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NBA·TRADE·June 24, 2026 12:59 AM ET

Draft-night trade wave traces back to Giannis blockbuster, Grizzlies stack future picks

Nine deals reshape the first round's back half.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 241 min read
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What happened: The first round moved quietly through its opening dozen selections before the dealing began at No. 13, tied to Monday's agreement that sends Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee to Miami. From there, nine trades involving 10 players reshaped the final 18 picks. None can be made official until July 6, when the new league calendar allows the moves to be processed.

Why it matters: The cascade shows how a single superstar move can ripple across an entire draft, with teams repositioning around the framework of the Giannis-to-Miami swap. Milwaukee added incoming talent at No. 13, while several clubs used the night to stockpile assets rather than draft for need. The delayed finalization means the full picture of who lands where stays unsettled for nearly two weeks.

By the numbers: The Memphis Grizzlies were the night's busiest mover, working two separate deals to slide back five spots while collecting five future second-round selections.

What to watch: Watch July 6, when the trades can formally process and the reshuffled draft order becomes official. Expect more clarity on how Milwaukee and Miami fill out their rosters once the Antetokounmpo framework is locked in.

Sources

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