NBA
What teams made the biggest trades during the 2023 NBA draft?
Another NBA Draft came and went, and the night’s highlight was the player with the highest Draft position and expectations.
As the 2023 NBA Draft went on, numerous trades occurred within the league and behind the scenes. These trades vary in size, with some being major shifts and others smaller moves that could lead to something bigger.
It was clear from the start that the Victor Wembanyama Draft would be a generational one, much like the LeBron James Draft in 2003, Shaquille O’Neal Draft in 1992, and others. It was a no-brainer that Wembanyama would be the first overall pick, and he is expected to continue the legacy of greatness set by previous No. 1 picks David Robinson and Tim Duncan in San Antonio. Thus, a new era of projected greatness officially begins for the Spurs.
But what about the teams that wanted to use their Draft pick leverage to bring some experienced players to their rosters? Well, this Draft season, many were looking for their opportunity in this market or this type of trade.
The biggest trades and teams involved
The biggest trades during the 2023 NBA draft
- Three-team trade: Boston Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis along with a future first-round pick and the No. 25 pick. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies received Marcus Smart, while the Washington Wizards received Tyus Jones, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and the No. 35 pick.
- The Denver Nuggets have traded their 2024 first-round pick and No. 40 pick to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for No. 29 and No. 32 pick.
- Additionally, they have acquired the least favorable option of the OKC Thunder’s 2024 first-round picks, the No. 37 pick, and a 2024 second-round pick, giving up a protected first-round pick in 2029.
- Golden State Warriors have sent Jordan Poole, a first-round pick in 2030, a second-round pick in 2027, and Ryan Rollins to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Chris Paul.
- The Indiana Pacers have decided to trade their No. 7 pick, Bilal Coulibaly, to the Washington Wizards. In exchange, they will receive the No. 8 pick, Jarace Walker, and two 2028 second-round picks from both Washington and Phoenix.
- The Dallas Mavericks have successfully gained possession of the No. 12 pick, Dereck Lively II, and a Traded Player Exception, following a trade with the OKC Thunder. In exchange, the Mavericks have given up their No. 10 pick, Cason Wallace and Davis Bertans.
- Sacramento Kings have traded Richaun Holmes and the No. 24 pick Olivier-Maxence Prosper to the Dallas Mavericks. It seems that the Mavericks were able to use a Traded Player Exception from a prior deal with the OKC Thunder to take on Holmes’ salary.
- The Detroit Pistons have acquired Marcus Sasser, the No. 25 pick, from the Boston Celtics. In exchange, they gave up James Nnaji, the No. 31 pick, and some future second-round picks.
- The Boston Celtics have traded their No. 31 pick, James Nnaji, to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Colby Jones (No. 34 pick) and Mouhamed Gueye (No. 39 pick).
- The Minnesota Timberwolves have recently obtained the No. 33 pick, Leonard Miller, from the San Antonio Spurs by offering two future second-round picks.
- The Chicago Bulls have obtained Julian Philips, the No. 35 pick, from the Washington Wizards in exchange for two future second-round picks.
- As part of the trade agreement between the Golden State Warriors and the Washington Wizards, Patrick Baldwin Jr. will be joining the Warriors. In exchange, the Wizards will send Trayce Jackson-Davis, their 57th pick, as part of an earlier deal.