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Thunder, Hornets, Lakers, Rockets Make Notable 2026 Draft Moves

7/3/2026

25 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

NBA Draft

Oklahoma City Thunder selected center Aday Mara with the 12th pick in the 2026 draft.
Charlotte Hornets chose Hannes Steinbach 14th after a season and a year at Washington.
Los Angeles Lakers drafted Sergio de Larrea 25th overall and traded him to the Knicks and Mavericks.
Los Angeles Clippers selected Baba Miller in the second round after his time at Cincinnati.
Houston Rockets selected Jack Kayal 39th overall and traded him to the Knicks.

Summary

Wizards Rebuild

The Wizards became the first NBA team to lose 64+ games three straight seasons, prompting a rebuild.
The rebuild now centers on AJ Dybantsa as the franchise’s future face.
Dybantsa’s selection gives Brigham Young University its first ever first-overall NBA draft pick.
The roster mixes veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis with young Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George.

History

Historical Context

In June 2003 the Cavaliers won the lottery and drafted LeBron James first overall, signing him to a rookie contract. James sparked an 18-win jump from a 17-win 2002-03 season to 35 wins in 2003-04 and helped the Cavs reach 50 wins later, a trajectory the Washington Wizards—who have held the top pick seven times—hope to repeat by selecting AJ Dybantsa first overall in 2026.

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NBA Draft

Oklahoma City Thunder selected center Aday Mara with the 12th pick in the 2026 draft.
Charlotte Hornets chose Hannes Steinbach 14th after a season and a year at Washington.
Los Angeles Lakers drafted Sergio de Larrea 25th overall and traded him to the Knicks and Mavericks.
Los Angeles Clippers selected Baba Miller in the second round after his time at Cincinnati.
Houston Rockets selected Jack Kayal 39th overall and traded him to the Knicks.

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