New 2026 NBA Mock Draft with Blockbuster Jalen Williams Trade Idea
With the upcoming 2026 NBA draft signaling the start of the offseason, it's just about decision time for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Because if they want to remain committed to the core that propelled them to the 2025 title, it's going to cost them—an absurd amount.
Current projections already peg the salary allotment at "a whopping $250.5 million," per ESPN's Anthony Slater and Tim MacMahon, who noted that such expenditures "would trigger a more than $200 million tax bill." That's a boatload of money, even for the deepest-pocketed among us.
Oklahoma City has ways to attack that number. They just all come with sacrifices, some of them extremely significant. Maybe it makes the Thunder think twice about team options on Isaiah Hartenstein ($28.5 million) or Lu Dort ($17.7 million). Or perhaps it forces them to visit the trade market.
After all, Jalen Williams' five-year, $239.3 million extension is about to kick in next season. And while he's a dynamic talent, he's also coming off of an injury-riddled campaign—during which the Thunder won 64 games, reached the conference finals and perhaps unearthed a cost-effective alternative in second-year swingman Ajay Mitchell, who finished fifth in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
Now, subtracting Williams would obviously be a landscape-shifting kind of deal, but maybe OKC interprets its financial picture as necessitating that kind of action. With that in mind, let's use this latest first round mock to dial up a hypothetical blockbuster deal for the 25-year-old star.
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
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The more draft intel that surfaces, the more everyone keeps hearing about how the Wizards haven't made up their mind yet. However, even with mock drafts increasingly filling up the digital landscape, they all keep pointing toward Dybantsa being the pick.
For example, the latest mock from The Athletic's Sam Vecenie noted how the Wizards are "doing [their] due diligence" and "haven't made a decision yet on who they'll draft No. 1." But right after, it added that "sources across the league believe that Dybantsa remains Washington's most likely target."
Dybantsa arguably offers the best blend of safety and upside. He'll be a top-shelf athlete, a relentless scorer and a steady source of rim pressure. But if the Wizards manage to up his effectiveness as a defender and distributor, they might have the perfect star wing to tie this young core together and get this club on the path to contention.
This destination might be the most restrictive for Dybantsa in terms of what he'd be allowed to do and how often he'd be called upon to do it. It'd also be the one offering the best chance to play meaningful basketball right away, so if winning is important, the overwhelming amount of team success he could experience should cushion the blow from his individual stats being relatively held in check.
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas
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Dybantsa staying in Utah might be a fun narrative, but this is one of the cleanest fits on the board. Assuming, of course, that Peterson's injury issues with the Jayhawks don't follow him to the next level.
Just think about what Utah already has: an ascending guard in Keyonte George, a skilled wing scorer in Ace Bailey and a fully loaded frontcourt featuring Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen (plus Walker Kessler if the Jazz cover the cost of his restricted free agency). That's already a nucleus capable of making noise as soon as next season.
But an impact guard could take this club over the top, and that's exactly what Peterson projects to be. His shotmaking and chaos-creation on defense seem like the perfect complements for George, and Peterson's handling and creation would add strengths that Bailey doesn't possess. This is how a puzzle takes shape and potentially how a powerhouse is born.
TRADE at 3. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MEM): Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
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Oklahoma City Thunder receive: No. 3 pick, Jaylen Wells, Isaiah Stewart, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 2030 first-round pick (via DET)
Detroit Pistons receive: Jalen Williams
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland II, No. 12 pick (via OKC), No. 21 pick (via DET), 2031 first-round pick swap (via DET)
Why the Thunder do it
There are already links between OKC and Boozer, which makes sense when his polish, production and winning pedigree might make him the rare rookie who could fill big minutes on a title contender right away.
With his creation, playmaking and power, and Chet Holmgren's length and paint protection, this could be a frontcourt pairing that emphasizes each other's strengths and minimizes their weaknesses.
That's the elevator pitch rationale, but the Thunder could see value in every piece they're bringing back. They obviously have an affinity for long-term draft capital, so the unprotected future first speaks for itself. And they'd be getting their necessary relief from all of that financial stress.
Beyond that, both Wells and Caldwell-Pope could fit OKC's mold of pesky perimeter defenders who can dial it up from distance, while Stewart's interior presence could provide a cheaper alternative if the Thunder wound up declining Hartenstein's option.
Why the Pistons do it
Detroit was held back by its dearth of non-Cade Cunningham scorers and creators this past season. His need for a legitimate co-star is glaring, but it's also the kind of itch that could reshape the title race if properly scratched.
Williams has already proved he can be the second-best player on a championship banner-raiser. Plus, he's well-versed in playing off of a ball-dominant backcourt star, so the fit with Cunningham could be seamless. Not to mention, Williams sits on the ideal timeline to team with Cunningham and a presumably re-signed Jalen Duren.
