10) Milwaukee Bucks, 11) Golden State Warriors, 12) Oklahoma City Thunder, 13) Miami Heat, and 14) Charlotte Hornets.
How much does a 2026 NBA No. 1 pick earn?
The projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft will earn approximately $11.2 million in Year 1, with a 4-year rookie scale contract totaling around $48 million when team options for Years 3 and 4 are exercised. Final cap-based numbers will be confirmed by the NBA in early July.
Are there any trade rumors heading into the 2026 NBA Draft?
Yes. The biggest pre-draft story is the Milwaukee Bucks' reported openness to a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, which has much of the league in a holding pattern. The Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, and Chicago Bulls have all inquired about the Washington Wizards' No. 1 pick, though sources say no talks have matured into serious discussions. The Brooklyn Nets at No. 6 are widely viewed as the team most likely to make a move, potentially targeting Cameron Boozer via trade up.
How does the NBA Draft Lottery work?
Fourteen non-playoff teams enter the NBA Draft Lottery. The three teams with the worst records each receive 14 percent odds of winning the No. 1 pick. Lottery officials use 14 numbered ping-pong balls to draw four-number combinations, with each lottery team assigned a portion of the 1,001 possible combinations. The drawing determines the top four picks, and the remaining lottery teams pick in reverse order of regular-season record. The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is expected to be the final under the current format, with reforms anticipated to address tanking.