Wizards Weigh AJ Dybantsa at No. 1 as Giannis Trade Shakes Up 2026 NBA Draft

Q: With the Giannis trade done, what's the next blockbuster move that will shake up the league on draft night?

The most likely next league-shaking move is a trade involving the top of the draft, especially a Washington-Utah swap of No. 1 and No. 2 centered on AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. Multiple reports in the provided material frame that as a historic possibility: Utah is said to be highly motivated to move up for Dybantsa, while Washington could still get Peterson at No. 2 and add extra assets. If it happens, it would be the first trade of the top two picks for each other in NBA draft history. The other true blockbuster to watch is Ja Morant. Memphis is already signaling a reset after moving Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane for draft capital, and Cameron Boozer at No. 3 is widely viewed as a potential bridge to a new era. Morant’s injuries, suspensions and contract have complicated his market, but the Grizzlies’ willingness to explore options makes him the biggest star who could still move after Giannis. Below that tier, the most active pressure points are the Clippers at No. 5, the Hawks at No. 8 and the Thunder with picks No. 12 and No. 17 plus major future draft capital. Those teams have the flexibility to trigger a major multi-team deal, but the likeliest “blockbuster” remains either the unprecedented Wizards-Jazz pick swap or a Morant trade. In short, Giannis was the first domino; the next one is most likely at the very top of the board, with Memphis looming as the wild card.

Q: Beyond the top prospects, which sleeper pick is most likely to become the surprise superstar of the 2026 NBA draft?

Jayden Quaintance looks like the strongest sleeper bet to become this draft’s surprise star. The case is straightforward: his draft range appears to be depressed more by injury risk than by talent. Before the knee setbacks, Quaintance was widely viewed as a top-five to top-10 caliber prospect. At 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, he offers rare physical tools, and evaluators have highlighted defensive mobility and instincts that are unusual for a player his size and age. That matters because “surprise superstar” outcomes often come from players whose stock falls for reasons other than skill. Quaintance fits that pattern better than most names outside the top tier. If healthy, he projects as an immediate high-level defender with room to grow offensively as a finisher and connective passer. In a league that increasingly prizes switchability and versatile frontcourt play, that profile carries major upside. Other sleeper candidates have appealing cases. Yaxel Lendeborg is viewed as a rare, late-blooming talent with unusual versatility, while Hannes Steinbach has drawn attention as an undervalued stretch-big and rim protector. Mikel Brown Jr. also has intriguing shot-creation upside if teams are comfortable with his health and consistency. But Quaintance stands out because his ceiling appears closest to the top of the class despite a lower projected slot. If he fully recovers, he has the clearest path from “value pick” to franchise-changing player.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 23

Hours before the 2026 NBA draft, Washington is still seen choosing between AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson at No. 1, with rival teams viewing Dybantsa as the slight favorite.
The updated 60-pick mock says the top four have largely solidified: Utah would take Peterson at No. 2 if available, Memphis is projected to land Cameron Boozer at No. 3, and Chicago Caleb Wilson at No. 4.
Monday night's Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to Miami reshaped the board by sending Milwaukee the No. 13 pick, alongside No. 10, and is expected to trigger more draft-night movement.
Trade uncertainty is heaviest just behind the top tier, with the Clippers at No. 5, Hawks at No. 8, Thunder at No. 17 and Hornets holding multiple picks all viewed as active spots.