New 2026 NBA Mock Draft with Blockbuster Michael Porter Jr. Trade Idea
The Brooklyn Nets lost 62 games during the 2025-26 NBA season.
Their best player, Michael Porter Jr., is approaching his 28th birthday and set to collect a $40.8 million salary next season.
This is your proverbial square-peg-in-a-round-hole situation. The fit just doesn't align.
There might be a way to fix this, though, and it involves the Cade Cunningham co-star-needing Detroit Pistons. Porter, a proven shot-maker with championship experience and a scoring output that typicall lands right in the strong-sidekick range, could offer some solutions to some of the Pistons' biggest problems.
So, in the midst of this latest mock first round, let's play the role of matchmaker and find a blockbuster trade sure to satisfy all three of the Nets, Pistons and Porter himself.
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
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The Wizards remain undecided with this pick, per The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, but that says more about the collective strength of this draft's top tier than it does anything with Dybantsa. Case in point: Vecenie just released a prospect ranking since 2015, and while Dybantsa was the highest-ranked in this class (sixth overall), Cameron Boozer (seventh) and Darryn Peterson (eighth) were literally right behind.
Dybantsa being at the top is still telling, though. Just like it probably matters how the myriad mock drafts that discuss Washington's uncertainty here all still have him in this slot. The margin might be slim, but he looks like the best prospect on the board and probably the best fit for the Wizards, too.
If he maxes out his potential, the explosively athletic swingman could become an annual challenger for the scoring title while also adding value as a versatile defender and secondary playmaker. His individual output is clearly his strongest selling point at the moment, but his profile has a chance to be elite.
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas
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There could be a fascinating debate happening with this pick had Utah not made its deadline deal for Jaren Jackson Jr. But once it added him to a frontcourt already featuring Lauri Markkanen, Ace Bailey and Walker Kessler (a restricted free agent expected to stay put, per ESPN's Tim Bontemps), that debate went off the board.
There just isn't a place in Utah for Cameron Boozer. Not even with his father, Carlos Boozer, being a former Jazz great who now works in the organization's scouting department.
Peterson, on the other hand, is almost a lab-created match for Keyonte George: knockdown shooter, versatile defender, complementary creator. If Peterson's medicals are clear—they'll obviously be fine-tooth combed through—then the Jazz's draft decision should be, too.
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
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This Grizzlies group has a strong draft resume, but getting Boozer with the third overall pick might be the cherry on top. It's the kind of outcome that could one day baffle hoop historians: If Boozer is the most polished and most productive prospect in this draft—as an 18-year-old—why wasn't he No. 1?
It is, honestly, a fair question even now. He offers paint-to-perimeter utility on offense and can handle, shoot and create. He's also great on the glass and is basically a supercomputer with his processing skills.
The biggest (only?) knock revolves around the difficulty his NBA employer could have in finding him a comfortable defensive fit. He doesn't have the kind of length and vertical pop needed to protect the paint, but he's also not nimble enough to survive switches against speedy perimeter players. And if he winds up somewhere close to a functionally one-way contributor, then No. 3 probably is the right spot.
4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina
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This is the easiest pick to mock and should be the easiest one to make during the entire draft. Four prospects are regarded above the rest in this class, so Chicago can simply catch whichever falls in its lap.
If it winds up being Wilson—which seems most likely—the Bulls should be in business. New general manager Bryson Graham favors prospects with great tools and physicality, and Wilson might offer the best blend in this draft.
He's a 6'9" chaos-creator who is forever hunting momentum-shifting plays above the rim on both ends. He's also flashed some open-floor handling and shooting touch, suggesting that his offensive game could have a ton of growth potential and giving him clear cornerstone potential, which this franchise absolutely needs.
5. Los Angeles Clippers (via IND): Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
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While it's possible the first four picks wind up serving a surprise or two, the draft's real suspense starts here. The Clippers are the clearest trade-down candidate in the top 10, since their needs don't align with what the best prospects in this range provide.
That said, there might be too many good guards in this tier for anyone to fill the need to climb this high. So, L.A. could get left "stuck"—the word feels too harsh given how much talent is on the board still—deciding which of these backcourt prospects has a chance to coexist with Darius Garland, the player the Clippers brought back for James Harden at the deadline.
Wagler seems to have the best odds, and it doesn't feel particularly close. While he upped his draft profile by shifting into an on-ball role, his off-ball shooting threat and positional size make him the cleanest on-paper fit with Garland. Building a multiplaymaker offense around these two could be a fun foundation for whatever L.A. decides to assemble for its post-Kawhi Leonard era.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr., PG/SG, Louisville
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Groupthink can be deceiving at this point in the draft cycle, but it's still sensible to track developing trends. And there are multiple mock drafters who are bumping Brown up the board: he's fifth in the latest mock from Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor and sixth for CBS Sports' Gary Parrish.
