NBA Draft Round 1 reshapes rosters with top picks and strategic trades
The 2026 NBA Draft concluded its first round in Brooklyn on Tuesday, with the Wizards, Jazz, and Grizzlies securing key assets while multiple franchises executed complex trade packages.
The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft concluded on Tuesday, 24 June 2026, in Brooklyn, resulting in significant roster realignments for several franchises. The Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 overall pick, selecting AJ Dybantsa from Brigham Young University. The Utah Jazz followed with the No. 2 pick, choosing Darryn Peterson from the University of Kansas, a move viewed as a strong fit alongside existing stars Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, and Jaren Jackson Jr. The Memphis Grizzlies selected Cameron Boozer from Duke University with the No. 3 pick.
The draft night was characterised by active market movement, with seven trades occurring during the first round involving multiple teams. The Golden State Warriors also made a first-round selection, picking Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11. The Phoenix Suns acquired Koa Peat at No. 30 after the New York Knicks traded their No. 25 pick, Sergio De Larrea, to the Dallas Mavericks at No. 30 and then traded that pick to the Suns.
ESPN draft insiders noted that the Utah Jazz’s selection of Peterson offered a cleaner fit than alternatives, providing the team with a potential 1A scoring option and addressing needs for size and shooting in the backcourt. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies were praised for their strategic maneuvering, landing Boozer at No. 3 and executing two deals to move from No. 16 to No. 21 to select Karim Lopez, netting five future second-round picks in the process.
Other notable selections included the Dallas Mavericks choosing Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9, a pick interpreted as a culture-setting move under new coach Dusty May. The Chicago Bulls selected Swain at No. 10, aiming to build a fast-paced, defensive-minded young group. The Sacramento Kings cast Darius Acuff Jr. as their latest point guard of the future, while the San Antonio Spurs selected Jayden Quaintance at No. 20 to add size and physicality to their frontcourt.
The Oklahoma City Thunder added Michigan center Aday Mara at No. 12 and Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz at No. 16, addressing positional needs despite a payroll set to balloon. The Milwaukee Bucks selected Burries at No. 10 and Ament at No. 13, attempting to build a foundation following the trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Round 2 is scheduled to commence on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
