Trades:
Every NBA Draft experiences trades but 2019 set a new standard with 22 trades occurring either just prior to June 20th or heading into the night. All the action began when the Brooklyn Nets traded Allen Crabbe to the Atlanta Hawks. Sean Marks made his intentions obvious as he continued to make moves throughout the draft night in what looks like an effort to open up two max spots and potentially enough room to sign presumably Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant while potentially also retaining D’Angelo Russell. Taurean Prince was sent to the Nets as part of the trade.
The big pre-draft trade, of course, was new Pelicans GM David Griffin finally acquiescing to Anthony Davis‘ desires to be traded to the Lakers. But, in an interesting subplot, the Lakers GM Rob Pelinka didn’t do his homework and failed to establish when the trade would be completed which subsequently affects the available cap space the Lakers will have (read: they may not be able to clear enough space to add another high end free agent). Lakers Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart head to the Pelicans.
The Grizzlies also completed the move into a new era by sending point guard Mike Conley to the Utah Jazz while Grayson Allen, Kyle Korver and Jae Crowder were sent to Memphis.
Several other trades involved existing assets. The Bucks traded Tony Snell to the Pistons in exchange for Jon Leuer. Phoenix made three deals involving existing assets which included trading T.J. Warren to the Pacers, while the Celtics Aron Baynes and Wolves Dario Saric each head to the Suns in separate deals. Philly also sent Jonathon Simmons to the Wizards. Each of the above trades also included draft picks.
Of the 22 trades, the teams who were most active were the New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies.
The OKC Thunder got in on the action swapping their 21st pick with the Memphis Grizzlies for the 21st pick they obtained in the trade with the Utah Jazz (Mike Conley). Also included in this exchange is Sam Presti landed a 2024 second round pick from the Grizzlies.
The post draft recap outlines which teams got in on the action.