New 2026 NBA Mock Draft with Blockbuster Kyrie Irving Trade Idea

The fast approaching 2026 NBA draft should help grease the gears of the trade market.

As loaded as this batch of incoming ballers might appear, not every franchise will be willing to wait through their inevitable growing pains. Some teams might want more immediate relief than prospects can offer.

Teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, for instance. They've yet to crack the code of constructing a contender around superstar Anthony Edwards, and they might feel they're farther away then they've been after getting smacked by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round, suffering three of their four defeats in the series by at least 29 points.

The Timberwolves, as president of basketball operations Tim Connelly put it, "know that we're not good enough right now." The typically active executive also vowed "to try to be as aggressive as possible" this offseason.

Minnesota might be on the cusp of a major move, then. And given its need for support scoring and creation alongside Edwards, maybe it's among the win-now shoppers "keeping an eye" on Kyrie Irving. Assuming the 34-year-old—who's not a timeline fit with Dallas Mavericks franchise centerpiece Cooper Flagg—gets back to full strength following a March 2025 ACL tear, Irving might be exactly what the Wolves need to elevate their offense to a championship-level.

Getting Irving to Minnesota is one of many problems solved in this latest first-round mock draft.

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU

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You can find many a mock from plugged-in reporters suggesting Dybantsa is far from a lock as the No. 1 pick. What's much harder to track down is a mock draft with Washington going any other direction in this spot.

There is theoretically enough time for someone else to wiggle into this position, but the arguments against taking Dybantsa aren't easily made. If he maxes out his potential, he'll be the forever sought-after star big wing—a tooled-up three-level scorer who can handle, create and defend across multiple positions.

It also doesn't hurt that he figures to fit this franchise like a tailored jacket. The Wizards have a handful of intriguing wings, but none with this type of top-shelf potential. Dybantsa has nothing short of an MVP ceiling; his growth as a shooter, creator and stopper will determine whether he actually reaches it.

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas

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The idea of Utah moving up for Dybantsa is a fun one, but Utah is in tremendous shape even without a trade. The Jazz can let the Wizards settle the Dybantsa-Peterson debate and just snatch up whichever elite perimeter prospect falls to them.

Here it's Peterson, who is the best fit with this roster and might be regarded as the draft's best prospect had he avoided those availability issues that stunted his season with the Jayhawks. He is arguably the best shotmaker in this draft, and if you pair that skill with his disruptive defense, you've perhaps just built the ideal backcourt mate for ascending star Keyonte George.

Now, slot those guards alongside Utah's long, lanky, fully loaded frontcourt, and you've perhaps just spawned the next perennial contender in the West. Things would have to break right for the Jazz to spawn that kind of surge, but the drafting of Peterson and the deadline deal for Jaren Jackson Jr. could be legitimate fortune-changers for the franchise.

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke

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Should Boozer be more seriously considered as the No. 1 prospect in this class?

Yeah, honestly.

He's probably the most polished player in this draft despite not turning 19 yet, and he's been a big winner at every level.

He should be great for the culture and just as good for the on-court environment. When Josh Robbins and David Aldridge recently polled 13 executives, scouts and front-office officials about how the Wizards should handle the No. 1 pick, one respondent argued for Boozer suggesting he has the "highest level of winning fiber" and could become "a better version of Al Horford."

For those in need of a memory jog, Horford has been an All-Star, an All-NBA choice, an All-Defensive selection and an NBA champion. If Boozer is a better version of that—he seems to have a higher ceiling on offense, where he could be a prolific scorer from the paint to the perimeter and a high-volume creator—then Memphis would be getting the foundational piece for its organizational overhaul.

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

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Maybe the Bulls hoped to climb even higher, but as owners of the fourth overall pick, they might face the least stressful decision of the entire draft. Because if they share the belief that Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer and Wilson comprise a clear tier at the top, then they can just snatch up whichever prospect is left on the board.

