live blog, updates, Kemba Walker trade, #1 pick, Paolo Banchero, full list, picks, trades, Jabari Smith, Dyson Daniels, reaction

We were promised a trade before Friday’s NBA draft, and we got it, although one of them left everyone confused.

In a stunning twist, the New York Knicks traded a former All-Star Kemba Walker to the Detroit Pistons with Jalen Durenwhich they acquired from the Charlotte Hornets (13th pick).

In return, the Hornets received a 2025 first-round pick from the Pistons, but it wasn’t immediately clear what the Knicks got from the move.

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In an attempt to clarify the situation, NBA insider Mark Stein revealed that the move was part of an attempt by New York to lure Jalen Brunson away from the Dallas Mavericks.

By trading Walker and No. 11 overall, the Knicks are reportedly set to make $16 million ($23 million) in tire money that will go towards their pursuit of Brunson.

New York has also been linked with Kyrie Irving, though he needed to clear even more room to land the Nets superstar if he doesn’t come to terms with Brooklyn.

For Walker, this ended a short tenure with the Knicks, signing a two-year, $18 million contract after the 2020–21 season.

Earlier that year, Walker and the Knicks came to an agreement that he would sit out the remainder of the season and heal his bad knee ahead of the 2022–23 season.

Now though, he will be on the opposing team as the Knicks have taken a big step to support their search for a real solution in point guard.

As for Walker, he is expected to discuss a buyout with the Pistons that would allow him to become a free agent.

As for the draft itself, the Orlando Magic had a lot of surprises right after they picked Duke University. Paolo Bankero with the first common choice.

ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski revealed early Friday morning that the top three picks are expected to be picked as planned, with the Magic picking an American college star. Jabari Smith.

Instead, the Magic chose Bunchero, which Wojnarowski described as “one of the greatest covert operations” and reported that “all draft boards would be blown up.”

Banchero averaged 17.2 points to guide Duke to the Final Four, although there were interesting reports earlier this week that he was consistently postponing training sessions scheduled with the Magic.

“If Paolo felt like he had a chance to go one, he wouldn’t put off his Orlando practice over and over and over again,” draft expert Jonathan Givoni told The Lowe Post.

Bleach report Jake Fisher tweeted that Banchero is scheduled to visit Orlando on Tuesday. [AEST] but also canceled it, instead calling Magic on the phone.

Gonzaga University Chet Holmgrenwho is an imposing 7ft tall, was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the second overall pick.

He will join the Thunder as Aussie Josh Giddy’s new teammate in Oklahoma City’s rebuilding.

“I feel like I can fit just about anyone,” Holmgren said earlier this week.

“But especially a point guard like Josh Giddy…he would make my life easier. With Shai, he doesn’t need help from anyone. He’s a hell of a player.”

As for the 19 year old Smithwho excelled that year for the Auburn University Tigers during his only season as a college player, he was selected as the third pick by the Houston Rockets.

As for the Australian Dyson Danielswill move to the New Orleans Pelicans after being drafted 8th overall.

Daniels can defend four out of five positions and is a real two-pronged threat to complete the main trio of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum.

Elsewhere, despite rumors that they would trade to get the veteran, the Sacramento Kings used their fourth pick to draft Iowa. Keegan Murray.

Jayden Iveyaveraging 17.3 points per game for Purdue, was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the fifth pick.

Indiana Pacers took Benedict Maturin with the sixth pick, while the Portland Trail Blazers swung at the draft’s biggest mystery – Schaedon Sharp.

Jeremy Sochan (Tottenham) and Johnny Davis (Wizards) rounded out the top 10, while the Thunder then took a big step up to 11th overall in the draft. Usman Dieng.

The New York Knicks originally had that pick, and in return they would receive three conditional first-round picks.

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