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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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Predicting how the NBA Draft will fall is never easy.
That's especially the case this year. Giannis Antetokounmpo is already a Miami Heat player. Julius Randle is a Brooklyn Net. The entire landscape of the league has shifted overnight, and the first pick hasn't even been made yet. Add in what could be the most talent-rich draft class in a generation, and you have the ingredients for a genuinely historic night.
The NBA Draft has always delivered shocking moments, and with the trade market running hotter than it has in years, Brooklyn could be in for something special. Here are three outcomes that sound crazy, but could actually happen.
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Prediction 1 — Washington trades the No. 1 pick
The Washington Wizards have made no secret of their willingness to trade down. With a core of Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, and Jaden Hardy, they're legitimately positioning themselves to be a playoff contender next season, and they haven't been there in five years. The Utah Jazz hold the No. 2 pick and have been obsessed with AJ Dybantsa all season. If Dybantsa is Utah's guy, Washington could slide one spot, land Darryn Peterson, arguably the most talented prospect in this entire draft, and pair him with Young in the backcourt. They'd almost certainly get picks and young assets in return too, which could fuel another big move if they're feeling bold enough.
More news: 3 NBA Stars Who Could Be Traded on Draft Night 2026
Prediction 2 — Clippers flip the No. 5 pick for a proven star
The Los Angeles Clippers are feeling the pressure of making a big move tonight. Their franchise star, Kawhi Leonard, is about to turn 35 years old, and the team hasn't made it past the first round of the playoffs in five years. With the No. 5 overall pick, they could stay put and draft one of Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr., or Kingston Flemings, maybe even Caleb Wilson if he falls. But if you're genuinely in win-now mode, is that really what you want? LA could instead flip this pick and make a blockbuster trade for a proven, championship-tested superstar that already knows how to win, like Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, or Kyrie Irving.
More news: Colin Cowherd Raises Major Concern About Darryn Peterson Hours Before NBA Draft
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Prediction 3 — Spurs Send De'Aaron Fox to Milwaukee, Land Aday Mara
The Milwaukee Bucks just traded Giannis Antetokounmpo for one of the biggest hauls in NBA history, featuring Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and multiple picks, including the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The one thing they didn't get was a proven point guard to run the offense. Milwaukee also holds the No. 10 overall pick, one spot ahead of the Golden State Warriors, who have been linked to Michigan's Aday Mara, a 7-foot-3 center that's expanded his shooting range. But who could use Mara more than Golden State? San Antonio. The Spurs could send De'Aaron Fox, who struggled badly in the NBA Finals, to Milwaukee for the No. 10 pick. They might not even have to include the No. 20 pick, but it's there, if they need to. The Bucks get their point guard. The Spurs get a high-upside center to develop alongside Victor Wembanyama, and one on a rookie deal.
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