The NBA draft has seen a burst of trading activity over its two-day event as teams position themselves strategically for the upcoming offseason. Here’s an update on the recent trades.
June 26
The Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly secured the No. 50 pick from the New York Knicks, choosing Kobe Sanders from Nevada. In return, the Knicks took Mohamed Diawara from France with the No. 51 pick.
The Orlando Magic will reportedly receive the No. 32 pick in the second round of this year’s draft from the Boston Celtics, who in turn will receive the No. 46 and No. 57 picks, along with a second-round pick for each of the 2026 and 2027 drafts. Noah Penda from Le Mans, France was picked at No. 32; Amari Williams from Kentucky at No. 46; and Max Shulga from VCU at No. 57.
The Golden State Warriors are set to receive the No. 52 and No. 59 picks in the second round of this year’s draft from the Phoenix Suns, who will receive the No. 41 pick. Koby Brea from Kentucky was taken at No. 41, Alex Toohey from Sydney Kings, Australia at No. 52, and Jahmai Mashack from Tennessee at No. 59.
The Phoenix Suns are reported to have acquired the No. 36 pick in the second round of this year’s draft from the Brooklyn Nets in return for two future second-round picks. The Suns then traded the No. 36 pick along with two future second-round picks to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 31 pick, taking Rasheer Fleming of Saint Joseph’s. The Timberwolves then traded the No. 36 pick to the Los Angeles Lakers, who selected Adou Thiero from Arkansas. The Timberwolves secured the No. 45 pick, which the Lakers had previously received from the Chicago Bulls for the No. 55 pick and cash. Rocco Zikarsky from Australia was selected at No. 45.
June 25
The Utah Jazz made a significant trade, moving up to the No. 18 pick by trading the No. 21 pick and multiple second-round picks to the Washington Wizards for Walter Clayton Jr., a recent standout from the Florida Gators who shone during the March Madness tournament. Despite concerns about his size potentially limiting his impact in the NBA, his scoring ability could provide a significant boost.
This move by Utah is intriguing from a talent acquisition standpoint, though it raises questions considering the Jazz also selected Ace Bailey with the fifth pick. Both players require significant ball handling, which could complicate the dynamics in an already crowded backcourt that includes Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Keyonte George, and Isaiah Collier. This suggests that the Jazz are likely to make further moves to manage their roster.
The Jazz had shown interest in drafting a point guard at No. 5, having been linked to Jeremiah Fears before opting for Bailey. Clayton offers a different skill set as a sharpshooter, which contrasts with Fears’ dynamic athletic abilities.
The New Orleans Pelicans made a bold move by trading up from No. 23 to No. 13, sending an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks to select Derik Queen from Maryland. This aggressive strategy by the recently appointed general manager Joe Dumars carries significant risks, especially if Zion Williamson’s health issues continue.
Queen, a skilled offensive player, faces questions about his defensive abilities and how well his game will translate to the NBA. His playing style poses potential compatibility issues with Williamson, potentially complicating their frontcourt dynamics. While Queen has potential, this may not be the ideal environment to maximize his talents.
For the Hawks, however, this deal seems beneficial as they acquired a valuable future first-round pick and recently traded for Kristaps Porzingis, lessening the impact of losing out on Queen. This smart trade by general manager Onsi Saleh could prove fruitful.
The Pelicans had shown a strong interest in Queen, considering him for their earlier pick before ultimately choosing Jeremiah Fears. However, the cost of an unprotected pick, which could very well be a high lottery selection, appears steep given the uncertainties surrounding the Pelicans’ roster. With a talent-rich 2026 draft expected, this could turn out to be a highly advantageous transaction for the Hawks if New Orleans’ gamble on Queen does not pay off.
The Phoenix Suns have traded the 29th pick in the first round of Wednesday’s draft and a 2029 first-rounder to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Mark Williams. This move, executed alongside the selection of Duke center Khaman Maluach with the 10th pick, significantly revamps the Suns’ frontcourt, which was urgently needed following Kevin Durant’s departure. The Suns now have a duo of promising young centers to develop, with Williams only 23 years old despite being three seasons into his NBA career.
This trade addresses a critical need for the Suns, and owner Mat Ishbia has opted for a foundational move rather than making another high-risk gamble. However, there remain concerns, particularly because Williams was nearly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier but the deal fell through due to medical concerns. Whether the Suns’ medical team is more accepting of Williams’ condition remains to be seen. Furthermore, the inclusion of a 2029 first-round pick raises questions about the Suns’ long-term strategy, especially given their history with similar transactions. If Williams passes his physical, this could be a solid acquisition, though the process itself remains questionable.
June 24
The Boston Celtics are reportedly set to send Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal involving the Brooklyn Nets. The Celtics will receive Georges Niang and a second-round pick, while the Nets will acquire Terance Mann and the No. 22 pick in this year’s draft, which was used to select Drake Powell from North Carolina.
The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly sending CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a second-round pick to the Washington Wizards, who will receive Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the No. 40 pick in this year’s draft. Micah Peavy from Georgetown was selected with this pick.
June 23
The Boston Celtics reportedly will send Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks.
June 22
The Phoenix Suns are reportedly trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft, and five second-round picks. Khaman Maluach from Duke was selected with the No. 10 pick.
June 17
The Indiana Pacers have reportedly traded the No. 23 pick in this year’s draft and the draft rights to Mojave King to the New Orleans Pelicans for their own 2026 first-round pick. Asa Newell from Georgia was selected at No. 23 and subsequently traded to the Atlanta Hawks.
June 15
The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and one first-round pick swap.
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