Why the Grizzlies do it
This could be the hardest sell, but it's still feasible if Memphis has questions about Cam Boozer or Caleb Wilson and might covet additional dart throws instead. Defensive versatility would be a worry with a Boozer-Zach Edey frontcourt, while a Wilson-Edey combo could be a logistical nightmare with its lack of spacing.
So, maybe the Grizzlies instead wouldn't mind pivoting toward a package that provides two first-round picks (one in this lottery) and a future swap, plus a pair of dynamic, disruptive, defense-first youngsters in Thompson and Holland, both of whom could be from central casting for a Grit and Grind reboot.
4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina
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The Bulls' new brass favors length and athleticism, and Wilson has as much to offer as any prospect in this class. He's as explosive as prospects get and forever looking to send rim-protecting defenders into viral infamy, and his 7-foot wingspan and insatiable energy allow him to blow up offensive actions all over the floor.
He doesn't offer a lot of self-sufficient scorer, but he'd be a dynamic finisher alongside a pass-first point guard like Josh Giddey. That's especially true if Chicago's next coach keeps the pedal floored after this offense operated at the third-fastest speed this season.
While it's unclear whether Wilson's ceiling stretches into stardom—a lot depends on his development as a shooter and ball-handler—the argument for him belonging in this spot (and with these Bulls) is convincing.
5. Los Angeles Clippers (via IND): Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
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With score-first guards dominating this tier, and the Clippers having just brokered a deadline blockbuster for a pretty good one (Darius Garland), L.A. is having trouble figuring out how to proceed.
As The Athletic's Sam Vecenie reported, the Clippers are "digging into all the top guard prospects," working the phones while "exploring potential trade-down scenarios" and taking a peek at Michigan center Aday Mara.
There probably isn't an ideal backcourt partner for Garland in this draft range, but Wagler arguably offers the best intersection of talent and fit. His 6'5" frame should hold up alongside the 6'1" Garland, and Wagler offering the most off-ball utility in this range is another big positive.
Defense might never be a strong suit for this guard group, but its offensive output could be spectacular. Wagler is a sharpshooter both on the move and off the dribble, and despite not being much of a speedster, he can play the game faster than most thanks to his advanced feel and processing.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff Jr., PG/SG, Arkansas
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The Nets pumped five first-round picks into their young core during last year's draft, and their nucleus still seems among the Association's most fluid. The talent need is strong here, and it's strong enough to overshadow any concerns of positional fit after Brooklyn went so guard-heavy in the 2025 talent grab.
Different draft boards may not agree, but Acuff feels like the strongest best-player available candidate. Not to mention the perfect lead guard to pilot a young team that lacks a general direction with the roster.
In his best version, he's the kind of offensive superhero who effectively sets the system around him. He can be a go-to scorer and top table-setter at the same time; he aced those very roles at Arkansas and often performed them best under the brightest lights.
7. Sacramento Kings: Mikel Brown Jr., PG/SG, Louisville
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The Kings probably go best-guard-available here, so it's up to Sacramento to decide which prospect that is.
Some might favor Kingston Flemings, who shares some abilities with former franchise face De'Aaron Fox, but others could see more upside in Brown, who shows flashes of superstardom on the offensive end.
His consistency and decision-making could both use some work, but he is aggressive for a reason. His three-point shot is an anywhere-at-any-time type of weapon, his finishing is slick from all angles and his blend of vision and arm talent might make him the best highlight-passer in this class.
There are safer options on the board, but if Sacramento is seriously ready to reset (as it absolutely should be), then valuing potential over safety is the right call.
8. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP): Aday Mara, C, Michigan
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The Hawks could target a guard here, but The Athletic's Sam Vecenie reported hearing about "centers more when asking about what they're looking to do at No. 8." And if Atlanta is thinking about going big with this pick, then it's thinking about Mara.
He's the biggest prospect in this class, standing 7'3" barefoot and possessing a skyscraping 9'9" standing reach. He might be the most obvious and intimidating interior anchor in this class, and this already disruptive defense would grow even stingier with his supersized presence in the paint.
While he couldn't assuage any of Atlanta's spacing concerns, his unique feel as a passer would still add wrinkles to a half-court offense that needs more avenues to attack. With a pair of plus-sized passers in Mara and Jalen Johnson, the Hawks' athletic cutters would be regulars on the highlight reels.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
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Burries would immediately fit best with a team looking to win-now. What might be best for his future, though, would be landing with a club willing to let him spread his wings as an initiator and shot-creator.
The Mavericks can make both realities true, which might be why multiple reporters, including Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor, have heard speculation that Burries might be trying to navigate his way to Dallas.
