The 2026 NBA Draft is loaded with talent and one league executive just revealed the stunning value that teams have calculated for the best players in this year’s class.
College basketball stars like Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa are all highly regarded in NBA circles. That’s been a major reason why commissioner Adam Silver has had to address tanking concerns.
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Meanwhile, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst has revealed the shocking conversation he had with one NBA executive. Per Windhorst, the number one pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is valued at $100 million.
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NBA teams would be willing to pay up to $100 million for the No. 1 pick if it were allowed 😳, per @WindhorstESPN
“I had an executive tell me that the No. 1 pick this year is worth $100 million. If you gave the opportunity to buy that pick, teams would pay $100 million for it.… pic.twitter.com/NtVQwbClxU
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 20, 2026
This comes at a time where many franchises are vying for elite players to rebuild their teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards.
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However,, 14 NBA teams have losing records, which marks nearly half of the league. Silver recently addressed tanking and there are many ideas to counteract the growing issue.
“I had an executive tell me the number one pick this year is worth $100 million,” Windhorst recently said on ESPN.
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Joan Beringer stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver during the 2025 NBA Draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, NBA fans have been stunned when the Dallas Mavericks received the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after holding low odds for the selection. Duke star Cooper Flagg ended up landing with Dallas after the stunning Luka Doncic trade.
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