Nine second‑round picks still unsigned as 2026 rookie class nears completion

The 2026 NBA Draft class is close to being fully finalized, with all 30 first‑round selections now under contract and nine second‑round picks still unsigned. Karim Lopez, taken twenty‑first overall, became the last first‑rounder to sign when he agreed to his deal with the Memphis Grizzlies on July 29. The situation remains unresolved for Richie Saunders, Braden Smith, Tyler Nickel, Bryce Hopkins, Lajae Jones, Vsevolod Ishchenko, Narcisse Ngoy, Trey Kaufman‑Renn and Malique Lewis. Some may delay their NBA arrival: Ngoy could return to Auburn, while Ishchenko and Lewis are viewed as candidates to continue playing overseas.

Saunders’ case is complicated by a February ACL tear, with Memphis potentially considering a two‑way or G League path. Smith may benefit from Indiana opening a two‑way slot. Nickel’s future is unclear amid conflicting reports. Financial factors matter, as second‑round rookies on minimum deals cost teams $1.36 million, far less than veteran minimum contracts.