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The NBA Draft provides teams with the opportunity to make moves ahead of free agency and this year's edition didn't disappoint. A host of trades were completed during a busy night in which the likes of Zion Williamson finally entered the league - and here are the top 5 trades from the 2019 draft.
#5 Memphis Grizzlies/Oklahoma City Thunder trade
Memphis started the night by drafting Ja Morant as the new face of the franchise, although they were also keen to secure a new center. The Grizzlies eventually found a trade partner in the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they gave up the No. 23 pick and a 2024 second round pick in return for the Thunder's No. 21 pick.
At No. 23, OKC selected forward Darius Bazley, and the Thunder essentially gained a future second-round pick as Bazley was unlikely to be selected at 22. Meanwhile, Memphis got the big man they wanted in Gonzaga's Brandon Clark, and this deal was a win for both franchises.
#4 Denver Nuggets/Miami Heat trade
Entering the draft, Bol Bol was considered the unicorn of the class. The 7-foot-2 center possesses a 7-7 wingspan and is also an excellent shooter from beyond the arc. Due to his unique skillset, Bol Bol was expected to be selected in the first round, however, the center slipped all the way to 44 - eventually being taken by the Miami Heat.
Bol Bol was immediately traded to the Denver Nuggets in return for a future second-round pick and cash considerations, and while Miami doesn't get much from the deal, the Nuggets have acquired a player who could eventually develop into an All-Star.
#3 Phoenix Suns/Boston Celtics trade
Over the past 12 months, Aron Baynes has continually expressed his desire to remain with the Boston Celtics - although he was sent to Phoenix last night. In a trade that few envisioned, the Celtics sent Baynes and the No. 24 overall pick to the Suns in exchange for a 2020 first-round selection.
During the 18-19 season, Baynes averaged 5.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, and he recently opted into his $5.4 million player option for the forthcoming season.
However, the Celtics decided to move the 32-year-old on in favor of creating cap space, and if Kyrie Irving and Al Horford leave as expected, the Celtics will be approaching nearly $24 million available in space. This gives the team the chance to contend in the free-agency market, while the Suns have landed a veteran that can help guide a young roster.
#2 Minnesota Timberwolves/Phoenix Suns trade
In one of the more surprising trades of the evening, the Minnesota Timberwolves agreed to trade forward Dario Saric and the No. 11 overall pick to the Phoenix Suns for the No. 6 selection.
With the sixth selection, the Timberwolves drafted a potential game changer in Jarrett Culver, while the Suns made the surprise choice to draft Cameron Johnson. With plenty of depth at the forward position, it remains to be seen how much of a role Johnson will play over the next 12 months, although there is no doubting his potential.
Meanwhile, Saric only joined the Timberwolves back in November, although he struggled to make much of an impact in Minnesota. Across 68 appearances, he averaged 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, although, at 25, Saric fits into the Suns' longterm rebuild.
#1 Atlanta Hawks/New Orleans Pelicans trade
This was the biggest trade on a night full of surprising moves. The deal resulted in Atlanta acquiring New Orleans' No. 4 pick in exchange for the #8, #17 and #35 picks. The Pelicans also sent Solomon Hill, the #57 pick and a future second-round pick to Atlanta.
Hill was set to earn $13.3 million for the 19-20 season, and the Pelicans now have $30 million in cap space - which is more than enough to add further talent around their emerging young core. Meanwhile, the Hawks gave up thee picks but managed to trade up to capture their number one target in De'Andre Hunter.
In his sophomore season, Hunter averaged 15.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game and he will now form part of a promising backcourt with Trae Young. While Young has struggled on the defensive end, Hunter has earned a reputation for his ability to shut down opposing players, and was this year named as the NABC Defensive Player of the Year.
The Hawks allowed an NBA high 119.4 points per game during the 18-19 season, and Hunter's addition should help to mend a vulnerable defensive unit. Ultimately, more additions are needed, although Hunter's addition is a major step in the right direction.
