The 2026 NBA draft class is nearly under contract.
As detailed by Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors, all 30 first-round picks have officially signed their rookie deals, while 19 of the 30 second-round selections have also reached agreements with their new teams.
That leaves 11 second-round picks still waiting to put pen to paper:
- Grizzlies: Richie Saunders
- Pacers: Braden Smith
- Knicks: Jack Kayil
- Celtics: Dillon Mitchell
- Knicks: Tyler Nickel
- Nuggets: Bryce Hopkins
- Warriors: Lajae Jones
- Mavericks: Vsevolod Ishchenko
- Clippers: Narcisse Ngoy
- Timberwolves: Trey Kaufman-Renn
- Bucks: Malique Lewis
Several of those situations appear to have logical explanations.
Saunders, the No. 32 overall pick by Memphis, is recovering from a torn ACL while the Grizzlies continue sorting through a crowded roster. Adams suggested a two-way contract, G League stint or delayed NBA signing all remain possible.
Indiana’s Braden Smith is another interesting case. The Pacers reportedly planned to sign him to a two-way deal, but already have three players occupying those spots, leaving the front office with a roster decision to make.
Elsewhere, players such as Jack Kayil, Vsevolod Ishchenko and Malique Lewis could remain overseas for another season, while Clippers second-rounder Narcisse Ngoy is expected to play at Auburn after being selected despite already committing to the Tigers.
Teams such as the Knicks, Nuggets, Warriors, Timberwolves and Celtics also continue weighing standard contracts versus two-way deals as they balance roster flexibility, salary-cap considerations and tax implications heading into training camp.
In other words, the draft may be over, but for a handful of second-round picks, the waiting game isn’t.
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