League sources told Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor that the Los Angeles Clippers are expected to entertain offers to move down from the No. 5 slot in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Thunder Could Try to Leap Up the Board
O’Connor floated a scenario in which Oklahoma City sends picks No. 12 and No. 17 plus an unnamed player to the Clippers for the fifth selection. From there, the Thunder could attempt a second trade to break into the top three, potentially sweetening the package with center Chet Holmgren, according to the report.
Oklahoma City owns a large cache of future first-rounders but faces looming luxury-tax concerns and second-apron roster restrictions. The franchise also has a history of shedding salary, having moved James Harden in 2012 when his rookie-scale extension approached. Holmgren’s uneven Game 7 showing against San Antonio and his upcoming maximum rookie extension could make the club more open to dealing him, O’Connor wrote.
Executives Weigh In on Cameron Boozer
An anonymous general manager told Jeff Goodman of Field of 68 that Cameron Boozer, projected to go in the draft’s top three, may not be a franchise cornerstone but profiles as a reliable high-level contributor. The GM added that AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson possess greater franchise-player upside, while Boozer could excel as a second option.
Mavericks Eye Darius Acuff; Kings High on Guard
Dallas is exploring pathways to move up for Arkansas guard Darius Acuff, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported. The Mavericks currently hold picks No. 9, 30 and 48, while Acuff is widely expected to come off the board within the first seven selections. The Sacramento Kings, owners of pick No. 7, are considered Acuff’s floor and have also been impressed by Houston guard Kingston Flemings, another projected top-10 choice, Siegel noted.
Cameron Carr Drawing Interest From Bulls and Mavericks
Siegel added that both Chicago and Dallas have done significant homework on Baylor guard Cameron Carr, viewed by scouts as one of the biggest risers from the draft combine. The Bulls possess four picks—Nos. 4, 15, 38 and 56—and ESPN’s Jeremy Woo recently placed Carr 15th overall in his mock draft.
Brayden Burries Viewed as Lottery Lock
Arizona guard Brayden Burries is considered certain to be selected in the lottery, though his exact range remains fluid, Siegel wrote. A scout from a lottery team lauded Burries’ vision, instincts and on-court composure, calling him “the complete package” in terms of poise and team chemistry.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for later this month.
Source: Hoops Rumors
