Six 2026 NBA draft picks remain unsigned as September looms

Nearly every player selected in the 2026 NBA Draft has figured out his next move. Six are still waiting.

As Rory Maher of Hoops Rumors noted, the remaining unsigned picks are Grizzlies forward Richie Saunders, Knicks wing Tyler Nickel, Warriors forward Lajae Jones, Mavericks wing Vsevolod Ishchenko, Clippers center Narcisse Ngoy and Timberwolves forward Trey Kaufman-Renn.

That’s down from 11 unsigned second-rounders at the end of July. Several situations already have fairly obvious potential outcomes.

Ngoy, the Clippers’ second-round pick, committed to Auburn and is expected to essentially become a domestic draft-and-stash prospect. Jones appears to be a candidate for Golden State’s remaining two-way spot.

Saunders is a little more complicated. The No. 32 pick suffered a torn ACL in February, while Memphis also has a roster crunch to work through. A two-way contract or even beginning the season in the G League could make sense before a possible promotion later.

Nickel’s situation remains unsettled as well. There have been conflicting reports on whether he’ll begin his career with the Knicks or use an additional year of college eligibility granted by a federal court ruling. New York would retain his NBA rights if he returns to school.

Minnesota, meanwhile, already has all three of its two-way slots occupied, so Kaufman-Renn would require another move if that’s where he’s headed. Ishchenko could remain overseas, though Dallas’ plans for him remain unclear.

So we’re down to six. Not exactly the biggest NBA mystery of the summer.

But hey, it’s August 29. We’ll take what we can get.