New 2026 NBA Mock Draft with Blockbuster Donovan Mitchell Trade Idea
The NBA draft is all about taking risks and grabbing talent today in hopes of transforming your team for a better tomorrow.
And, no, that doesn't solely involve draft selections.
Because sometimes the talent grab helps grease the gears of the trade market. A squad might want more immediate assistance than an incoming rookie can offer. Conversely, a club could be forced into a more future-focused approach should one of its stars decide they want out.
That's the scenario envisioned in this mock, should the Cleveland Cavaliers fail to deliver the level of postseason success needed to convince Donovan Mitchell to stick around. Because if he won't put pen to paper on a contract extension this summer, the Cavs will either have to move Mitchell or risk him leaving for nothing as an unrestricted free agent next offseason (Mitchell holds a player option for 2026-27).
And if Mitchell decides he's done with Northeast Ohio, maybe that makes Cleveland rethink its commitment to James Harden, too.
The Cavs certainly helped themselves by breaking through to the Eastern Conference Finals, but they might not be out of the woods just yet. If Mitchell sees this more as a championship-or-bounce type run, he could still wind up seeking an exit. That could have direct ramifications on the upcoming draft's top 10.
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
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Dybantsa to the District doesn't feel fully cemented, but it remains the most likely outcome. Of the 10 executives and scouts who told The Athletic's Josh Robbins and David Aldridge whom the Wizards should take No. 1 overall, seven chose Dybantsa.
"Don't complicate it," one respondent replied.
That feels like the easiest justification for this pick. There might be arguments to be made for other blue-chip prospects, but Dybantsa's is the easiest explained. If he pans out, Dybantsa could live up to the always sought-after, seldom-seen, star big-wing archetype. It also doesn't hurt that Dybantsa could fill a positional need on what should be a much-improved Wizards roster.
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas
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For all of the buzz regarding a potential Jazz trade up to No. 1, they must feel like they're sitting pretty sweet in the No. 2 slot. There is a chance Dybantsa falls in Utah's lap, but even if he doesn't, there's also a chance it'd be getting the best prospect in this class with Peterson.
Now, that's a label Peterson won't universally receive after such a stop-and-go season at Kansas, but it is one he had affixed to himself before availability issues popped up. And if he reallyย has them figured out, Peterson could play his way back into that status with elite shotmaking, on-and-off-ball utility and defensive versatility.
Peterson is also arguably the best fit for Utah among the top four prospects in this class, potentially forming a potent backcourt combo with Keyonte George to complement Utah's wealth of talent up front. Fit might not be a huge concern this early in the draft, but it can be a helpful tiebreaker among similarly-ranked prospects.
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
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Things stay simple for the Grizzlies here. Unless Peterson or Dybantsa falls, Memphis will be left deciding between Boozer and Caleb Wilson.
It's a tough call, but it's also a great problem to have. It feels like the Grizzlies can't go wrong, but they opt for Boozer here due to his winning pedigree, polished skill set, identity-forming physicality and rare blend of safety and upside.
With Boozer and Zach Edey up front, and Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells out on the wings, Memphis might have its Grit and Grind 2.0 starter kit.
4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina
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For parts of mock draft season, it felt like Wilson had a tier to himself behind the Dybantsa-Peterson-Boozer trio and ahead of the rest. At this point, though, it's clear that Wilson has expanded that elite group into a Big Four.
As The Atheltic's Josh Robbins and David Aldridge relayed, several executives and scouts said "they can envision Wilson developing into the best player in the draft."
It still feels like Wilson will wind up in the same No. 4 spot he's been mocked at for a while, if only because his shooting and creation limitations are clearer to see than the other prospects'. The Bulls would be thrilled if Wilson does, though, since he feels tailor-made for the type of team Chicago's new front office wants to put together.
5. Los Angeles Clippers (via IND): Aday Mara, C, Michigan
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The first big pivot of this mock arrives at No. 5. Literally.
After Mara's mythical-sounding measurements at the NBA Draft Combine (7'3" without shoes, 9'9" standing reach), the Clippers might feel like they can't afford to pass him up to fill their Ivica Zubac-sized hole on the interior.
This is, admittedly, on the high end of Mara's projections, but it reflects a few things. First, Mara's stock is skyrocketing. Second, L.A. may not have a huge appetite for the smaller guards in this tier after adding Darius Garland at the trade deadline. Third, none of these lead guards will enter the league free of rather sizable concerns: defense for Darius Acuff Jr., explosion for Keaton Wagler, shooting for Kingston Flemings and consistency for Mikel Brown Jr.
