RealGM Basketball Wiretap

11 May 2026

• ESPN, Athletic Have Identical Top-10 In Post-Lottery NBA Mock Drafts

  The Washington Wizards won the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Sunday, securing the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since 2010. The Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls round out the top four selections.

  The Indiana Pacers lost their top-four protected pick to the Los Angeles Clippers, who land at No. 5. The Clippers do not fully control their own draft picks until 2030, making the acquisition a significant coup for the franchise.

  BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa is projected as the consensus No. 1 pick, according to ESPN. Washington traded for veteran stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis at the deadline and lost 26 of their final 27 games to maximize lottery positioning. The Wizards have not finished above .500 since the 2017-18 season.

  Utah moves up to No. 2, its highest selection since 2011, and is projected to select Kansas guard Darryn Peterson. Memphis, despite having just a 9.4 percent chance at a top-three pick, lands at No. 3 and is projected to take Duke's Cameron Boozer. Chicago jumped into the top four with a 20.27 percent probability and is expected to select North Carolina's Caleb Wilson.

  Sam Vecenie of The Athletic had an identical top-10 order in his post-lottery mock draft.

  The draft combine begins Monday in Chicago and runs through the end of the week.

  ESPN's 2026 NBA Mock Draft, First Round

  1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
  2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
  3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
  4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
  5. LA Clippers: Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
  6. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
  7. Sacramento Kings: Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
  8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans): Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
  9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
  10. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
  11. Golden State Warriors: Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
  12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers): Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/SF, Michigan
  13. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama
  14. Charlotte Hornets: Aday Mara, C, Michigan
  15. Chicago Bulls (via Portland): Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
  16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando): Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
  17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia): Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington
  18. Charlotte Hornets (via New Orleans): Cameron Carr, SG/SF, Baylor
  19. Toronto Raptors: Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
  20. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta): Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
  21. Detroit Pistons (via Minnesota): Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
  22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Houston): Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
  23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cleveland): Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
  24. New York Knicks: Koa Peat, PF/SF, Arizona
  25. Los Angeles Lakers: Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
  26. Denver Nuggets: Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
  27. Boston Celtics: Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama
  28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit): Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
  29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via San Antonio): Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas
  30. Dallas Mavericks (via Oklahoma City): Joshua Jefferson, SF/PF, Iowa State

• 2026 NBA Draft Lottery: Wizards At No. 1, Ahead Of Jazz, Grizzlies, Bulls

  The Washington Wizards, who had the best odds at 14 percent, have won the lottery and the No. 1 overall pick. The Utah Jazz will hold the No. 2 pick ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3 and the Chicago Bulls at No. 4.

  The Indiana Pacers were fifth and must convey their selection to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade at the deadline.

  The top four picks are expected to be some combination of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. The 2026 draft has also became touted for its depth, especially at guard with the likes of Darius Acuff Jr., Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings, Mikel Brown Jr. and Brayden Burries.

  Out of all the teams in the lottery, the Jazz were most tightly connected to Dybantsa who has surpassed Peterson on many teams draft boards. But the Wizards will dictate how the draft plays out as they have a challenging decision to make at No. 1. The Wizards made a pair of trades for veteran All-Stars this season in Trae Young and then Anthony Davis.

  The Wizards previously won the lottery in 2001 (Kwame Brown) and 2010 (John Wall). The Jazz had never previously moved up in the draft lottery.

  2026 NBA Draft Lottery Results

  1. Washington Wizards
  2. Utah Jazz
  3. Memphis Grizzlies
  4. Chicago Bulls
  5. Los Angeles Clippers (via Indiana Pacers)
  6. Brooklyn Nets
  7. Sacramento Kings
  8. Atlanta Hawks
  9. Dallas Mavericks
  10. Milwaukee Bucks
  11. Golden State Warriors
  12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)
  13. Miami Heat
  14. Charlotte Hornets

• Bryson Graham Signals Full Rebuild Ahead For Bulls

  Chicago Bulls CEO Michael Reinsdorf publicly apologized to the franchise's fanbase Wednesday and accepted personal responsibility for the organization's prolonged struggles, speaking alongside Bryson Graham, the newly hired vice president of basketball operations, at an introductory news conference.