Here, it's Wilson, an almost lab-created fit for their new SLAP philosophy which stresses the importance of size, length, athleticism and physicality. He pairs anti-gravity bounce with insatiable energy and the desire to dunk everything within arm's reach of the rim. And when he can't get to the cup, he's flashed both open-floor handling and soft touch on his turnaround jumper.

Chicago is essentially in the blank-slate stage of its (overdue) rebuilding project, but slotting Wilson alongside Matas Buzelis could shift this team toward an identity built around length, explosiveness and fast-break fireworks. That sounds like the perfect environment for jumbo point guard Josh Giddey and (still-growing) 2025 lottery pick Noa Essengue, too.

5. Los Angeles Clippers (via IND): Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois

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NBA teams typically have two different possibilities for approaching their draft pick: Do they take the best player available, or do they select whomever they see as the best roster fit? It's possible that the Clippers could wind up preferring Wagler under either scenario.

He is a combo guard in the best sense: a dynamic scoring threat off the ball but also a rapid processor on it. He can control the game not with freakish athleticism but rather innate feel and the kind of shiftiness that keeps defenders perpetually uncomfortable. He has the ceiling of a perennial All-Star.

And as for the fit, he's probably best for the Clippers here, unless they feel the need to reach on a big man to cover their Ivica Zubac-sized hole on the interior. With Wagler's size (6'6") and off-ball shooting, he projects to have the easiest time co-existing with Darius Garland than the other guards in this tier would.

6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr., PG/SG, Louisville

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Once the Nets waived scoring specialist Cam Thomas, their last-ranked offense featured just a single player who averaged 13-plus points: Michael Porter Jr., who makes the short list of this summer's most logical trade candidates.

They need offense in the worst kind of way, and that desperation could drive them toward placing a huge risk-reward gamble on Brown. While he battled both injuries and inconsistency in college, his upside as a 6'5" shot-creator, deep-range shooter and multiporpose finisher might be too rich for Brooklyn to ignore.

There are, admittedly, safer options on the board, but the Nets shouldn't be hunting for safety. They need a home run here, as a seeing-eye single would do absolutely nothing to change their fate.

7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr., PG/SG, Arkansas

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If the actual first six picks follow this hypothetical order, the entire hoops world might hear Sacramento's celebration. Not that Acuff is a perfect prospect or anything, but "sources around the league widely believe" the Kings are coveting him in this spot, per Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor.

There are all kinds of connections to be made here—among them, Acuff's father was coached by Kings general manager Scott Perry at Eastern Kentucky—but really this just speaks to Sacramento's need for an offensive overhaul. The Kings have yet to fill their point guard vacancy created by the De'Aaron Fox deal, and if they're ready to ship out their pricey veterans, their scoring hierarchy will be littered with holes.

If Acuff maxes out his potential, he could handle double-duty as the franchise floor general and its go-to scorer. He is a bucket-getter from all over and a crafty creator for the players around him. He doesn't have a lot of size and has shown very little interest in defense, but he could be an offensive force.

8. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP): Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston

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The Hawks could search for size at the center spot with this pick, but the value would be questionable. Especially with multiple candidates still on the board who appear up to the task of filling Trae Young's shoes.

Flemings, to be clear, is a different kind of point guard. He is a blur with the basketball and a master from the mid-range. He's also a determined defender, although he faces some of the same challenges Young encountered on that end without great size or length.

That said, Flemings lit up the shooting drills at the Combine, and if he's ready to crank up his perimeter volume, there's a lot to like in his profile as a tone-setting competitor and proverbial head of the snake. If his three-ball holds up, that would also up his off-ball utility, which will be key for any of Atlanta's guards given how much of this offense runs through All-Star swingman Jalen Johnson.

9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona

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The Mavericks might love to land a lead guard here—especially if they entertain Kyrie Irving trade talks—but they'd have to be big fans of Labaron Philon Jr. to take him here. They could be more drawn to Burries, who can soak up off-ball minutes right away and perhaps grow into an on-ball role if he continues developing his off-the-dribble game.

He already appears to have NBA-ready strength and physicality, and he puts them to use as a rebounder, defender and physical finisher. He can use pace and direction changes to wiggle around defenders, but he can also power through them to get where he wants to go.

