If you thought the NBA was going to go on a hiatus after the conclusion of the Finals, guess again. The NBA Draft is tonight, and every other team is on a quest to fill out their rosters with the right pieces that will put themselves in the same position as the Toronto Raptors or Golden State Warriors next season or sometime down the road.
Here's a rundown of all the trades that occurred on draft night.
Hawks trade No. 8, No. 17, and No. 35 picks to Pelicans for No. 4, No. 57, a future second-round pick, and Solomon Hill
Wojnarowski reports that the Hawks are high on Virginia's DeAndre Hunter, and this move shows just how motivated they are to get them on their roster to pair with their young nucleus of talent. Since acquiring the No. 4 pick from the Lakers in the Anthony Davis trade, the Pelicans have been determined to stockpile assets and get the pick off their hands.
Timberwolves trade No. 11 pick and Dario Saric to Suns for No. 6 pick
According to Wojnarowski, the Timberwolves have been sniffing around for ways to move up in the draft, reaching as far up as No. 4. After striking out at No. 4 and No. 5, the T’Wolves finally find a trade partner in the Suns. Saric is on the move once again after being a piece in the Jimmy Butler deal. Maybe with Phoenix, he can unlock his peak potential as a solid role player with Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, etc.
Suns trade T.J. Warren and No. 32 pick to Pacers for cash considerations
This was a pure salary dump move by the Suns, who wanted to get out from under Warren's three-year, $35 million contract. This deal will not be finalized until July 6 when the Pacers have the cap room to take on Warren's deal. Phoenix has already attempted to supplant T.J.'s offensive potential with the Saric trade.
Celtics trade No. 20 pick to Sixers for No. 24 and No. 33 picks
According to Sixers beat writer Keith Pompey, the team was "locked in" on taking either Kevin Porter Jr. or Nassir Little, but they jumped on the opportunity to move up just so they can get Matisse Thybulle.
Thunder trade No. 21 pick to Grizzlies for No. 23 pick and a 2024 second-round pick
Over the last few days, the Thunder have reportedly been shopping their 21st pick. Oklahoma City clearly became enamored with Darius Bazley, who decided to forego college after decommitting from Ohio State and Syracuse. After signing with Rich Paul, Bazley received a unique opportunity where he worked on his game while he interned with New Balance for three months as part of his multi-year shoe deal with the company. Bazley is guaranteed $1 million, but if he reaches all of his performance incentives, he can make up to $14 million.
Celtics trade No. 24 pick and Aron Baynes to Suns for a 2020 first-round pick
With so much uncertainty surrounding the future of players on their current roster—Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, Terry Rozier, to name a few—the Celtics appear to be reverting back to their stacking assets ways while also increasing their payroll flexibility.
Nets trade No. 27 pick to Clippers for 2020 first-round pick and No. 56th pick
The Nets have their sights set on possibly spending big in free agency this summer. They aren't trying waste away money on a late first-round pick and the set dollar amount that the player comes with.
Pistons trade No. 30 pick to Cavaliers for four future second-round picks
The Cavaliers wanted Kevin Porter. Weren't the reported four future second-round picks given up by Cleveland a dead giveaway? Look, the Cavs aren't an appealing destination for free agents with LeBron gone. In order for the organization to build into a contender in the future, the Cavaliers need to build through the draft with Darius Garland, Dylan Windler, and Kevin Porter Jr.
Pacers trade No. 32 pick to Heat for three second-round picks
Heat move up to get their man, KZ Okpala. It came at a cost in the form of three second-round picks, but Miami was willing to take on the somewhat steep price for the athletic wing.
Check out the picks in the 2019 NBA Draft below:
1. Zion Williamson (Pelicans)
2. Ja Morant (Grizzlies)
3. R.J. Barrett (Knicks)
4. De'Andre Hunter (Hawks)
5. Darius Garland (Cavaliers)
6. Jarrett Culver (Timberwolves)
7. Coby White (Bulls)
8. Jaxson Hayes (Pelicans)
9. Rui Hachimura (Wizards)
10. Cam Reddish (Hawks)
11. Cameron Johnson (Suns)
12. PJ Washington (Hornets)
13. Tyler Herro (Heat)
14. Romeo Langford (Celtics)
15. Sekou Doumbouya (Pistons)
16. Chuma Okeke (Magic)
17. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Pelicans)
18. Goga Bitadze (Pacers)
19. Luka Samanic (Spurs)
20. Matisse Thybulle (Sixers)
21. Brandon Clarke (Grizzlies)
22. Grant Williams (Celtics)
23. Darius Bazley (Thunder)
24. Ty Jerome (Celtics)
25. Nassir Little (Trail Blazers)
26. Dylan Windler (Cavaliers)
27. Mfiondu Kabengele (Clippers)
28. Jordan Poole (Warriors)
29. Keldon Johnson (Spurs)
30. Kevin Porter (Cavaliers)
31. Nicolas Claxton (Georgia)
32. KZ Okpala (Heat)
33. Carsen Edwards (Celtics)
34. Bruno Fernando (Hawks)
35. Marcos Louzada Silva (Pelicans)
36. Cody Martin (Hornets)
37. Deividas Sirvydis (Mavericks)
38. Daniel Gafford (Bulls)
39. Alen Smailagic (Warriors)
40. Justin James (Kings)
41. Eric Paschall (Warriors)
42. Admiral Schofield (Wizards)
43. Jaylen Nowell (Timberwolves)
44. Bol Bol (Nuggets)
45. Isaiah Roby (Mavericks)
46. Talen Horton-Tucker (Lakers)
47. Ignas Brazdeikis (Knicks)
48. Terence Mann (Clippers)
49. Quinndary Weatherspoon (Spurs)
Check out some other highlights from the 2019 NBA Draft below:
Zion got emotional talking about the sacrifices his mom made to make his NBA dream possible.
Zion's Duke teammate R.J. Barrett also shed a few tears when his father Rowan spoke about how proud he was of his son.
The Barrett selection got Spike Lee's approval, in case you were wondering. Also, Knicks fans cheering a first-round pick? What's going on?
Coby White couldn't hide his excitement over seeing his UNC teammate Cameron Johnson get selected by the Suns at 11.
Matisse Thybulle speaks about wishing his late mother, who passed away due to complications with cancer when he was a high school senior, was there to see his life-changing moment.
After an uncomfortably long slide, Bol Bol was taken with the 44th pick.
