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.
.@windhorstespn says teams are "preparing their offers" for Damian Lillard 👀
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 22, 2023
"Anybody who would look at Dame Lillard ... Who asked [the Blazers] to go in a different direction and they draft anyway would say to him, 'It's time to go.'" pic.twitter.com/z3j9WneyU5
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."
The three-team talks on a Porzingis-Brogdon deal with Celtics, Wizards and Clippers have fallen apart, sources tell ESPN. Sides are moving on. https://t.co/WoNkOcTYe5
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2023
Marc Stein reports that the deal fell through due to "concerns raised" on the Clippers end about Malcolm Brogdon's injury status.
Concerns raised by the Clippers about Malcolm Brogdon's injury status, league sources say, led to the collapse of the three-team trade expected to send Kristaps Porzingis to Boston before midnight tonight.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 22, 2023
A direct Wizards/Celtics deal has not been ruled out.
More NBA from me:
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 Sources: The Celtics are working on a trade to acquire the Wizards’ Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team deal that sends Malcolm Brogdon to Clippers. LA would be sending Marcus Morris, Amir Coffey and 30th pick to Washington. Sides still have more work to do on an agreement.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2023
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.
