NBA Draft rumors 2023: Celtics’ deal for Kristaps Porzingis & more latest leaks, news and trades
The 2023 NBA draft is almost here. This is accompanied by many rumours.
In the few days between the NBA Finals and the draft, a blockbuster deal already ensued: the Suns acquired Bradley Beal from the Wizards in a breathtaking deal. Given all the talk, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this was just the start of another wild off-season.
What will the Hornets do with the No. 2 pick and who’s the next star that could be on the move? Here are the biggest rumors ahead of Thursday’s draft.
MORE: NBA mock draft 2023: Final predictions, latest rumors arrive at draft day
NBA draft rumors 2023: Follow the latest leaks, news and trades
Celtics sign Kristaps Porzingis under revised deal
Date: June 21st
source: Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN
The Celtics have indeed agreed to take over Kristaps Porzingis from the Wizards after revising the deal that fell through earlier in the night.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics will receive Porzingis as part of a three-team deal involving the Grizzlies.
Former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart is heading to Memphis, where he will play a key role before and after Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension, while Tyus Jones joins the Wizards as part of the deal.
The deal between Kristaps Porzingis and Malcolm Brogdon fails
Date: June 21st
source: Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN
After all, Kristaps Porzingis will not travel to Boston as part of a three-way transfer. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday night that the deal between Porzingis and Malcolm “failed.”
Marc Stein reports the deal fell through due to “concerns” from the Clippers over Malcolm Brogdon’s injury status. However, there is still a chance that Porzingis could be traded to the Celtics as part of a two-team swap.
Wojnarowski reports that the Wizards and Celtics are still working on a possible opt-in and swap with Porzingis, which is set to close Wednesday night. The Clippers will not be involved in such a deal.
Celtics pursue Kristaps Porzingis
Date: June 21st
source: Shams Charania, The Athletic
The Celtics are pursuing Kristaps Porzingis in a ‘potential opt-in and trade deal’. Boston and Washington have reportedly been in talks about a possible framework.
Porzingis has a $36.0 million player option in his contract for the 2023-24 season. He’s had a season averaging 23.2 points and hitting 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.
This is what the trade might look like:
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski added that outstanding issues must be resolved before an agreement can be reached.
Hornets focused on Brandon Miller
Date: 20th June
source: Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN
In his second practice session with the team, Brandon Miller is said to have “further cemented his position as Charlotte’s pick for second place.” It sounds like the Hornets think Miller would be a better match for LaMelo Ball, who they consider a “franchise-level point guard.”
Click here to read more about why the Hornets could be drawn to Miller’s potential.
Will the Clippers trade Paul George?
Date: 20th June
source: Marc Stein, Substack
The Clippers have reportedly given “various competing teams” the impression that they are at least trying to gauge Paul George’s commercial value. Should the Clippers decide to switch things up, the Trail Blazers and Rockets have been identified as potential trading partners.
George has earned two of his eight All-Star selections with the Clippers, but due to injuries, he hasn’t played more than 60 games in any of the four seasons he has spent with the franchise.
George has a player option in his contract for the 2024/25 season. He will soon be eligible for an extension.
Zion Williamson transaction ‘unlikely’
Date: 20th June
source: William Guillory, The Athletic
It is now considered “fairly unlikely” that Zion Williamson will be traded before the draft. The Pelicans have “made advances” in hopes of mending their relationship with Williamson, which has been described as “rocky” lately.
Trail Blazers related to Bam Adebayo
Date: 20th June
source: Jake Fischer, Yahoo Sports
The Trail Blazers are rumored to be preparing a “convincing package” for Heat star Bam Adebayo, who has a close relationship with Lillard, to build a competitor around Damian Lillard.
The Trail Blazers are the #3 pick in the 2023 NBA draft. The team “explored avenues” to make the pick.