  "It flows up to me, and I take responsibility," Reinsdorf said. "I do feel that today is a step in the right direction. It's an important step."

  Graham, 39, wasted no time framing the challenge ahead.

  "I'm not going to be up here and mince words and say we're further along if we just add a couple of pieces," Graham said. "Because that's not the case."

  Graham spent time with the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans, rising from intern to general manager across both organizations. Reinsdorf described him as an elite talent evaluator who took no shortcuts throughout his career.

  The Bulls have not won a playoff series since 2014-15 and have reached the postseason just twice in the past decade. Graham inherits a franchise with two 2026 first-round picks, including their own lottery selection and Portland's pick, plus roughly $60 million in projected cap space.

  A head coach search begins next week and Graham signaled he would cast a broad net.

  "Let's find the most competent and most talented people," Graham said. "That could be a coach you may not have even heard of, and I might get killed for it. But if I believe in him, I'm going to hire him."

  Reinsdorf committed to funding a genuine championship contender, including a willingness to pay the luxury tax when warranted. Chicago has crossed that threshold only once in franchise history, in 2012-13.

  "If we're competing for championships, we expect that we'll probably be in the luxury tax and totally OK with that," Reinsdorf said. "I don't want to be in luxury tax for a team that's not in the playoffs."

• Bulls Pursuing Celtics Assistant GM Dave Lewin For Front Office Role

  Although Dave Lewin did not land the Chicago Bulls' executive vice president of basketball operations position, the organization intends to pursue the Boston Celtics assistant general manager for a front office role.

  Lewin's interview left a strong impression. One source described the internal push to bring him aboard in clear terms: "We need to find someone very much like Dave Lewin" if the Bulls cannot secure him.

  Lewin was one of three finalists for the lead position that ultimately went to Bryson Graham, who was hired away from the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Lewin's presentation stood out specifically for its depth in analytics and organizational strategy.

  Currently behind Brad Stevens and Mike Zarren within the Celtics' front office, Lewin built his reputation with the Celtics over nearly a decade. He joined the organization as a scout before becoming director of player personnel in 2019 and was promoted to assistant general manager in 2023.

  For Graham, landing Lewin would provide immediate analytical support as he works to restructure a front office widely described as fractured under the previous regime. Chicago has granted Graham broad autonomy to build out his staff as he sees fit.

• Tom Thibodeau Eyes Coaching Comeback, Would Consider Return To Bulls

  Tom Thibodeau is actively pursuing a return to coaching and has expressed strong interest in re-entering the NBA, with league sources telling The Athletic that the 68-year-old is open to a reunion with the Chicago Bulls if the organization shares that interest.

  Thibodeau spent the 2025-26 season away from basketball after the New York Knicks dismissed him last summer, despite the team reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bulls job would carry particular significance, as Chicago is where Thibodeau built his head coaching reputation before departing in 2015.

  Thibodeau's track record suggests a short absence from the sidelines before returning. Following his exits from the Bulls in 2015 and the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2019, Thibodeau returned to coaching within one season each time.

  Any potential Bulls reunion would require buy-in from CEO Michael Reinsdorf and newly hired executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham, who joined the franchise Monday after being hired away from the Atlanta Hawks.

  Thibodeau is one of several coaches expected to draw interest across a wide-open market this offseason. Current vacancies include the Bulls, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans. The Golden State Warriors also faces uncertainty, with Steve Kerr still deciding whether to continue coaching.

• Bryson Graham Given Full Autonomy By Bulls To Rebuild Front Office

  The Chicago Bulls selected Bryson Graham as their new executive vice president of basketball operations over several high-profile candidates, with team sources telling ESPN the 39-year-old stood out for his range of experience and ability to unify a front office widely viewed as disjointed under the previous regime.

  Matt Lloyd, who spent 17 seasons with the Bulls across multiple roles from 1995 to 2012, had been considered the frontrunner league-wide due to his organizational ties. Graham ultimately won out, with sources citing his diverse career background as a key factor in the decision.