If the Mavs are really keeping Kyrie Irving, then Burries could step into the off-guard spot and immediately supply physicality, three-level scoring and defensive versatility. But since Dallas can only keep the 34-year-old Irving in the plans for so long, there will come a time when Burries can up his on-ball usage and perhaps serve as Cooper Flagg's primary sidekick.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
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Whenever the Bucks broker the overdue Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster, they might need a full culture reset.
As one team source told ESPN's Shams Charania about the sticky situation, "When your best player is one foot in, one foot out, you're not going to win."
An Antetokounmpo trade would put an awfully long road back to relevance in front of Milwaukee, so it would want the right player to lead it. Flemings already has that kind of feel to him—as a 19-year-old freshman.
He is a tenacious, tone-setting competitor on both ends, and he's on the short list of this draft's fastest players and best mid-range shooters. His size works against him defensively, and he didn't shoot the three with much volume in college, but you can see the makings of a two-way floor general without having to squint.
11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
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With the Warriors looking to end the Stephen Curry era on a high note, they could try flipping this pick for more immediate assistance. Then again, with such little stocked up for the post-Curry era, the long-term cost of parting with the pick could be significant.
A selection of Lendeborg, then, might help them split the difference. His NBA-ready skill set covers several areas of need on this team, like length, physicality and two-way versatility. And despite being ancient for a prospect (he'll turn 24 ahead of his debut), he might have some legitimate potential by virtue of being such a late-bloomer.
TRADE at 12. Memphis Grizzlies (from LAC via OKC): Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee
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After picking up two defense-first forwards in our mock trade, Memphis can afford to focus on offense here. And for those who believe Ament will make good on the top-five buzz that preceded his college season, he might have tons to offer.
He's a 6'10" swingman who can create, shoot and move the ball. His size-skill combo is special, and his highest-end outcomes paint him as a walking mismatch. He needs to get stronger and more consistent, but a rebuilding Memphis team would give him all the time he needs.
13. Miami Heat: Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington
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Miami's roster feels as fluid as it gets.
The Heat might be closing in on a Giannis Antetokounmpo megatrade, and they will soon have to make a major decision on the perimeter, either re-signing Norman Powell or extending Tyler Herro (but probably not both, and only if one isn't needed to get an Antetokounmpo trade across the finish line).
This is a tricky projection to make because it's hard to tell what the Heat might have in a month.
That said, what they clearly don't have right now is any kind of interior depth. Steinbach would solve that. The near-7-footer is the draft's best rebounder and a polished post scorer. He has also shown flashes of shotmaking, too, which would only expand what's already an interesting profile.
14. Charlotte Hornets: Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
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The Hornets could look to the 4 spot here, since Miles Bridges and Grant Williams are both approaching the finals season of their contracts. They could also try addressing the 5, since Moussa Diabaté doesn't offer much bulk, and Ryan Kalkbrenner isn't the most versatile defender.
Or Charlotte could try attacking both needs with Johnson, who has enough quickness to play the 4 but also the right amount of length and vertical explosion to soak up minutes at the 5. He plays with tremendous power and force, but there's also some finesse with his soft hands and quick-read connective passing.
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR): Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
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Carr skyrocketed his stock at the combine, showing exactly the kind of length and athleticism this new regime covets. He also put the full force of his scoring arsenal on display, catching fire from three and rocking the rim.
If there's a way to make a Josh Giddey-led roster work, it probably involves loading up with finishers and shooters who thrive in the fast break. Carr, Wilson and Matas Buzelis all fit the bill.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHO): Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama
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With their second pick in the top 20 (but not their last in the round), the Grizzlies can afford to think offense again. Especially if that means getting a viable replacement for rumor-mill resident Ja Morant.
Philon is a great separator with shiftiness on the bounce and finesse as a finisher. He's a scoring threat from everywhere after showing serious shooting growth as a sophomore, and he seems to process the game like a point guard.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI): Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, Kentucky
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If the Thunder broker that hypothetical blockbuster to get Cameron Boozer and three plug-and-play veterans, there's no universe in which they'd have rotation minutes available for a second rookie. Simply finding a roster spot would be tricky and require additional subtractions.
That's probably a great argument for trading this pick, but if the Thunder hold onto it, it also makes a compelling case for taking on a long-term project. Few prospects better fit that label than Quaintance, who looked like a game-changing defender (and incredibly raw offensive player) before shredding his knee during the 2024-25 season. Still, the Thunder could be patient with his progress and hope for the best, knowing that his mobility, length and defense might one day be needed in their quest to contain that 7'4" alien down in San Antonio.
18. Charlotte Hornets (via ORL): Karim López, PF, New Zealand Breakers
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With the Hornets being sufficiently stocked with perimeter talent, it would make a lot of sense to spend both of their first-round picks on frontcourt prospects.
