Six 2026 NBA draft trades reshaping league futures after Finals

Six proposed trades could swap top draft picks and send Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami before the 2026 draft on June 23.

Knicks lead Finals as trade chatter continues With the New York Knicks up 3-1 in the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, the league’s trade market remains active. Last year’s Finals saw Kevin Durant traded to Houston just hours before Game 7, part of a seven-team blockbuster that sent the Phoenix Suns the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft, used on Duke center Khaman Maluach. Could lottery picks in the 2026 draft change hands before the first round starts on June 23? One possibility involves a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo. ## Historic swap sends top two picks to Utah and Washington The Jazz and Wizards could make history by trading the top two picks in the 2026 draft for the first time ever. Washington would send the No. 1 pick to Utah and receive the No. 2 pick in return, targeting Duke forward AJ Dybantsa. The Wizards would then select Darryn Peterson at No. 2, filling two roster needs with Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Peterson and Bailey in the rotation. Utah, after four straight lottery trips, would gain a potential franchise cornerstone in Dybantsa to pair with Jaren Jackson Jr. ## Nets target Boozer in bold draft-day move Brooklyn could use multiple future first-round picks to jump into the top three and land Cameron Boozer as the cornerstone of their rebuild. The Nets lack a clear identity and need a polished star like Boozer, and the cost may be high due to upcoming draft reforms in 2027. Memphis could send the Grizzlies down three spots in exchange for two unprotected first-round picks, even if quality prospects remain at No. 6. ## Thunder package picks for Mara amid Wembanyama concerns Oklahoma City could bundle two 2026 first-rounders to move up and add Aday Mara, addressing interior depth after a Western Conference finals exit. The Bucks would receive the Thunder’s picks in exchange for Mara, a 7-foot-3 center from Michigan’s NCAA title team, as Milwaukee rebuilds under new coach Taylor Jenkins. Oklahoma City currently has 15 players under contract and has made a first-round trade in five straight drafts. ## Giannis heads to Miami in blockbuster trade package Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo saga could conclude with a trade sending him to Miami, giving the Bucks two lottery picks and young talent including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic. The Heat would gain a two-time MVP in his prime but face a payroll crunch with Bam Adebayo ($51 million) and Antetokounmpo ($50 million) under contract. Milwaukee also gains a second lottery pick and Herro, who carries an expiring $33 million deal, raising questions about his future. ## Kings move up to No. 5 for guard in tight draft Sacramento could trade a 2031 first-rounder to the Clippers to secure the No. 5 pick and land their preferred point guard after the top four prospects. The Clippers would receive a promising prospect and a future draft asset, as they lack control of their own picks in 2027, 2028 and 2029. The price for moving up two spots near the top often includes a future first, which may be steep for this scenario. ## Hornets package picks to jump into top 10 Charlotte could combine two first-round picks to move into the top 10 and add a young big such as Aday Mara or Yaxel Lendeborg. The Hornets already have a promising core including Kon Knueppel, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Sion James. Dallas might prefer quantity in this draft, as Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively II are the only high-upside players on rookie deals. ## Draft date and Finals schedule set for June The 2026 NBA draft will take place on June 23 and 24. The Knicks and Spurs face off in the Finals with Game 1 on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET. Game 5 is scheduled for June 13 in San Antonio, Game 6 on June 16 in New York and Game 7 on June 19 in San Antonio if needed. ## Marks picks the trade with biggest league impact The trade with the largest leaguewide impact would be Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami. The Bucks would gain clarity after a drawn-out saga and add two lottery picks plus Ware, turning an untenable situation into a clear rebuild. Miami would add a two-time MVP in his prime but must balance a $108 million payroll between Antetokounmpo and Adebayo while building a championship roster.