The 2026 NBA draft arrives in eight days (June 23-24, 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN), following the withdrawal deadline on Saturday. Clubs and top prospects now enter the final phase of evaluations, meetings and workouts ahead of Round 1.

As the draft landscape sharpens, attention centers on the top selections. The Washington Wizards are refining choices with the first overall pick, while the Utah Jazz hold the second slot. AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson stand as the leading candidates, though their exact order remains uncertain.

Teams across the league monitor possible developments surrounding a Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, which could reshape both the draft and summer transactions. The Milwaukee Bucks keep much of the league waiting as they weigh a major franchise decision. Reports from May indicated the Bucks were open to discussions involving the two-time MVP, with an outcome anticipated before draft night.

Significant movement is expected over the coming week as front offices review boards and lock in plans. The latest projections incorporate fresh information from league sources along with evaluations of prospects throughout the season. These selections draw primarily from conversations with NBA personnel rather than personal rankings available in ESPN's top 100.

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First round

1. Washington Wizards

AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Freshman

The Wizards have kept their approach measured in recent weeks, carefully reviewing all four leading candidates. Washington has focused its attention on Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, according to sources.

Peterson has told the Jazz he will skip additional team visits, indicating comfort with his projected position and a desire to be chosen first by Washington. He has remained available to the Wizards, including a prior meeting in Los Angeles and multiple on-court sessions with team decision-makers. Peterson aims to play point guard professionally, and the presence of Trae Young in Washington is not seen as an obstacle.

Dybantsa completed visits to Washington on Thursday and Friday before traveling to Utah on Saturday, marking his only scheduled stops. He has long been viewed league-wide as the likely top selection after leading Division I in scoring at 25.5 points per game, showcasing size, physicality and driving ability. Dybantsa maintains connections to Utah from his high school and college experience, yet he also seeks the No. 1 selection.

Some observers note that Dybantsa's profile aligns closely with Washington's recent preferences. The team targeted Ace Bailey last year, another tall scoring wing. Although Dybantsa brings a distinct approach, he would satisfy similar criteria. Washington's final choice will unfold over the next eight days.

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Freshman

Over the past couple of weeks, competing teams have prepared under the assumption that Peterson and Dybantsa will depart first.

Sources indicate Peterson's medical evaluations have not raised significant issues, positioning him for a top-two selection. He opened the season as ESPN's top prospect and remains the class's most skilled offensive talent. Despite challenges at Kansas related to cramping, teams have continued to regard him as a strong option.

Although Peterson will not visit Utah before the draft, rival clubs do not view this as a decisive factor for the Jazz. Precedent exists, as general manager Austin Ainge selected Ace Bailey fifth overall last year even without a workout there.

The Jazz hold familiarity with Dybantsa from his recent in-state play. While his addition would create overlap with Bailey, a slide past Utah would surprise most around the league.

Utah appears content with either of the top two players and has also hosted Cameron Boozer. Support exists for Boozer locally, including his father's front-office role, yet his fit alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler appears less seamless than the other choices.

Peterson would pair effectively with the Jazz if available, strengthening their attack and joining Keyonte George as the club targets postseason play.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Freshman

Since the May 10 lottery, league consensus has held that Memphis would welcome Boozer. He matches the Grizzlies' priorities and presents a compelling case as the top remaining prospect. Both Boozer and Caleb Wilson remain in consideration, though Boozer's track record and analytic strengths are expected to resonate particularly with Memphis.

While the lottery outcome appears to place Boozer at third, his impact would still be substantial for the Grizzlies after rising from sixth to third. Boozer could signal a new direction if Ja Morant departs. His perimeter comfort would create an intriguing offensive duo with Zach Edey.

4. Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
Freshman

The lottery rise from ninth eased matters for Chicago's new front office under Bryson Graham. Wilson stands as the likeliest player to reach the Bulls, allowing them to remain at fourth and observe developments. He is scheduled to visit Chicago this week and appears pleased at the possibility of landing there, where he would quickly anchor the rebuild and fill a frontcourt gap.