A late climb could make sense for Brown. Maybe teams are more encouraged after digging into the back problem that plagued his lone season of college ball. Or perhaps they're just blown away with how his aesthetically pleasing play style appears up close.
He was inconsistent (but, again, also injury-plagued) in college, but his good games looked like game-changers. He can (and will) shoot from anywhere, he throws the most "Wow!" passes of any player in this class and he's a skilled finisher around the basket. It'd be a big swing for Brooklyn here, but teams with this kind of talent shortage should be more than ready to take a risk-reward gamble.
7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr., PG/SG, Arkansas
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Acuff's one-and-done season of college ball was, statistically speaking, freakin' awesome. He joined the legendary Pistol Pete Maravich as the only players to pace the SEC in points and assists—and did so as a teenaged freshman.
The Kings, who seem ready to turn the page from their current core, could use someone to guide them into the future. If Acuff even approaches his peak, he might be Sacramento's next resident beam-lighter.
He doesn't have much size or seemingly any defense, but that may not matter. Not when he's such a special scorer, separator and on-ball creator.
8. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP): Aday Mara, C, Michigan
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The Hawks haven't fully filled their Trae Young vacancy yet, but if they plan on re-signing CJ McCollum—they'd like to bring him back, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto—they don't have to prioritize a perimeter player in here. In fact, The Athletic's Sam Vecenie reported that "I've heard centers more when asking about what they're looking to do at No. 8."
That makes sense. Depth at center is a pretty glaring need, and there are some things Onyeka Okongwu just can't provide at his size (6'10", 240 lbs).
Mara provides all of those things. He is enormous (7'3" barefoot with a 9'9" standing reach), and he is every bit the interior defensive deterrent that his frame says he should be. He also happens to be a sharp, quick-read passer, which is a rather unique skill for someone this size.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
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This is, apparently, a wish-granting projection. There are rumblings that Burries might be trying to angle his way to Dallas, per Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor, who noted that Dereck Lively II, a fellow Rich Paul client, successfully pulled off this same strategy at the 2023 draft.
Even without that chatter, though, there's a lot to like about this potential fit.
Burries can walk into a supporting off-ball role next to Kyrie Irving in the backcourt and then potentially blossom into an on-ball co-star for Cooper Flagg down the line. It might be a win-now-and-win-later type of addition.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
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The draft is quickly closing in on everyone, and Giannis Antetokounmpo remains in Milwaukee. What gives? Well, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick and Eric Nehm, the Bucks "appear to be seeking clarity from several suitors as to what they would be willing to offer before making a final decision."
The Bucks are presumably awaiting everyone's here's-what-I-got offer and will decide how to proceed once they have them. This hardly feels like Antetokounmpo is definitely gone, though that does seem the likeliest outcome.
In any case, Milwaukee is probably best off using this pick to lay some of its post-Giannis foundation. A head of the snake like Flemings could be perfect. He is an end-to-end burner, a shrewd decision-maker and a tireless defender.
11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
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The Warriors remain pot-committed to the Stephen Curry era, and if they think this pick can help with that, they'll probably explore the option. That might mean moving it in a trade for established NBA talent. Depending on the return, though, they could sense there's more value in selecting Lendeborg, who shows a distinct NBA-readiness (due in no small part to the fact he'll turn 24 this year).
He can help this group in a lot of areas where it really needs a lift. Length, athleticism, defensive versatility and toughness are all clear strengths, and he could shine in most facets as an offensive play-finisher.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee
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A financially focused offseason could certainly create some openings in Oklahoma City, but for now, the Thunder have more draft picks than roster spots. They don't need this pick to deliver a rotation player, so they could take a stab at helping Ament solve his developmental puzzle.
His size-skill combo is obvious and enticing as a 6'10" forward who can dribble, shoot and pass, but he also faces a steep learning curve when it comes to efficiency and consistency. Adding strength is another primary point on his extensive must-do list.
13. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama
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If the Heat have their way, this pick could wind up with the Bucks. If Miami keeps it, though, taking Philon would scratch itches for perimeter shooting and shot-creation while also adding some insurance for the offseason.
Norman Powell is headed for free agency, while Tyler Herro is up for another round of (probably uncomfortable) contract extension talks. This pick might have to produce an NBA-ready guard, and Philon mostly looks the part (aside from his thin frame). He is shifty and creative on the move, and his perimeter shot took a huge step forward this season.