As a ferocious defender and top-shelf competitor, he seems like a great stylistic fit to pair with Cooper Flagg. And since the Mavs should be making each and every one of their roster decisions with the impact on Flagg in mind, that might make Burries a priority target.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee

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With Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting front and center of the rumor mill, it feels increasingly likely the Bucks will be using this pick to start laying their post-Greek Freak foundation.

Why not start with the biggest swing left on the board? Ament didn't have a great season with the Volunteers, but that explains why a skilled 6'10" swingman who once carried top-five buzz could now be available at the back end of the top 10. His price is down for a reason, but that doesn't diminish the bargain potential here.

Ament's game and frame need work, but he's a big, long forward who can shoot, dribble and create. If Milwaukee helps him realize his full potential, it could follow the exit of its walking-mismatch with the arrival of another.

11. Golden State Warriors: Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor

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While the Warriors' old two-timeline strategy may be confined to the history books, they could try employing a similar aim here. Because the perfect prospect for them is one who can help this aging core compete right away but also has a chance to grow into something far greater when it's gone.

Carr might fit the bill. Immediately, he could step into a three-and-D role, scratching itches for shotmaking and athleticism on the perimeter. Long-term, he has a chance to become a fixture on the wing if he continues improving as a defensive playmaker and off-the-dribble scorer.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Aday Mara, C, Michigan

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This might elicit a collective groan from the hoops world. Because while OKC's depth and talent should make it near impossible to fill a need here, that would be a distinct possibility. With huge pay bumps on the horizon for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, the Thunder might view upcoming team options on Isaiah Hartenstein (next season) or Jaylin Williams (2027-28) as necessary sacrifices.

And if OKC winds up seeking size on the interior, no one has more to offer than Mara, who measured 7'3" barefoot with a 9'9" standing reach at the Combine. He has all of the interior skills you'd expect of someone with these dimensions, plus enough feel and vision to serve as a jumbo playmaker.

13. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama

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The Heat looked like they could use more perimeter scoring and creation this season, and that need might grow exponentially greater over this offseason. Maybe their number-crunchers see the spreadsheets differently, but it sure feels like they couldn't cover the costs of both a new deal for Norman Powell and an extension for Tyler Herro.

So, they might need a plug-and-play guard who can initiate offense, space the floor and convert scoring chances right away. That sounds a lot like Philon. He could stand to fill out his 185-pound frame—Miami's conditioning program might be perfect for that—but his three-ball came alive this season, and he was already hard to handle off the bounce before that.

14. Charlotte Hornets: Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan

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The Hornets just followed the lead of their perimeter players to a scorching hot (and wildly efficient) second half. It would make sense, then, to use this draft as a way of acquiring frontcourt talent to complement that core.

Lendeborg should be high on the radar of every team operating with a win-right-now (or even win-pretty-soon) mindset. His versatility played an invaluable part in the Wolverines' championship run, and it could be similarly impactful in Charlotte, where his length, physicality and toughness would be immediately welcomed.

15. Chicago Bulls (via POR): Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington

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If the draft board breaks right, the Bulls just might leave this first round with their frontcourt fully in place. Creating a Wilson-Buzelis combo with the No. 4 pick could be identity-forming, and snatching up Steinbach here would further the move toward a big, physically imposing style of play.

His work on the offensive glass might be the single sharpest skill in this draft, and his polished post scoring isn't too far behind. And if his flashes of perimeter shot-making could sustain amid a volume increase, he could help open up the offensive end for Chicago's big, bouncy forwards to attack.

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHO): Dailyn Swain, SF, Texas

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The Grizzlies could aim for a Ja Morant replacement here, but the draft board doesn't deliver an obvious candidate. So, if they just chase the best player instead—almost always the right strategy, particularly this early into a rebuild—they could see significant value in adding Swain.

