The NBA Draft is always a big event, and this year was no different. On draft night, teams made significant moves, not just with their picks but also through trades. Many fans were waiting for a team to trade up to select Ace Bailey, who ended up going fifth overall to the Utah Jazz. However, that trade didn’t happen.
As the night unfolded, several notable trades took place. The San Antonio Spurs kicked things off by trading the No. 38 pick to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a future second-round pick and some cash. This was a minor deal but set the tone for the evening.
One of the biggest trades involved the Charlotte Hornets, who sent center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns. In return, Charlotte received the No. 29 pick and a future first-round pick from 2029, which is top-five protected. The Suns are clearly looking to bolster their frontcourt, having also drafted Duke center Khaman Maluach with the 10th pick after trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets.
Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies made a splash by selecting Cedric Coward at No. 11. This pick originally belonged to the Portland Trail Blazers, who traded it to Memphis along with a 2028 first-round pick and two second-round picks. The Blazers then selected Yang Hansen from China at No. 16, a choice that surprised many.
The New Orleans Pelicans also made headlines by acquiring the 13th pick from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the 23rd pick and an unprotected first-round pick in 2026. With their new pick, New Orleans chose Maryland’s Derik Queen, adding to their roster alongside No. 7 pick Jeremiah Fears.
In another trade, the Washington Wizards moved the No. 18 pick to the Jazz for the No. 21 pick, the No. 43 pick, and future second-rounders. Utah used this pick to select Walter Clayton Jr., a national champion from Florida, who will join Ace Bailey in Utah.
The defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, decided to trade the No. 24 pick to the Sacramento Kings. In return, they received the Spurs’ 2027 first-round pick, which has some protections. Sacramento used the pick to draft Nique Clifford from Colorado State.
Overall, the draft was filled with excitement as teams reshaped their rosters. With new talents joining the league, fans are eager to see how these players will impact their teams in the upcoming season.