The NBA trade deadline is three weeks away, and front offices are monitoring a web of 2026 draft obligations that could influence every phone call. Thirteen franchises have already moved or agreed to swap their own first-round selection, leaving nearly half the league without full control of its draft position.
Thunder Still Reaping Benefits of the Paul George Deal
Oklahoma City owns the LA Clippers’ unprotected 2026 first-rounder, the final payment from the 2019 Paul George trade that also delivered Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and multiple picks. With the Clippers stuck just outside the West play-in cut, the Thunder could add another lottery choice to a roster that won last season’s championship.
Hawks Hold Pelicans’ Likely Lottery Pick
Atlanta secured the more favorable 2026 first-rounder between New Orleans and Milwaukee on draft night last June while the Pelicans moved up to No. 13 to take Derik Queen. New Orleans, coming off a 21-61 campaign, has again fallen near the West cellar after an early coaching change, giving Atlanta a 52.1 percent chance at a top-four pick, according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index (BPI).
Another Philadelphia Pick Heads to Oklahoma City
The Thunder also possess Philadelphia’s 2026 first-rounder, top-four protected, from the 2020 Al Horford trade. The 76ers retained the selection last year by landing at No. 3, but a stronger start this season points to a choice late in the teens or early 20s for Oklahoma City.
Top-Eight Protections in Utah and Washington
Utah’s top-eight protected pick is ticketed for the Thunder, a result of the 2021 Derrick Favors salary dump. New York will grab Washington’s first-rounder if it lands outside the top eight, stemming from a 2022 draft-night deal that sent Ousmane Dieng to Oklahoma City. Both clubs currently sit near the bottom of the standings, putting conveyance in doubt.
Spurs Eye a Swap With Atlanta
San Antonio can exchange first-round positions with the Hawks thanks to the 2022 Dejounte Murray trade. The Spurs own the West’s second-best record, while Atlanta hovers below .500, opening a path for San Antonio to tack on a fourth consecutive lottery appearance even while contending.
Cleveland’s Complicated Exchange
The Cavaliers, thin on firsts after the Donovan Mitchell blockbuster, agreed last season to swap 2026 and 2028 picks with Atlanta in the De’Andre Hunter trade. If Utah — holding swap rights from the Mitchell deal — finishes behind Cleveland, Atlanta could move up, after which San Antonio could climb past the Hawks via the Murray provisions.
Beal and Bane Deals Tie Suns, Magic, Grizzlies and Hornets Together
Bradley Beal’s 2023 move to Phoenix created a series of 2026 swap layers. Orlando owns the less favorable pick between the Suns and Wizards, Memphis controls the more favorable of that pair (top-eight protected), and Charlotte holds Phoenix’s least favorable swap among its own, Memphis, Orlando and Washington. With the Suns outperforming projections, Memphis currently stands to pick 17th, while Charlotte sits at 22.
Portland’s Playoff Push Could Aid Chicago
Chicago will receive Portland’s first-rounder if the Trail Blazers make the postseason; the pick is lottery-protected through 2028. A recent 6-2 surge moved Portland within two games of the eighth seed, but the Bulls still need the Blazers to win two play-in contests for the selection to convey.
Other Looming Factors
Any trade involving Anthony Davis or Giannis Antetokounmpo would ripple across at least eight other clubs because of previous pick protections. In addition, Brooklyn must decide whether to chase wins or lean into the lottery after regaining control of its 2025 and 2026 firsts from Houston.
The complex draft landscape ensures that every February move will be evaluated not only for immediate roster impact but also for how it shifts the 2026 first-round board.
Source: ESPN