Selecting Mara here would raise eyebrows, but the Clippers wouldn't be making this pick in hopes of earning praise from live draft-graders. Rather, they'd be betting on the big fella being one of the five best players in this class, and with his size, paint protection, close-range finishing and guard-like feel for passing, L.A. just might win that wager.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
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The Nets made their affinity for playmakers known during last year's first round. With Wagler, they not only bring in another ball-mover but could also add someone capable of finishing the plays those others create.
Wagler's draft stock skyrocketed this season, as he displayed a lights-out shooting stroke, great feel for the game and a knack for finding openings with less-than-elite explosion. Even if he becomes more of a connective passer than a primary table-setter, Brooklyn could use Wagler to help further its egalitarian identity.
His athletic limitations will up the steepness of his climb toward stardom, but a 6'6" lead guard with advanced awareness can be a pretty special archetype.
7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr., PG/SG, Arkansas
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It's rare to find what feels like an obvious pick this late in the draft, but Acuff just seems like exactly what Sacramento wants to extract from this talent grab. Now, there's a question of whether he'll still be on the board, but if he is, this might be cemented.
Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor relayed that "sources around the league widely believe the Kings are targeting Acuff with this pick." Among other links, O'Connor noted how Acuff's father was coached by Kings general manager Scott Perry at Eastern Kentucky.
Boil this down to basketball, though, and the fit feels even more snug. The Kings need a point guard, and if they start subtracting veterans (like they tried to do before the trade deadline), they'll need an offensive focal point. Acuff, who averaged 29.8 points and 6.5 assists in SEC and NCAA Tournament play, could cover both bases.
TRADE at 8. Cleveland Cavaliers (via NOP): Mikel Brown Jr., PG/SG, Louisville
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Atlanta Hawks receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: No. 8 pick, Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher, Jonathan Kuminga (sign-and-trade), 2028 first-round pick (via ATL, CLE or UTA) and 2030 first-round pick swap
The Cavaliers won't look to move Mitchell unless he forces the issue, but if he does, this could be a way to facilitate his exit. The Hawks need a go-to option in the half court, and they showed enough growth this season to feel like they'll be good enough quickly enough to capitalize on the remainder of Mitchell's prime. Even with possible need-fillers on the board (like Brown), a trade would be the fastest remedy to this problem.
On the other end, a Mitchell trade likely shifts Cleveland towards a refresh around Evan Mobley. If Harden exits, Brown could slide right into a starting role. The Cavs could prefer Okongwu's fit with Mobley over Jarrett Allen's. They'd also add future draft assets, gain a dynamic forward in Kuminga and get a crack at solving Risacher's development puzzle.
As for Brown himself, he could have the highest ceiling among the guards in this tier. He probably also needs the most developmental polish, but the prize for completing this project could be enormous. Brown pairs deep shooting range with versatile finishing and highlight deliveries, hinting at a blueprint for an all-purpose backcourt star.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
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The Mavericks could consider Kingston Flemings in this spot, but his lack of size (6'3" with a 6'4" wingspan) and mid-range-heavy shot diet might give them some pause. Or maybe they'd just outright prefer Burries, who could immediately slot alongside and, potentially, eventually replace Kyrie Irving if he keeps developing as a creator.
For now, Burries is a rock-solid support piece with a near weakness-free profile. He plays hard and physical, scores at every level and seems equally comfortable filling a role or stepping into the spotlight.
Dallas needs this pick to deliver a long-term keeper alongside Cooper Flagg. Burries looks like he could spend a decade-plus in the league and make multiple All-Star appearances if everything breaks right.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
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With the Bucks fielding trade calls for Giannis Antetokounmpo, this pick might be all about laying the foundation for whatever comes next. Having a floor general like Flemings could help Milwaukee (eventually) find its way.
Flemings was awesome in athletic testing and just as impressive during shooting drills at the NBA Draft Combine. Even with disappointing measurements, he came out of the event in pretty decent shape.
Flemings is one of the fastest players in this class, and he reads the court well enough to make advanced reads at high speeds. If he can ramp up his three-point volume, Flemings could look like a steal in this spot sooner than later.
11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
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Golden State might have abandoned its two-timeline effort years ago, but this pick sort of has a two-timeline feel. On one hand, the Warriors could really use someone who can contribute right away, since Steve Kerr's return indicates a clear desire to maximize the time left with Stephen Curry. On the other hand, the clock is clearly ticking on this era, so the team can't simply ignore that it has little stockpiled for whatever comes next.
