NBA expansion has been one of the most discussed topics in the sports world, with cities like Seattle and Las Vegas frequently mentioned as future homes. While nothing is official yet, the idea of new teams entering the league feels closer than ever. Eyes are set on the 2028-29 season for two new teams to join the association.
If expansion were to occur today, the impact would be immediate. Every team would face tough decisions, leaving valuable players available. This mock draft explores how a full expansion process could unfold, projecting picks, fits, and roster-building strategies.
The NBA expansion draft process will kick off with teams facing difficult decisions on protecting players. Each team is able to protect up to eight players from becoming draft eligible. A majority of teams will look to offer up bad contracts and older players, but some deeper teams will take a hit to their depth. A key piece of information is that only one player can be selected from each team.
The draft itself will be a “snake-style” format where teams trade picks going back-and-forth until the rosters are filled. Looking past the NBA expansion draft and onto the actual NBA draft, the new teams will have increased odds at the number one overall pick.
A list of the “unprotected” players in this hypothetical mock draft from Spotrac
1. Seattle selects Jaylin Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Las Vegas selects Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
3. Seattle selects Bennedict Mathurin, Los Angeles Clippers
4. Las Vegas selects Day’ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets
5. Seattle selects Jordan Walsh, Boston Celtics
6. Las Vegas selects Jonathan Kuminga, Atlanta Hawks
7. Seattle selects Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
8. Las Vegas selects Jaden Ivey, Chicago Bulls
9. Seattle selects Julian Strawther, Denver Nuggets
10. Las Vegas selects RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors
11. Seattle selects Devin Carter, Sacramento Kings
12. Las Vegas selects Julian Champagnie, San Antonio Spurs
13. Seattle selects Cam Whitmore, Washington Wizards
14. Las Vegas selects De’Anthony Melton, Golden State Warriors
15. Seattle selects Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic
16. Las Vegas selects Julian Phillips, Minnesota Timberwolves
17. Seattle selects Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks
18. Las Vegas selects Tidjane Salaun, Charlotte Hornets
19. Seattle selects Kris Murray, Portland Trailblazers
20. Las Vegas selects Marcus Smart, Los Angeles Lakers
21. Seattle selects Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans
22. Las Vegas selects Micah Potter, Indiana Pacers
23. Seattle selects Ousmane Dieng, Milwaukee Bucks
24. Las Vegas selects Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Cleveland Cavaliers
25. Seattle selects Bobi Klintman, Detroit Pistons
26. Las Vegas selects Cody Williams, Utah Jazz
27. Seattle selects Ariel Hukporti, New York Knicks
28. Las Vegas selects Royce O’Neale, Phoenix Suns
29. Seattle selects Cam Payne, Philadelphia 76ers
30. Las Vegas selects Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets
Seattle went for youth early in this NBA expansion mock draft, choosing to later target bigger contracts. This team brought in a youth movement infused with big-time vets to help with development. They won’t contend early, but with a few high draft picks, they could turn it around quickly.
Las Vegas went for a much more aggressive approach, targeting higher-profile players with sustainable deals to try to contend early. They still managed to add some younger players to develop, but this team is counting on their depth to lead them to the playoffs in year one.
Seattle and Las Vegas joining the NBA would reshape the league instantly. Expansion teams would create new rivalries, shift the league around, and give fans fresh excitement. While this is currently a complete hypothetical, the NBA expansion to 32 teams seems more possible than ever.
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