His three-ball is a question mark, but the rest of his arsenal seems super helpful. He is a dynamic and crafty attacker getting downhill, and he's active enough to be useful all over defensively. His progression as a passer also helps him squeeze more impact out of his slashing game.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI): Karim López, PF, New Zealand Breakers

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Again, it should be impossible to find two need-fillers for such a fully loaded roster, but López could absolutely carve out a helpful niche. They don't really have a big forward built like him, and they might have wing minutes available depending on their handling of sizable team options for Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams.

López, Mexico's best basketball prospect to date, looks like he has the right tools, mentality and versatility to step into a support role. It's hard to say if he'll ever grow beyond that—his handles and jumper will ultimately set his ceiling—but he could be a long-term contributor on a great team.

18. Charlotte Hornets (via ORL): Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, Kentucky

Charlotte crafted a workable center rotation around Moussa Diabaté and Ryan Kalkbrenner, but the organization might try seeking out more at that spot. Quaintance is one of the bigger mysteries in this class, but if he's healthy, he could be an impact rim-runner and game-breaker on the defensive end.

Before a devastating knee injury derailed his college run, he was showcasing elite explosiveness and unfair mobility for a 6'10", 255-pounder. While he'll need to be spoonfed scoring chances for the foreseeable future, there are hopes of him developing some straight-line driving and close-range touch.

19. Toronto Raptors: Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech

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The Raptors have clear needs at point guard and center. The former seems easiest to solve here, though Toronto could be tempted to reach on a big like Luigi Suigo given how crushing that Jakob Poeltl contract has to feel.

That said, Anderson seems like the safer wager for a talent-plus-fit pick. His decision-making and creation out of pick-and-rolls could give this group more juice in the half court, while his steady shooting from range would help offset some of the spacing concerns with this frontcourt.

20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan

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Johnson crushed it at the Combine, showing good size (6'9" barefoot, 250 lbs), great length (7'3.5" wingspan), elite athleticism and wildly encouraging shooting touch. His reward is a hypothetical link to a Spurs team that is bursting at the backcourt seams and employing a cheat code at center in Victor Wembanyama.

Johnson's versatility and disruption on defense would both be effortless system fits, and his powerful finishing would shine next to playmakers of this caliber. He could be a welcome burst of energy off the bench or an ultimate support piece if San Antonio wanted to get extra stingy with its starting five.

21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN): Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa

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Season-long concerns regarding Detroit's support scoring and creation proved well-founded during the Pistons' playoff demise. Other than All-NBA first-teamer Cade Cunningham, they didn't have anyone average even 3.5 assists, and only one other player—33-year-old unrestricted free agent Tobias Harris—cleared 12 points per contest.

This offense needs help, and Stirtz could supply it in myriad ways. His processing is such that he can pilot an attack, but his shooting is pure enough that he'd maintain value in an off-ball role. He'll be 23 as a rookie, so he's probably closer to his ceiling than most, but Detroit might place more value on his elevated floor and ability to play right away.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU): Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston

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The Sixers seemed shallow in most spots come playoff time, although injury worries with Joel Embiid will forever drive up the importance of depth at center. They could be drawn to Cenac, then, since he might be a good enough shooter to log floor time with Embiid and a sturdy enough change-of-pace center to man the middle behind the former MVP.

Cenac needs to get more comfortable with the grunt-work nature of the 5 spot, but his tools are hugely intriguing, and his talent shows the basic blueprint of a rim-running and stretch-shooting hybrid.

23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE): Luigi Suigo, C, Mega

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The Hawks might see the best of both worlds in this mock. Because while they passed up the chance to land the supersized Aday Mara with the No. 8 pick, they wind up snagging a similarly massive center in Suigo here.

His measurements are nearly as absurd (just under 7'3" with a 9'6" standing reach), and his game sounds nearly as appealing. His size alone makes him a defensive deterrent around the basket, and on offense, he intrigues as a lob-finisher, stretch shooter and smart, simple passer.

24. New York Knicks: Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn

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The Knicks will almost assuredly need some Mitchell Robinson insurance, either to guard against his possible exit in free agency or to help cover for his availability issues if he returns. Either way, Reed looks ready for that kind of role.