Lendeborg, then, may hold significant appeal as a best-of-both-worlds kind of prospect. The 23-year-old just spent all season displaying how his versatile, NBA-ready skill set can contribute to a title run, but since he's such a late bloomer, there's hope his best is yet to come. Even if it isn't, Lendeborg is already a big, athletic, do-everything forward, so he's sitting atop a pretty elevated perch.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee
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The Thunder might have more first-round picks (two) than roster spots, so they're a clear candidate to either trade up or flip at least one selection for future draft capital. Should they keep both picks, the Thunder pretty clearly can afford some risk-taking, as they may have trouble envisioning any incoming rookie logging rotation minutes right away.
So, why not see if Ament might be a buy-low candidate? He had top-five buzz before the season, and even after an up-and-down campaign, Ament still intrigues as a 6'10" forward who can shoot and create. He might have a longer developmental curve than most, but OKC can afford to be patient.
13. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama
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If the Heat don't try to move this pick for an immediate upgrade (see: Antetokounmpo, Giannis), they should probably invest it in a perimeter shot-creator. Especially if Philon makes it this far.
Philon would probably be a top-10 pick in less guard-heavy classes, as he's an ignitable scorer who can initiate offense, particularly in a multi-playmaker system. If nothing else, his improved perimeter shot and quick-strike scoring could offer insurance in case one of Norman Powell (free agent) or Tyler Herro (extension-eligible) wants out.
14. Charlotte Hornets: Morez Johnson Jr., PF, Michigan
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A strong showing at the NBA Draft Combine locked Johnson into this draft. He figured to crush the athletic testing and did, but Johnson also measured better than expected (6'9" without shoes and a 7'3.5" wingspan), and then surprisingly put on a shooting clinic.
If NBA teams are convinced Johnson can be a viable shooter from range, then he might work his way into the lottery. He's a game-wrecker defensively and a tough finisher who gets the most out of his physical gifts by playing with an elite motor.
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR): Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington
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Steinbach was another winner at the NBA Draft Combine. He passed the eye test as an NBA-caliber center measuring 6'10" without shoes (with a 7'2" wingspan), and showing added bulk at 248 pounds.
The Bulls happen to have a glaring void at center, and if they filled it with Steinbach, they'd be getting perhaps the draft's best rebounder and one of its better post scorers. Steinbach has also flashed enough competence from three to believe he can serve in a stretch-big capacity and make it easier to fit puzzle pieces around him. That should be hugely appealing to a franchise in such an early stage of a top-to-bottom reset.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHO): Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
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It's very possible Carr won't last this long, as his big showing at the NBA Draft Combine could foreshadow better things to come on the workout circuit. He's just built to thrive in these settings as a fiery shooter and bouncy finisher with enviable length (6'5" with a 7'1" wingspan).
The Grizzlies could try to pigeonhole a point guard into this spot if they're determined to find Ja Morant's successor, but any lead guard would feel like a reach. Opting for the best player available feels like the preferable path, and that could easily lead Memphis to Carr.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI): Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, Kentucky
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Much like the earlier Ament pick, the Thunder could approach this selectionโagain, if they even keep itโwith eyes on the future. Yes, the Thunder are clearly in win-right-now mode, but their roster reads like such an embarrassment of riches that they may not need any win-now support from this class.
So, if OKC's draft pick today is really all about tomorrowโas recent investments in Nikola Topiฤ and Thomas Sorber wereโit could snatch up Quaintance and give him as much time as needed to put his knee troubles behind him. If they can get him back to full strength, the Thunder could have an elite anchor on their hands, as Quaintance is a bouncy, disruptive rim protector who can also blow up actions on the perimeter and finish with force.
18. Charlotte Hornets (via ORL): Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
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With their perimeter group seemingly set for the foreseeable future, the Hornets could use their two first-round picks to put their frontcourt in similarly great shape. After playing things relatively safe with the Johnson pick, Charlotte could swing for the fences here with Cenac.
Cenac is an eye test-acer with good measurements and impressive mobility, and his willingness to launch from long range opens up a lot of fun possibilities on offense. He needs to embrace more of the grunt-work duties around the rim, but if Cenac can make that happen, his ceiling is quite high.
19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
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The Raptors should aim for a draft approach that balances both team needs and best-player-available thinking. More specifically, they should try to get the best creative guard or long-term center still on the board here.
There might be arguments for others, but Stirtz could hold that title after a productive NBA Draft Combine. He's a good enough shooter to operate off the ballโa big selling point for Toronto, which wants to (and should) run offense through Scottie Barnes firstโbut also a quick enough processor to initiate actions.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Karim Lรณpez, PF, New Zealand Breakers
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While it's entirely possible Lรณpez won't last this longโhe cracked the top 10 on the latest mock from Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connorโthe Spurs should be ready, willing and eager to stop his skid here if he does.
