Draft Rumors: Nets Still Seeking Top-Four Slot; Mavericks Mull Moves; Pelicans, Grizzlies Target No. 9
draft-rumors-nets-mavericks-pelicans-grizzlies-hawks
The Brooklyn Nets have been trying to bundle the No. 6 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft with future first-rounders to climb into the top four, league sources told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. To date, no trade partner has agreed to the offer, and executives around the league doubt that will change before Tuesday’s first round.
Brooklyn is said to be high on forward Nate Ament, but scouts believe he would be a more natural choice if the Nets trade back rather than up.
Elsewhere, the Dallas Mavericks continue to gauge both upward and downward scenarios, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Dallas and guard Brayden Burries share mutual interest should he remain on the board at No. 9. If Burries is unavailable, the Mavericks appear increasingly open to sliding down the order.
The New Orleans Pelicans—who currently have no first-round pick—and the Memphis Grizzlies—owners of No. 16—are among the teams eyeing Dallas’s selection. Memphis also controls the No. 3 pick and has frequently engineered draft-night deals under president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman.
Washington center Hannes Steinbach has worked out for the Mavericks and could be a target if Dallas finds a trade that drops it lower in the first round. The club is likewise exploring options to move up from No. 30.
In Atlanta, the Hawks would consider Texas wing Dailyn Swain a strong candidate at No. 23, but league projections have him coming off the board earlier. With the eighth and 23rd selections in hand, Atlanta is expected to entertain offers for the later pick, signaling a willingness to exchange it for future draft capital.
The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft tips off Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. CT.
Source: HoopsRumors
