2026 NBA Draft: Fantasy Basketball Winners & Losers

The 2026 NBA Draft is now in the rear view, and though it wrapped up without a ton of surprises, there are plenty of takeaways for fantasy managers.

AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson went No. 1 and No. 2 to the Wizards and Jazz, respectively, while Cameron Boozer went to the Grizzlies at No. 3. Golden State got a much-needed addition at forward in Yaxel Lendeborg, and the rich got richer as Oklahoma City snagged Aday Mara at No. 12.

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Michigan represented well in the lottery, with three players from the championship team selected in the first 12 picks, including the Mavericks’ first selection in the Dusty May era, Morez Johnson. All three of Johnson, Lendeborg and Mara are in favorable positions to excel in Year 1, with Lendeborg sporting the biggest upside of the trio.

Here are the top winners and losers from the 2026 NBA Draft.

Winners

Yaxel Lendeborg (F – Golden State Warriors)

The 6’9, 230 pound forward bring age, experience, national championship pedigree and most importantly, size, to the Golden State Warriors. Selected No. 11 in the draft, Lendeborg could be an immediate starter or Sixth Man given the team’s lack of frontcourt depth and injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody that will likely cost them time to open the season.

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Lendeborg averaged 9.5 rebounds across three collegiate seasons with UAB and Michigan, and Golden State needs all the help it can get on the glass. Last season, the Warriors ranked 21st in team rebounds, 24th in team rebound percentage and 23rd in second chance points surrendered.

Trae Young (PG – Washington Wizards)

Trae Young inked a new, four-year deal to return to the Wizards, and he’s got a golden opportunity to thrive in the traditional PG role he’s played so well throughout his career. With AJ Dybantsa added at No. 1, Washington is chock full of capable scorers and shooters, and Young could lead the NBA in assists once again.

Aday Mara (C – Oklahoma City Thunder)

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Aday Mara finds himself in a perfect position to see meaningful minutes immediately for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder are looking to clear cap space, and Isaiah Hartenstein could…

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Publish date : 2026-06-25 13:27:00

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