He can handle all the brute-force duties around the basket. He really gets after rebounds, and he's active as a paint protector and close-range finisher. He has also shown good feel for short-roll passes and solid footwork while defending in space.

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina

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If there's a viable center on the board here, expect the Lakers to pounce. This mock delivers exactly that with Veesaar, whose offense skill set could make Luka Dončić even harder to handle on pick-and-roll plays.

Veesaar can operate as both a rolling finisher or a popping shooter, and he can sniff out passing lanes if defenses deny him scoring chances. He shines brightest on offense, but he also has solid length and mobility for the defensive end.

26. Denver Nuggets: Koa Peat, PF, Arizona

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From an NBA standpoint, Peat didn't have the most convincing campaign with the Wildcats, but he still felt good enough about his stock to stay in the draft. That could be to Denver's benefit, since it wouldn't typically have access to a prospect who was so well-regarded before the season.

To be clear, Peat has some real worries, namely everything connected to a funky shooting form that might require a complete rebuild. That said, he has real NBA skills, too, especially as a powerful inside-the-arc play-finisher and quick-processing passer. He aced his role on a great team at Arizona, and maybe the Nuggets think he could do the same for them.

27. Boston Celtics: Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke

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The Celtics will typically take all of the outside shooting they can get, and Evans is one of the top marksmen in this draft.

His perimeter shot should play right away. It should be immediately beneficial to this offense, too, since he makes great use of his shooting threat with his off-ball activity, either buying his teammates extra space or punishing opponents who don't show him enough attention.

The hope is he could grow out of a specialist role by continuing to grow as a ball-handler and playmaker.

28. Dallas Mavericks (via DET): Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford

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TRADE. Dallas Mavericks receive: No. 28 pick, Julius Randle, Joan Beringer, 2032 first-round pick swap

Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Kyrie Irving

While it took 28 picks to get to a deal, that kind of encapsulates Irving's value at this point. He has a decorated past, obviously, but he hasn't suited up in over a calendar year and only has one guaranteed season left on his contract ($42.4 million player option for 2027-28). He'll only appeal to win-right-now shoppers, and even then, some might have the budget to pursue bigger targets.

The Timberwolves, though, are short on both draft assets and potential sweeteners. They wouldn't be a blockbuster candidate under normal circumstances, but they are very mindful of what it could mean to not field a contender around Anthony Edwards. A discounted deal for Irving might be exactly what they need.

The Mavericks, meanwhile, may not see much of a future with Irving. Or Randle, for that matter. In fact, they'd probably need some incentive to bring back Randle and the $69 million he's likely owed over the next two seasons ($35.8 million player option for 2027-28). Hence the inclusion of Beringer, last year's No. 17 pick, and to a certain extent that future swap.

As for this pick, Okorie is a scoring guard with the ability to break down defenders, the burst to get by them and the shooting touch to tally buckets from every level. He's more of a scorer than a table-setter, but Dallas would have Flagg, Burries and (for however long he's around) Randle to help with the ball-movement.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS): Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara

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Cleveland's long-awaited venture out of the second round didn't actually last very long. And after being on the wrong end of a lopsided sweep in the conference finals, it feels like everything could be on the table for the Cavaliers.

Regardless what happens, they figure to be in the market for frontcourt depth. Graves should offer at least that, and maybe a lot more if his incredible advanced metrics are to be believed. It's fair to question his athleticism and competition level, but it's also necessary to acknowledge the high-end outcomes for a 6'9" forward who can laser in long-range shots, blow up actions defensively, make quick passing reads and hold his own on the glass.

30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas

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Thomas plays with irrational confidence, but it's been much more helpful than a hindrance. That's partly because he plays within himself more than your typical quick-strike scorer. He is ambitious with his shot selection, but he's not reckless, and he generally takes good care of the basketball.

If the Mavs moved Irving, they'd want some creativity and scoring punch in the backcourt to keep defenses from overcrowding Cooper Flagg. And, yes, the need might be great enough to justify spending three first-round picks on three backcourt prospects.