NBA Draft rumors 2023: Chris Paul traded to Warriors, Scoot Henderson at No. 2; latest leaks, news & trades

Scott Rafferty

NBA Draft rumors 2023: Chris Paul traded to Warriors, Scoot Henderson at No. 2; latest leaks, news & trades image

The 2023 NBA Draft is almost here. With that comes a lot of rumors.

There's already been a blockbuster trade in the few days between the NBA Finals and draft, with the Suns acquiring Bradley Beal from the Wizards in a stunning deal. Based on all of the chatter, it wouldn't be a surprise if that's just the start of another wild offseason.

What will the Hornets do with the No. 2 pick and who is the next star who could be on the move? Here are the biggest rumors ahead of Thursday's draft.

MORE: 2023 NBA Mock Draft: Final predictions, latest rumors entering draft day

NBA Draft rumors 2023: Tracking the latest leaks, news and trades

Chris Paul traded to the Warriors for Jordan Poole

Date: June 22

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN

Chris Paul wanted to play in California this season and he'll get his wish.

Paul is reportedly on his way to the Warriors in exchange for Jordan Poole. The Warriors are also sending Ryan Rollins, a 2030 protected first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Wizards in the deal.

According to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, the Warriors won't waive Paul and are "looking forward" to teaming up with the 12-time All-Star to pursue another championship.

Warriors exploring Jordan Poole trades

Date: June 22

Source: Jake Fischer, Yahoo Sports

The Warriors are said to be "actively engaged in trade conversations" involving Jordan Poole. 

Poole signed a four-year, $128 million extension with the Warriors in 2022. He was Golden State's third-leading scorer in the 2022-23 season with an average of 20.4 points per game, but he struggled in the postseason, resulting in his role being reduced.

Scoot Henderson still in running at No. 2

Date: June 22

Source: Shams Charania, The Athletic

Don't count out Scoot Henderson going at No. 2 yet. The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that Henderson is "gaining serious momentum" to be drafted by the Hornets. Charlotte is said to have been "torn" between Henderson and Brandon Miller over the last week.

Damian Lillard does not want to be a part of youth movement

Date: June 22

Source: Brian Windhorst, ESPN

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the expectation is that the Trail Blazers will use the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and teams are "preparing their offers" for Damian Lillard, who has made it clear that he "does not want to play in a youth movement with a young player in a rebuild."

Windhorst adds that neither the Trail Blazers nor Lillard wants to be the fall guy. Portland is still hoping to convince Lillard to stay.

Lakers moving up in second round

Date: June 22

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN

The Lakers are trading the No. 47 pick and cash to the Pacers for the No. 40 pick, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Celtics land Kristaps Porzingis in reworked deal

Date: June 21

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN

The Celtics have indeed agreed to acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Wizards after reworking the deal that fell apart earlier in the night. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics are getting Porzingis in a three-team deal that involves the Grizzlies.

Former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart is heading to Memphis, where he will play a major role before and after Ja Morant's 25-game suspension. Tyus Jones will be heading to the Wizards as part of the agreement. 

Kristaps Porzingis and Malcolm Brogdon trade falls apart

Date: June 21

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN

Kristaps Porzingis will not be heading to Boston in a three-team trade with the Clippers after all. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday night that the deal involving Porzingis and Malcolm had "fallen apart."

Marc Stein reports that the deal fell through due to "concerns raised" on the Clippers end about Malcolm Brogdon's injury status.

Wojnarowski reports that the Wizards and Celtics are still working on a potential opt-in and trade involving Porzingis to be completed on Wednesday night. The Clippers will not be involved in any such deal.

Celtics pursuing Kristaps Porzingis

Date: June 21

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 discussions over a potential framework.

Porzingis has a $36.0 million player option in his contract for the 2023-24 season. He's coming off of a season in which he averaged a career-best 23.2 points to go along with 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

This is what the trade could look like:

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski added that there are "outstanding issues to be completed before a deal can be reached."

Hornets focused on Brandon Miller

Date: June 20

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN

In his second workout with the team, Brandon Miller is said to have "further solidified his standing as Charlotte's choice at No. 2." It sounds like the Hornets believe Miller would be a better fit next to LaMelo Ball, who they see as a "franchise level point guard."

Click here for more on why the Hornets might be drawn to Miller's potential.

Will the Clippers trade Paul George?

Date: June 20

Source: Marc Stein, Substack

The Clippers have reportedly left "various rival teams" with the impression that they're at least attempting to gauge the trade value of Paul George. If the Clippers decide to shake things up, the Trail Blazers and Rockets have been identified as potential trade partners.

George has earned two of his eight All-Star selections with the Clippers, but he hasn't played over 60 games in any of the four seasons he's spent with the franchise due to injuries.

George has a player option in his contract for the 2024-25 season. He will soon be extension eligible.

Zion Williamson trade 'unlikely'

Date: June 20

Source: William Guillory, The Athletic

Zion Williamson getting traded before the draft is now seen as "fairly unlikely." The Pelicans have "made overtures" in the hopes of improving their relationship with Williamson, which has been described as "rocky of late."

Trail Blazers linked to Bam Adebayo

Date: June 20

Source: Jake Fischer, Yahoo Sports

In an effort to build a contender around Damian Lillard, there's word that the Trail Blazers are preparing a "compelling package" for Heat star Bam Adebayo, who has a close relationship with Lillard.

The Trail Blazers have the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The team has been "exploring avenues" to deal the pick.

Scott Rafferty

Scott Rafferty Photo

 

Scott Rafferty is an experienced NBA journalist who first started writing for The Sporting News in 2017. There are few things he appreciates more than a Nikola Jokic no-look pass, Klay Thompson heat check or Giannis Antetokounmpo eurostep. He's a member of the NBA Global team.