The NBA Draft always has surprises in store, whether it’s teams taking players too high or early, or even blockbuster trades occurring. We didn’t get the big trades, unless you count the one involving the Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for the No. 10 overall pick.
However, there were still some moves that created intrigue and discussion last night in the first round of the NBA Draft. Here are three interesting storylines.
1. Jazz taking Ace Bailey at No. 5
One of the biggest subplots early in the draft was where Bailey would end up. The former Rutgers freshman star had an average combine, including being shorter than expected and declining to visit and work out with several teams, including the Utah Jazz. However, Utah determined that Bailey’s ceiling was too high to ignore, selecting him at five and hoping he can become a future NBA franchise player. We’ll see if some of the “red flags” proved to be overblown.
2. Phoenix takes Khaman Maluach and trades for Mark Williams
When the Suns traded to get the No. 10 pick, it was expected that they would take a center if the top options (Maluach and Queen) were still available. Both were, with Phoenix opting to choose the former Duke starter. That made sense, but what didn’t was trading out of the bottom of the first round in another trade to Charlotte for Mark Williams, a former lotto pick in his own right, who had a trade nix months ago due to health issues. Yes, the Suns have room for both, but it’s now unlikely that Maluach starts, despite being a top-10 selection that was used in the Durant deal.
3. New Orleans trades future first-rounder for Derik Queen
Yet another trade involving a center got even more attention, with the Pelicans opting to trade an unprotected 1st-round pick in 2026 to get back into the lottery and select Queen at No.13. They took Jeremiah Fears at No. 7 and there’s now big pressure on the franchise to be at least a playoff threat as soon as next season to make the trade worth it. Otherwise, the Atlanta Hawks could have a possible top-5 pick of their own now, a year from now.