López would be a fun addition. His frame looks NBA-ready, and so do certain elements of his game, like his defensive versatility, shooting and ball-handling. A lot will depend on the further growth of those latter two, though, as his lack of a standout skill sort of pressures everything in his skill set to be at least pretty good.
19. Toronto Raptors: Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
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The Raptors could really use a point guard here, and they might pounce on Okorie, who seems to be climbing a lot of mock draft boards.
His burst is elite, and his pull-up jumper is ignitable. He is small (6'1", 186 lbs), but he's also long (6'7.75" wingspan), so he might play bigger than his size. And while his assist numbers underwhelmed in college, that might've had plenty to do with his supporting cast. He was also notably allergic to turnovers despite handling such a heavy workload as a teenaged freshman.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
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Analytics love Graves, who finished fifth in the country in box plus/minus this season, so it wouldn't surprise if the Spurs loved him, too.
While not a great run-jump athlete, he oozes glue-guy potential as a 6'9", 225-pounder who can shoot, rebound, defend and move the ball.
TRADE at 21. Memphis Grizzlies (from MIN via DET): Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
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Cenac would put an intriguing bow on an eventful first round for the Grizzlies.
He needs his feel to catch up to his unique tools and talents, but Memphis would be in no rush. He can get too comfortable on the perimeter and shy away from some of the grunt-work tasks underneath, but if developed right, he might one day offer inside-out versatility on both ends.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU): Koa Peat, PF, Arizona
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It'll take the right kind of roster to bring the best out of Peat, who meets more the traditional definition of a power forward and not the modern one that often implies some shotmaking and ball-handling.
The Sixers might have that roster, though, and if they do, maybe they're getting a steal on a player many initially regarded as a lottery lock. They can squeeze shooting out of their other four spots on the floor and let Peat thrive as a physical play-finisher and clever connective passer.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE): Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
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If the Hawks don't take a lead guard with their first pick, they're probably selecting one here.
He is a natural playmaker who just so happens to also be one of the best shooters in this class. Atlanta needs some reliable options in the half court, and Anderson's pick-and-roll prowess could create countless opportunities.
24. New York Knicks: Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn
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Mitchell Robinson is approaching unrestricted free agency and looks like he's about to get paid after his consistently positive play this postseason.
The Knicks might need some protection at center, then, and could envision Reed walking into a rotation role right away.
Knicks fans would love his toughness and tenacity, while his new teammates would appreciate his passing ability and willingness to execute a role.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Dailyn Swain, SF, Texas
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The Lakers could look at centers here, but wing depth is a big need for them, too. And the value with Swain might be too good to pass up, since some mocks have him landing a lot higher than this.
His shooting will go a long way toward setting his ceiling, but he's an advantage-creator off the dribble who can finish with force, find open teammates and make plays defensively.
26. Denver Nuggets: Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke
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Wing depth might be a necessity for the Nuggets this offseason. Because if restricted free agency doesn't pry Peyton Watson away, it likely means Denver traded one of Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun to free up the funds needed to keep him.
Evans looks ready for immediate action as a sharpshooter who is constantly on the move and could feast on the open looks created by Nikola Jokić. Evans' growth as a driver and finisher should also help him grow out of a specialist's role at some point.
27. Boston Celtics: Luigi Suigo, C, Mega
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Suigo still must decide whether to stay in this draft or head to college—a call he must make by June 13—but Boston might be among the teams hoping he sticks around.
He could be a massive addition to this center rotation. Literally. He measured just under 7'3" barefoot with a 9'6" standing reach at the combine. He uses his size smartly on the interior, but he really drops jaws and encourages imagination when flashing his shooting and passing vision.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
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If the draft board breaks right, the Timberwolves are almost certainly going point guard here. Mike Conley is 38, Donte DiVincenzo is facing a lengthy recovery from an Achilles tear and both Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland are free agents.
In other words, Minnesota might need this spot to deliver a rotation-caliber player right away, and Stirtz seemingly offers that ability.
He'll be tested by the NBA's speed and physicality, but he's a gifted shooter, a skilled scorer from all three levels and a smart passer.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS): Alex Karaban, SF/PF, UConn
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The Cavaliers still haven't solved their wing spots, and with the win-now urgency billowing out of the Donovan Mitchell-James Harden backcourt, time is of the essence to find an answer.
Maybe it's Karaban. He clearly knows what it takes to contribute to a winner, and it wouldn't be hard for him to find a fit as an off-ball shooter and cutter.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas
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The Mavericks could use more shooting and creation on their second unit right now, and they'll need gobs of it whenever Kyrie Irving departs Dallas. Thomas offers an absurd amount of both for someone who might make it this far down the draft board.
He doesn't have a lot of size for an off-guard, and his unflappable confidence can send his shot selection and decision-making haywire, but he can ignite at any moment, shoot from any range and separate against just about anyone.
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