Although Wilson lacks the extensive history of the three players projected above him, his increased production at North Carolina has improved long-term perceptions. His quickness off the floor and enhanced motor position him as a likely high-impact professional. Most therefore see this selection as lower pressure and relatively straightforward for Chicago.

5. LA Clippers (via Indiana)

Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
Freshman

The next segment of the draft opens at fifth, where the Clippers are reportedly exploring trade possibilities for alternative routes to roster improvement. This selection, acquired from Indiana in the Ivica Zubac deal after falling from the top four, offers LA a useful asset to rebuild its resources, especially if the team drops back while still securing a comfortable choice. Regardless, the draft presents a key chance for the veteran-laden Clippers to shift younger.

Rival clubs expect Wagler to rank among the Clippers' top options should they keep the pick. Last week he withdrew from several workouts inside the top 10, signaling confidence in his position. His versatility and rising profile have generated wide interest among teams in the 5-10 range, and he is unlikely to last long if he slips past fifth.

The Clippers seek a player who can quickly complement the smaller Darius Garland, the primary return in the James Harden deal. Mikel Brown Jr. and Brayden Burries also fit that description, with Brown set to work out in LA later this week. Among the group, Wagler best combines long-term potential with immediate rotation contributions through size, shooting and playmaking at either backcourt position.

6. Brooklyn Nets

Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Freshman

Brooklyn's selection has proven difficult for rivals to forecast, as the Nets remain linked to numerous prospects without a clear preference. Although Acuff does not align with the Nets' emphasis on perimeter size, competing teams now regard him as a serious possibility.

Acuff appears to occupy a tight draft window, with the Clippers focused elsewhere and the Nets plus Kings viewed as his main suitors. He enjoyed a strong season at Arkansas and would immediately supply their most skilled creator. Mikel Brown Jr. also merits attention here.

Nate Ament's length and skill at forward match past Nets selections, and rivals list him as a potential choice if Brooklyn passes on a guard. Still, he remains further from contributing to wins, and the Nets face pressure to improve quickly given they lack their own 2027 pick and have struggled competitively in recent years.

Brooklyn also holds roughly $34 million in projected cap space, though any free-agent plans remain unclear in their effect on draft direction.

MORE: Acuff aims to become the next Jalen Brunson, a star defined more by effort than stature

7. Sacramento Kings

Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Freshman

Brown enters next week on stable ground after a strong predraft process that has placed him in consideration above this slot with the Clippers and Nets, plus interest throughout the top 10. His size and complete skill set support an argument as the ball handler with the greatest offensive ceiling in this second tier. Teams report strong workout showings, including deep shooting range and footwork that hint at star upside while easing worries from an uneven freshman campaign.

Although Acuff is widely seen as Sacramento's top target, the Kings have shown little interest in moving up from seventh. They are beginning roster adjustments under Scott Perry and lack abundant extra assets. The club has evaluated other guards in range, including Brown and Kingston Flemings, and appears willing to wait for the best available option.

8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)

Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Freshman

Flemings remains positioned to be selected inside the top 10, where he factors into discussions for the Clippers, Nets, Kings and Hawks, with the Bucks as a possible fallback at 10th.

Although Flemings measured slightly smaller than anticipated at the combine and does not shoot at the level of other guards here, which may matter in close evaluations, his explosiveness and strong intangibles have kept him relevant to lottery clubs.

The Hawks have reviewed all guards in this range, and Aday Mara is also considered given center needs. Rivals indicate Atlanta remains open to shifting up or down, providing flexibility while also holding the 23rd pick.

"You can put me into any team, and I'm gonna make the teammates around me better. ... I'm gonna learn my teammates."
Houston guard Kingston Flemings discusses what an NBA team gains by drafting him 🏀 pic.twitter.com/hauy9454kf

9. Dallas Mavericks

Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Freshman

Burries has attracted solid interest inside the top 10 yet has limited his workouts, appearing at ease with possible destinations that include the Clippers, Hawks, Mavericks and Warriors. His predraft activity has stayed relatively quiet. Any of those clubs would offer him an immediate role within a competitive setting.