Updated

Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 23

Sports Illustrated Projects AJ Dybantsa No. 1 in Final 60-Player 2026 NBA Mock Draft

Updated

Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 23

Sports Illustrated Projects AJ Dybantsa No. 1 in Final 60-Player 2026 NBA Mock Draft

Q: With new anti-tanking rules, which team will make the draft's most daring trade to win now?

The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics look like the teams most likely to make the draft’s boldest win-now trade, because both are deep in talks for Giannis Antetokounmpo and a deal is expected to come into focus before the draft. That is the clearest answer because no other rumored move matches the scale of trading for a two-time MVP in his prime. Reports indicate Boston has discussed a Jaylen Brown-centered package, while Miami’s offer is built around young players, picks and the No. 13 selection. In a league adjusting to tougher anti-tanking rules and reduced incentives to bottom out, that kind of all-in move is exactly what the new environment encourages: convert assets into elite certainty. If one team has the edge as the most daring, it is probably Miami. The Heat can assemble a broader draft-based package before Tuesday night, and their front office has a long record of aggressively chasing stars when a title window opens. Boston’s offer is also dramatic, but moving Brown for Giannis would be a more delicate basketball and chemistry gamble for a team already near the top of the East. The dark-horse answer is Brooklyn. The Nets have already pivoted with the Julius Randle trade, do not control the full benefit of losing because of future pick obligations, and have cap flexibility plus draft assets to chase a star. But unless Brooklyn lands a true franchise player, its moves would still fall short of the Giannis sweepstakes in sheer daring.

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 23

Sports Illustrated’s final 2026 mock draft slots BYU wing AJ Dybantsa at No. 1 to Washington, while noting the Wizards still could choose Darryn Peterson instead.
The full 60-player projection says Utah would take Peterson at No. 2 and Memphis would land Cameron Boozer at No. 3, framing the top of the draft as a three-player race.
Chicago’s Caleb Wilson and the Clippers’ Keaton Wagler round out the top five, with SI highlighting possible lottery movement after updating the mock for Minnesota’s Julius Randle trade to Brooklyn.
Brooklyn at No. 6 is cast as a swing pick with Mikel Brown Jr. projected there, while trade possibilities involving teams such as the Bucks and Heat could still reshape the board before Tuesday night.