2026 NBA Draft: Lakers, Clippers, Bulls and Others Eye Top Prospects

The 2026 NBA Draft will be held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on June 23‑24, with the first round on Tuesday and the second round on Wednesday.

Several teams are publicly evaluating their options. The Los Angeles Lakers have conducted workouts with a range of prospects, including Tamin Lipsey, Keba Keita, Tre’Von Spillers and Malique Lewis, while also scouting big men such as Zuby Ejiofor. The Los Angeles Clippers, who own the No. 5 overall pick, are weighing a rebuild around potential selections like AJ Dybanta, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson.

The Chicago Bulls, holding the No. 4 and No. 15 picks, are reported to view Caleb Wilson as his preferred destination. The Brooklyn Nets, positioned at No. 6, have been linked to Nate Ament, Karim Lopez, Mikel Brown Jr. and other wing prospects. The Dallas Mavericks, with picks at 9, 30 and 48, are exploring a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder that could move them down to the 12th and 17th spots while adding a player such as Isaiah Joe.

Other clubs have noted specific targets: the New York Knicks could add guard Meleek Thomas for backcourt depth, while the University of Houston’s four seniors aim to become the program’s first three‑player draft class. The University of Illinois continues to produce guard and wing talent, highlighted by Keaton Wagler’s green‑room invitation. Collectively, these reports illustrate the wide‑ranging scouting and strategic maneuvering that will shape the 2026 draft.