14. Charlotte Hornets: Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
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With a wealth of flash and finesse on the perimeter, the Hornets could be on the hunt for some frontcourt force. Johnson, a big stock-up prospect after a strong combine, could provide plenty at either spot in the power rotation.
He embraces dirty-work duties and executes just about all of them at a high level. He is long and strong enough to battle players in the post and quick enough to chase smaller ones around the perimeter. He's not quite as versatile on offense, but he should at least be a strong screen-setter and a powerful finisher.
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR): Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
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Carr may not cover all areas of Chicago's new SLAP philosophy, but his length and athleticism attributes are elite. He was a clear combine winner, flashing the longest wingspan among perimeter players (7'0.75") and tying for the second-highest max vertical leap (42.5") before lighting it up in his lone scrimmage.
Carr aces the three-and-D archetype. His three-point shot is potent, and his defense is all kinds of disruptive. He needs to get bigger and stronger, but the skills and tools are both plenty encouraging already.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHO): Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
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The Grizzlies are a Ja Morant trade away from a total reset, and they've been looking to get that deal done for a while now. In other words, there should soon be a clear opening for Anderson, whose shooting and pick-and-roll prowess could pair well with the bigs on Beale Street.
Anderson doesn't offer much size, but he competes hard on defense and has good awareness. He'd be a solid addition to what could be one of the league's better young cores.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI): Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
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When the Thunder assess the path in front of them, they have to continually gauge how they'll measure up to the competition. Literally. The simplest conclusion they can make is that it's impossible to have too much size as long as that 7'4" alien resides in San Antonio.
Quaintance would be an intriguing counter to throw at Victor Wembanyama. Assuming Quaintance gets back to 100 percent after having the last year rocked by a knee injury, he has elite potential as a defensive anchor. His length (7'5.25" wingspan) and vertical pop allow him to play even bigger than his size (6'10", 255 lbs), and he is absurdly mobile for a full-time big.
18. Charlotte Hornets (via ORL): Karim López, PF, New Zealand Breakers
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While the Hornets already grabbed a 4/5 earlier in this mock, double-tapping the frontcourt still feels like a sensible strategy. Especially if they think López could handle minutes on the wing, since they might need help there soon with 2027 free agency awaiting Miles Bridges, Josh Green and Grant Williams.
López has an NBA-ready build and perhaps NBA-ready versatility. While it's hard to find a go-to strength in his profile, there really isn't a glaring weakness, especially if you buy him as a capable shooter and ball-handler.
19. Toronto Raptors: Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington
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The Raptors are likely going best point guard or center available here, and Steinbach's slip in this mock made him the easy choice.
His rebounding is on a short list of this draft's strongest individual skills, and his post scoring isn't far behind. His flashes of shot-making only add to his intrigue, particularly for a Toronto team that doesn't always squeeze much spacing out of its frontcourt.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Dailyn Swain, SF, Texas
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Swain could certainly land higher than this, but the Spurs wouldn't be complaining if he made it this far. Wing depth is sort of a need for everyone in the modern NBA, and San Antonio is no different. Julian Champagnie needs a long-term commitment sooner than later, which could create question marks for Harrison Barnes (2026 free agent) and Keldon Johnson (2027 free agent).
If San Antonio needs another wing, Swain should be ready to soak up minutes sooner than later. His shooting is iffy, but he's a walking bucket (and solid passer) when attacking downhill, and he has clear potential as a defensive playmaker.
TRADE at 21. Brooklyn Nets (from MIN via DET): Meleek Thomas, SG, Arkansas
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Brooklyn Nets receive: No. 21 pick, Ron Holland II, Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert and 2030 first-round pick swap
Detroit Pistons receive: Michael Porter Jr. and Drake Powell
Why the Nets do it
Brooklyn needs long-term building blocks, and this deal could deliver as many as three. That's an optimistic view of the incoming package, obviously, but it's not impossible. Holland is a great athlete and a better competitor. He's a defensive fire extinguisher, and his downhill attacking might really take off with more consistent minutes and better spacing.
The current pick, meanwhile, produces Thomas, who might be ready to pick up a surprisingly big chunk of the scoring slack created by the loss of Porter. Thomas is a supremely confident shooter with deep range and enough dribble moves to free himself from tight coverage. He can get overly aggressive, but you'd always prefer to dial that back than try to bring it out of someone who doesn't naturally provide it.
The package mostly fizzles out from there—Robinson and LeVert are the money-matchers—but four years is a long enough time to think there's a non-zero chance those swap rights actually come into play. Still, this is a healthy offer for an in-prime player who has only posted star-caliber numbers on a brutally bad team and will be looking to get paid next summer.
