2026 NBA draft live updates: Washington Wizards get first pick as round one kicks off

It was the blockbuster deal of the NBA offseason: After years of will-he/won’t-he, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has been traded to Miami.

It also feels like the first domino of what will be some other big moves — including possibly a Jaylen Brown bidding war and trade. At NBC, we’ve explained the Antetokounmpo trade, named its winners and losers, and broken down how it will impact fantasy teams. Still, the fallout from this trade just keeps coming. Here are some other notes and analysis surrounding Antetokounmpo’s move to Miami.

Just one sleep remains before the first round of the 2026 NBA draft in Brooklyn. The 2026 class has been considered one of the deepest and most talented in recent memory, headlined by a quartet of generational one-and-dones as well as explosive guards and elite veteran forwards.

With the draft almost here, here are John Fanta’s picks for all 30 first-round selections.

Ament, 19, is a 6'10" forward who can handle the ball and is expected to go in the back half of the lottery tonight.

He is also one of the more unique prospects in this year’s draft. Growing up, Ament was more of a soccer player until he took up basketball as a teenager, eventually becoming a five-star recruit before playing for Tennessee in college.

Ament is also the son of a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. He spoke with NBC News last summer about his unique journey on and off the court.

Relive the best moments from Darryn Peterson’s 2025-26 season, where he proved to be an elite scorer for the Kansas Jayhawks, averaging 20.2 points and becoming a highly desired prospect for NBA teams.

After a lengthy, wide-ranging search for their next coach, the Portland Trail Blazers have chosen one of the guys already at the front of the line.

Portland has hired longtime Minnesota assistant coach Micah Nori, the Trail Blazers announced.

“After an extensive search process, it became clear that Micah embodies the qualities we are looking for in the leader of this franchise,” Portland general manager Joe Cronin said in a statement.

The Celtics reportedly offered Brown to the Milwaukee Bucks during their failed pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is instead headed to the Miami Heat.

If Boston has a disgruntled star on its hands, it’s possible Brown is traded as early as tonight, especially with how loaded this draft class is. Perhaps the Celtics use Brown to move into the lottery.

Fresh off his historic NBA championship, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson exclusively announces his children’s book “Jalen Plays it All” on "TODAY." The picture book explores the MVP’s journey to stardom and his drive to never give up.

NBA champion Jalen Brunson announces children’s book

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From the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the New York Knicks’ first title in 53 years and ongoing conversations surrounding flopping and tanking, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver explored several of the association’s top storylines on this morning’s episode of the "Dan Patrick Show."

With Anteokounmpo on the move to Miami, Silver reflected on the important ripple effects of blockbuster trades involving superstars.

“A certain amount of player movement is good. It creates renewed energy and hope in markets. Even in Milwaukee, there was a sense there it was time to rebuild, and a lot of excitement about Giannis going to Miami.”

Peterson is widely considered one of the two best prospects in tonight’s draft, and many experts have him on the top of their draft board.

He had a strange season at Kansas, however, missing significant time and playing limited minutes due to injuries, including a once-mysterious cramping issue. Peterson has since said an increase in his creatine intake was to blame for his cramping problems. But the availability issue may follow him into the league until Peterson can prove he’s found the answer to his problems.

Kenny Beecham lays out ideal fits for several top prospects in this year's NBA draft, including Cameron Boozer to the Jazz and Darius Acuff Jr., who may have the draft's most natural potential fit with the Kings.

This has been a relatively strong decade for No. 1 picks in the NBA Draft.

In 2020, the Timberwolves selected Anthony Edwards first, and he’s since led the team to multiple conference finals appearances.

In 2021, the Pistons selected Cade Cunningham, who was an All-NBA First Team selection in 2026.

In 2022, the Magic selected Paolo Banchero, who earned an All-Star bid in 2024.

In 2023, the Spurs selected Victor Wembanyama, who just made the Finals in his third season.

In 2025, the Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg, who won Rookie of the Year honors this past season.

The only pick lacking in accomplishments so far is Zaccharie Risacher, whom the Hawks took first in 2024.

"The Dan Le Batard Show" discusses what realistic postseason expectations are for the Miami Heat now that Giannis Antetokounmpo has joined the team's ranks, and whether his age may make him more injury prone.

Dusty May in April. Abbie Parr / AP file

The Dallas Mavericks officially announced Dusty May as their new coach just a few hours before entering the NBA draft with the ninth pick on Tuesday night.

May is making the jump to the NBA less than three months after leading Michigan to its first NCAA championship since 1989. He had a 64-13 record in two years with the Wolverines, including a 34-3 season that ended with a 69-63 victory over UConn in the national title game.

The Mavericks made their choice to replace Jason Kidd official on the same day they could select the next young player who would be part of building around 2025 No. 1 pick and reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, who turns 20 in December.

The Miami Heat got their man. Again.

Miami was the frontrunner to land Giannis Antetokounmpo going back to the February trade deadline — it was the most persistent suitor then, and it was one of the two teams standing in the end.

Milwaukee is trading Antetokounmpo to Miami for four players and three draft picks, but which team won this trade? And who were the losers?

Check out the incredible highlights from AJ Dybantsa’s freshman season that have the BYU star poised to compete for the top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

Vaughn Dalzell and Drew Dinsick discuss their best bets for Arkansas star Darius Acuff Jr.'s draft position at the 2026 NBA draft, and whether it's more likely he'll go at or after No. 6 overall to the Brooklyn Nets.

1. Washington

2. Utah

3. Memphis

4. Chicago

5. LA Clippers (from Indiana)

6. Brooklyn

Dan Patrick and Jay Bilas dive into this year's buzzy NBA draft prospects, with Bilas highlighting the impressive depth of quality talent available before reminiscing on favorite draft night memories.

Kingston Flemings joins "Numbers on the Board" to share how he's preparing for being drafted into the NBA, watching this year's NBA Finals and more.