The Draft Day Primer ⏱️

06/22/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Rumors, Buzz & Trades Ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft (Tonight, 8:00 pm ET, ESPN)

Today is the day! The 2023 NBA Draft is mere hours away with the excitement buzzing around the league. The Denver Nuggets are just 10 days removed from winning their first championship, but it’s back to the drawing board for all 30 teams. We know Victor Wembanyama will be the No. 1 pick, but things get interesting after that. It’s a night full of realized dreams and fitted caps for the newest NBA additions.

You can check out our second NBA Mock Draft from yesterday’s edition, but here’s a quick download of all the rumors, buzz, and headlines ahead of tonight’s big show, including a three-team stunner between the Celtics, Grizzlies, and Wizards.

Trade Alert

Celtics, Grizzlies & Wizards Complete 3-Team Deal

Celtics Get: Kristaps Porzingis, Two 1st-Round Picks
Grizzlies Get: Marcus Smart
Wizards Get: Tyus Jones, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, 2nd-Round Pick

Draft Picks & Rumors

Nuggets & Pacers Swap Late 1st, Early 2nd Picks

Michael Jordan to Make Hornets Pick Despite Selling Team

Jazz Exploring Trade Options Up To No. 5 Pick

Villanova’s Cam Whitmore Reportedly Falling Out of Top-5

Free Agency & Other Rumors

Blazers ‘Shut Down’ Incoming Offers for Damian Lillard

Bucks’ Khris Middleton Opts Out, Hits Free Agency

Nuggets’ Bruce Brown Opts Out, Hits Free Agency

Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Opts Out, Hits Free Agency

ESPN: Player Comps for All 14 Projected Lottery Picks

Sporting News: The 50 Most-Hyped Draft Prospects of All-Time

USA Today: Wembanyama Seen as Generational Prospect, But How Did Similar NBA Picks Do?\\

Image via Giphy / NBA