The NBA Draft isn’t just a time for teams to select top prospects from college basketball and beyond, it’s also an opportunity for general managers to get together and discuss trades. As a result, teams are often busy during the draft hammering out moves that go beyond simply figuring out who will be announced at the podium.
The biggest fish that’s reportedly on the trade market right now is Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, who recently requested a trade out of San Antonio. The Spurs may or may not follow through with that request soon, but if they do, then draft day could be a logical time to pull the trigger and add long-term assets.
Other players that could potentially be on the move include Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons, whose onerous contract is reportedly being dangled with the No. 4 overall pick, and Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, although ESPN recently reported Love is not being shopped right now.
Movement could also occur between teams picking in the top 10 of the draft. There have been many reports of teams in the top five entertaining the idea of moving down and a host of teams from the 6-15 range could try to slide up into that range.
2018 NBA Draft trade tracker
DONCIC TO MAVERICKS
To Mavericks: Luka Doncic (No. 3 pick)
To Hawks: Trae Young (No. 5 pick), protected 2019 first-round pick
CLIPPERS AREN’T SHAI
To Clippers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (No. 11 pick)
To Hornets: Miles Bridges (No. 12 pick), two second-round picks
SUNS GO FOR BRIDGES
To Suns: Mikal Bridges (No. 10 pick)
To 76ers: Zhaire Smith (No. 16 pick), 2021 first-round pick
TRENT GOES WEST
To Blazers: Gary Trent Jr. (No. 37 pick)
To Kings: Two future second-round picks
PISTONS ADD THOMAS
To Pistons: Khyri Thomas (No. 38 pick)
To 76ers: Two future second-round picks
VANDERBILT TO DENVER
To Nuggets: Jarred Vanderbilt (No. 41 pick)
To Magic: Justin Jackson (No. 43 pick), future second-round pick
EDWARDS TO HOUSTON
To Rockets: Vince Edwards (No. 52 pick)
To Jazz: Cash considerations
NETS-SIXERS SWAP SECONDS
To 76ers: Shake Milton (No. 54)
To Mavericks: Ray Spaulding (No. 56) and Kostas Antetokounmpo (No. 60)