Lรณpez, who just turned 19 in April, has an NBA-ready build (6'8" without shoes, 222 lbs) and an NBA-ready feel for moving without the ball and defending multiple positions. His handle and shot both need buffing, but Lรณpez does enough other things that he could slide into a rotation role as a rookie.
21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN): Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
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Detroit's need for support scoring and creation around Cade Cunningham won't be filled with the 21st pick, but Anderson can at least help in both departments.
Anderson is undersized and not a great athlete, but his three-ball typically runs too hot to touch, and he's a clever creator out of pick-and-rolls.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU): Dailyn Swain, SF, Texas
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If the Sixers think they can coax better results out of Swain's jumper, then they may believe they're getting a steal here.
Swain was unguardable in isolation this season. He gets downhill in a hurry and boasts a deep finishing bag around the basket. Swain is also an active, disruptive defender who offers some versatility on that end. If the Sixers are at all worried about re-signing Kelly Oubre Jr., they may see Swain as a ready-made replacement.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE): Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
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After their aggressive move for Donovan Mitchell earlier in this mock, the Hawks could use the lone first-round pick they're keeping to select his backcourt mate.
Okorie is more of a scorer than a lead guard, but Atlanta might have enough playmakers not to particularly care about that. He is a blur with the basketball and has an innate understanding of how to consistently pave paths to the paint.
24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
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Analytics see potential stardom in Graves. Athletic tests, however, aren't sure he's ready for the NBA. That's probably why Graves has one of the trickier decisions to make regarding whether to stay in this draft or return to the college ranks.
If Graves sticks around, the Knicks could be a solid landing spot. They need frontcourt reinforcements, and they could use his versatility to handle a variety of roles. While it's fair to question the competition Graves faced at Santa Clara, there's no denying he was a per-minute machine who routinely turned over every stone on the stat sheet.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
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The Lakers don't have to force themselves to pick a center here, but they should snatch up Veesaar if he's still on the board.
He isn't quite an anti-gravity rim-runner, but Veesaar is an aggressive finisher at the basket, a capable shooter from range and an able connective passer on the move. If Veesaar's shooting range is real (he struggled at the line and only leveled up his three-point percentage this past season), then he could open a lot of pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop opportunities in this offense.
26. Denver Nuggets: Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke
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The Nuggets, who just lost in the first round and haven't reached the conference finals since 2023, feel like they're going to do something this summer to recharge this roster around Nikola Jokiฤ. And while it's impossible to know what that something will be, it seems likely to involve some changes along the wings.
In other words, Denver should have a rotation role available for Evans right away, and he can fill it as a shooting specialist. Ideally, though, Evans can also grow out of that role over time if he continues to progress as both a handler and a playmaker.
27. Boston Celtics: Luigi Suigo, C, Mega
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If Mara wasn't a part of this draft, the hoops world might be raving about Suigo's measurements instead. After all, the "Italian Wemby" measured a tick below 7'3" without shoes and displayed a 9'6" standing reach with a 7'5.5" wingspan.
Suigo isn't super nimble or twitchy, and he doesn't offer a ton of self-creation, but at his size, he offers an impressive blend of passing feel, shooting touch and above-the-rim finishing. If the Celtics don't want to cover the cost of Nikola Vuฤeviฤ's free agency, Suigo could be a fun pivot.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Sergio De Larrea, SG, Valencia
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While De Larrea wasn't at the NBA Draft Combine, he had a great excuse for his absence: He is, at 20 years old, helping Valencia in the EuroLeague playoffs.
De Larrea's polish and poise should be big selling points to a Minnesota team that probably needs a guard who can play right away. He's an instinctive 6'5" playmaker, shooter and competitive defender.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS): Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas
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Thomas could opt to stay in school and make a push for the 2027 NBA Draft Lottery, but the Cavs would prefer that he doesn't. If they need an offensive replacement for Donovan Mitchell (and perhaps James Harden, too), they should be drawn to Thomas.
He is a fiery outside shooter who looked right at home running offense when Acuff was unavailable. Thomas is your prototypical buckets-in-bunches provider, and his off-the-dribble creativity hints at more upside than he could normally show with the Razorbacks.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): Tounde Yessoufou, SG/SF, Baylor
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After playing it safe-ish with the Brayden Burries pick at No. 9, the Mavs might be up for a bit more risk-taking with their second pick of the round. Why not try to see if they can help Yessoufou take full advantage of his physical gifts?
Yessoufou can wow with power, burst and explosion, and he plays hard and strong enough to think he'll eventually make a consistently positive impact with those tools. Yessoufou needs to shore up his shooting and defend the way his tools suggest he should, but the Mavs have one of the longer runways around the league due to Flagg's incredible upside.
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