  Chicago is expected to grant Graham broad autonomy in restructuring the front office, sources told ESPN. That flexibility was a deliberate choice by CEO Michael Reinsdorf, who hired a search firm and conducted a thorough process that included interviews with Mike Gansey of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dave Telep of the San Antonio Spurs and Dave Lewin of the Boston Celtics.

  Graham now inherits a roster that includes Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Tre Jones and Noa Essengue, who missed nearly all of last season following left shoulder surgery. Finding a head coach to replace Billy Donovan, who stepped down after six seasons, is among his first priorities.

  The Bulls also enter the offseason with significant resources. Chicago holds its own 2026 lottery pick, Portland's 2026 first-round selection and nearly $60 million in cap space, giving Graham a strong foundation heading into a deep draft class.

  Chicago finished 31-51 this season, missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year.

• Bryson Graham Hired By Bulls As Executive Vice President Of Basketball Operations

  Bryson Graham has been hired by the Chicago Bulls as Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. Graham was most recently senior vice president for the Atlanta Hawks.

  Graham had spent 15 seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans before joining the Hawks last offseason.

  The Bulls also considered a number of other candidates for the job with Matt Lloyd of the Minnesota Timberwolves considered the frontrunner at one point. Dennis Lindsey was the other finalist for the job before Michael Reinsdorf and the Bulls moved forward with Graham.

  Graham will replace Arturas Karnisovas running the front office of the Bulls as they continue their rebuild.

  "I am incredibly honored to join the Chicago Bulls organization," said Graham. "This is one of the most storied franchises in the history of professional basketball, and I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to deliver results for this city and these fans. My entire career has been built on the belief that sustained success starts with finding the right players and developing an all-around impactful culture. I want to thank Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf and the entire Bulls organization for presenting me with this opportunity. I am ready to get to work."

  "We're excited to name Bryson Graham as our Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations," Reinsdorf said. "Bryson is an elite talent evaluator who has earned tremendous respect across the league, and that stood out immediately during our process. He has worked his way up through basketball operations from the ground level, and that experience has given him a deep understanding of how to build and sustain a successful organization. He is an effective communicator, a disciplined and thoughtful decision-maker, and someone who truly connects with players and people.

  "He understands today's league, today's players, and what it takes to develop talent and build a winning culture. Just as important, Bryson is committed to building a high-level group around him. He knows what he does well, and he is focused on surrounding that with strong leadership across strategy, scouting and player development. This is an important step for our organization. We know there is work ahead, but we are confident in Bryson's ability to lead, build and move us forward."

• Matt Lloyd Takes Lead To Be New Bulls' Head Of Basketball Operations; Would Hire Micah Nori As Coach

  Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd has reportedly taken the lead to become the new head of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls, sources told Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

  Lloyd could be hired for the job over the next few days.

  Lloyd previously worked for the Bulls, with current Bulls' advisor John Paxson remaining a strong supporter.

  Cowley adds that should Lloyd get the Bulls' top job, he would hire Micah Nori as the next head coach.

  The Hawks' Bryson Graham, Pistons' Dennis Lindsey, and Celtics assistant GM Dave Lewin also remain in the running.

• Peyton Watson Drawing Interest From Lakers, Bulls, Nets

  Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson is drawing interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and Brooklyn Nets, sources told Jake Fischer of The People's Insider.

  Watson will be a restricted free agent this offseason.

  The Lakers and Bulls were reportedly interested in trading for Watson at the deadline.

  Executives from around the league believe that Watson could receive a larger deal than Christian Braun's five-year, $125 million contract.

  Watson is currently out due to a hamstring injury and is likely to miss all of the Nuggets' first-round series against the Wolves.

  The 23-year-old averaged 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds on the year.

• Bulls To Interview Dave Lewin, Matt Lloyd, Dennis Lindsey, Bryson Graham In Next Round For Lead Basketball Ops

  The Chicago Bulls are set to do in-person interviews with Dave Lewin, Matt Lloyd, Dennis Lindsey, and Bryson Graham for the lead basketball operations role, sources told Jake Fischer of The People's Insider.

  Lewin is currently an assistant general manager with the Mavs.

  The Bulls are currently on pace to hire for the position before the NBA Draft Combine.

  The Bulls will have their own lottery pick in addition to a second lottery pick from the Blazers.