Why the Pistons do it
Detroit's needs are well-documented. Cade Cunningham has to find a co-star. This offensive spacing must be improved. There's basically a cap on how high this club can climb (at least in playoff terms) until those areas are addressed.
Porter is potentially the single stone that covers both stones. He is an established quantity-plus-quality spacer, and his production with the Nets (inflated as it was) helped remind folks he was often hailed for having three-level scoring ability (as a 6'10" forward) before the Denver Nuggets shifted him into more of a specialized role. He could see this situation as his most fulfilling yet, as he'd be more involved than he was in Denver but also galaxies closer to the title chase than he's been in Brooklyn.
Adding Porter could be enormous for this offense, which might literally be one big boost away from cracking the contender ranks. Throw in Powell to help offset the sting of subtracting Holland—both are young, toolsy, defense-first wing prospects—and this could get a handshake from both sides.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU): Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
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The Sixers have to pursue frontcourt depth here if the draft board allows it. Joel Embiid is the living embodiment of the questionable designation, and Andre Drummond is headed into free agency.
In a perfect world, though, Philly would find someone who could man the middle in Embiid's absence and manage to stay on the floor in some double-big looks. Cenac offers that kind of flexilbility, or rather he would if he could further his development. He can get a little too perimeter-happy, but the tools are there: good length and hopes, great mobility, some shooting touch and finishing force.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE): Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
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This draft board has treated the Hawks well, since there are still multiple point guards with first-round grades who remain up for grabs.
Stirtz doesn't have the highest ceiling of the group, but maybe that doesn't matter to an Atlanta team that just won 46 games and held a 2-1 series lead over the New York Knicks in the opening round. Maybe the Hawks are fine sacrificing some potential for some immediate (and immediately efficient) offensive production and enough off-ball utility to thrive within a Jalen Johnson-centric play style.
24. New York Knicks: Koa Peat, PF, Arizona
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The Knicks have a lot of toughness on their roster. Their players have no problem scrapping for each and every possession. And a not small chunk of them were big winners in college.
Peat might fit like a tailored suit with this squad, then. His shooting concerns could be easier to stomach on a team with stretch center Karl-Anthony Towns on the roster, too.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn
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Reed is a consistent source of force, physicality and finishing. That might be exactly what the Lakers seek out after spending a season up close with "I can't play him" Deandre Ayton.
There aren't a lot of branches on Reed's skill tree, but he is good at what he does, and he does a few of the things that could really help out Luka Dončić.
26. Denver Nuggets: Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
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Okorie might be gone by this point, as he's had some helium in recent mocks. Denver should hope he makes it here, though, as it has so often struggled to have reliable depth behind Jamal Murray (a player who needs exactly that).
Okorie is among the fastest players in this draft, plus he's an ignitable pull-up shooter and a high-usage player who rarely turns the ball over. His playmaking numbers aren't great, but maybe they'd be a whole lot better with more scoring support than he had at Stanford.
27. Boston Celtics: Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
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It is "increasingly regarded as a certainty" that the Celtics won't bring back Nikola Vučević, per NBA insider Marc Stein, so they'll likely be big-man shopping this summer and specifically seeking a center with range.
Veesaar is a 7-footer who just splashed 42.5 percent of his long-range looks while also showing strong finishing, connective passing and a willingness to defend.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke
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The Timberwolves will have a standing need for shooting as long as Rudy Gobert mans the middle, and they'll happen to also have a pressing need for it as long as it takes Donte DiVincenzo to find his way back from a torn Achilles.
They could be huge fans of Evans, then, even if they're unsure what he'll add beyond movement shooting and whether his handle will reach the point of him providing any kind of meaningful creation.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS): Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
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Graves' strongest arguments all stem from analytics, and it's fair to receive them with something other than complete and unquestionable trust. He was a reserve at a mid-major, so his counting categories only impressed if you measured his per-minute production.
That said, those numbers were great, and they suggested this 6'8" swingman just might offer across-the-board versatility. The Cavaliers could throw this dart and know how helpful it'd be to have an all-purpose contributor complementing such a costly core.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): Sergio de Larrea, SG, Valencia
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Even if the Mavs are hoping to be a lot more competitive next season, their long-term future with Cooper Flagg still matters most. De Larrea could do a lot to brighten it.
Athleticism is not a strength, but a boatload of basketball skills are. He is a comfortable and competent shooter, a creative and instinctive passer and a versatile enough contributor to potentially slot in anywhere along the perimeter.
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