2022 NBA Draft Rumors | Hoops Rumors

2022 NBA Draft Pick Signings

July 2nd, 2022 at 8:28am CST by Luke Adams

Free agent and trade news has dominated NBA headlines over the last few days, but teams around the league are also taking care of the rookies they drafted on June 23, signing them to their first NBA contracts. Because cap holds for first-round picks count for 120% of the rookie scale instead of 100% in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, there’s little incentive for teams to wait to lock up their first-rounders.

For first-round picks, rookie contracts are fairly rigid, having essentially been predetermined. The NBA’s rookie-scale structure dictates that first-rounders will be signed to four-year deals, which include two guaranteed years, then team options in years three and four.

The value of those contracts depends on where a player was drafted. This year, No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero signed a four-year deal worth in excess of $50MM, which represents the maximum allowable 120% of his scale amount. No. 30 pick Peyton Watson, on the other hand, would be in line for a four-year contract worth a little over $11MM.

The full breakdown of this year’s first-round rookie salaries and contracts can be found right here — if you see a first-rounder listed below as “signed,” you can assume his contract looks like that, unless otherwise indicated.

Second-round picks, meanwhile, aren’t assured of two guaranteed seasons, though some players will receive them. Teams can sign second-rounders to whatever amount they choose, using cap room or various exceptions. Those players who immediately join their NBA teams figure to earn a minimum salary or something slightly above the minimum. We’ll make a note of contract details for second-rounders below, as they become available.

Finally, some second-rounders – and perhaps even some first-rounders – won’t sign NBA deals immediately. They may get two-way contracts, play in the G League, or head overseas to refine their games while their NBA teams retain their rights. We’ll make note of that below too, wherever it’s applicable.

Here’s a breakdown of 2022’s draft pick signings. This list will continue to be updated as more draftees sign their first NBA contracts:

First Round:

Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero, F, Duke: Signed
Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren, F, Gonzaga: Signed
Houston Rockets: Jabari Smith, F, Auburn: Signed
Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray, F, Iowa: Signed
Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue: Signed
Indiana Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin, G/F, Arizona: Signed
Portland Trail Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe, G, Kentucky: Signed
New Orleans Pelicans: Dyson Daniels, G, G League Ignite: Signed
San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, F, Baylor: Signed
Washington Wizards: Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin: Signed
Oklahoma City Thunder: Ousmane Dieng, F, New Zealand Breakers: Signed
Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Williams, G, Santa Clara: Signed
Detroit Pistons: Jalen Duren, C, Memphis: Signed
Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji, F, Kansas: Signed
Charlotte Hornets: Mark Williams, C, Duke: Signed
Atlanta Hawks: AJ Griffin, F, Duke: Signed
Houston Rockets: Tari Eason, F, LSU: Signed
Chicago Bulls: Dalen Terry, G, Arizona: Signed
Memphis Grizzlies: Jake LaRavia, F, Wake Forest: Signed
San Antonio Spurs: Malaki Branham, G/F, Ohio State: Signed
Denver Nuggets: Christian Braun, G, Kansas: Signed
Utah Jazz: Walker Kessler, C, Auburn: Signed
Memphis Grizzlies: David Roddy, F, Colorado State: Signed
Milwaukee Bucks: MarJon Beauchamp, G, G League Ignite: Signed
San Antonio Spurs: Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame: Signed
Minnesota Timberwolves: Wendell Moore, F, Duke: Signed
Miami Heat: Nikola Jovic, F, Mega Mozzart: Signed
Golden State Warriors: Patrick Baldwin, F, Milwaukee: Signed
Houston Rockets: TyTy Washington, G, Kentucky: Signed
Denver Nuggets: Peyton Watson, F, UCLA: Signed

Second Round:

Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nembhard, G, Gonzaga: Signed
- Four-year, $8,583,166 contract. First three years guaranteed. Fourth-year team option.
Orlando Magic: Caleb Houstan, F, Michigan: Signed
- Four-year, $8,207,150 contract. First two years guaranteed. Third year non-guaranteed. Fourth-year team option.
Toronto Raptors: Christian Koloko, F/C, Arizona: Signed
- Three-year, $5,239,563 contract. First two years guaranteed. Third year non-guaranteed.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Jaylin Williams, C, Arkansas: Signed
- Four-year, $8,207,150 contract. First two years guaranteed. Third year non-guaranteed. Fourth-year team option.
Los Angeles Lakers: Max Christie, G, Michigan State: Signed
- Two-year, minimum-salary contract. Fully guaranteed.
Detroit Pistons: Gabriele Procida, G, Fortitudo Bologna: Will play overseas
Dallas Mavericks: Jaden Hardy, G, G League Ignite: Signed
- Three-year, minimum-salary contract. First two years guaranteed. Third year partially guaranteed.
Memphis Grizzlies: Kennedy Chandler, G, Tennessee: Signed
- Four-year, $7,127,014 contract. First three years guaranteed. Fourth-year team option.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Khalifa Diop, C, Gran Canaria: Will play overseas
Charlotte Hornets: Bryce McGowens, G, Nebraska: Signed
- Two-way contract.
New Orleans Pelicans: E.J. Liddell, F, Ohio State: Signed
- Two-way contract.
New York Knicks: Trevor Keels, F, Duke: Signed
- Two-way contract.
Los Angeles Clippers: Moussa Diabate, F, Michigan: Signed
- Two-way contract.
Golden State Warriors: Ryan Rollins, G, Toledo: Signed
- Three-year, minimum-salary contract. First two years guaranteed. Third year partially guaranteed.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Josh Minott, F, Memphis: Signed
- Four-year, minimum-salary contract. First two years guaranteed. Third year non-guaranteed. Fourth-year team option.
Denver Nuggets: Ismael Kamagate, C, Paris: Will play overseas
Memphis Grizzlies: Vince Williams, F, VCU: Signed
- Two-way contract (two years).
Indiana Pacers: Kendall Brown, F, Baylor: Signed
- Two-way contract.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Isaiah Mobley, F, USC: Signed
- Two-way contract.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Matteo Spagnolo, G, Cremona: Will play overseas
Atlanta Hawks: Tyrese Martin, F, UConn: Signed
- Two-year, minimum-salary contract. First year partially guaranteed. Second year non-guaranteed.
New Orleans Pelicans: Karlo Matkovic, F, Mega Mozzart: Will play overseas
Boston Celtics: JD Davison, G, Alabama: Signed
- Two-way contract.
Washington Wizards: Yannick Nzosa, C, Unicaja Malaga: Will play overseas
Golden State Warriors: Gui Santos, F, Minas: Will play in G League
Cleveland Cavaliers: Luke Travers, G/F, Perth Wildcats: Will play overseas
Portland Trail Blazers: Jabari Walker, F, Colorado: Signed
- Three-year, minimum-salary contract. First year guaranteed. Second year partially guaranteed. Third year non-guaranteed.
Milwaukee Bucks: Hugo Besson, G, New Zealand Breakers: Will play overseas

Note: The Bucks and Heat forfeited their own second-round picks due to free agency gun-jumping. They would have been No. 54 and No. 55, respectively.

Southwest Notes: Hardy, Liddell, Pelicans, Smith, Eason, Matkovic

June 25th, 2022 at 11:58am CST by Dana Gauruder

The Mavericks gave up second-round picks in 2024 and 2028 to the Kings in order to draft Jaden Hardy at No. 37, but they had the G League Ignite guard rated much higher, Tim MacMahon of ESPN tweets.

Hardy was ranked No. 19 on Dallas’ draft board, which convinced Mavs — who had dealt their picks in both rounds — to jump back into the draft. He averaged 17.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG and 3.2 APG for the Ignite.

We have more from the Southwest Division:

Ohio State’s E.J. Liddell was projected in mock drafts as a first-rounder and that’s where the Pelicans had him rated, Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times-Picayune tweets. Liddell slipped down to New Orleans’ second-round pick at No. 41. The Buckeyes forward averaged 19.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 2.6 BPG over 33.2 MPG last season.
Even though pre-draft rumors swirled regarding a potential trade of their lottery pick, Pelicans GM Trajan Langdon said the team didn’t have serious conversations about moving down from the No. 8 spot, Will Guillory of The Athletic tweets. They chose G League Ignite guard Dyson Daniels.
The Rockets were “beyond excited” that Jabari Smith was still on the board at No. 3 when the Magic pivoted to Paolo Banchero at the top spot, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes. GM Rafael Stone wouldn’t indicate if he would have chosen Smith with the No. 1 pick but he was thrilled the Auburn forward was there for the taking at No. 3, saying it “made my night.” “He’s just so big and he moves his feet exceptionally well on the perimeter,” Stone said. “I don’t remember anybody at his size in college with his ability to stay in front and contain and contest on the perimeter. He’s also good on the interior.”
Stone and his staff were “sweating bullets” that LSU forward Tari Eason would drop to their pick at No. 17, Feigen adds in the same story. The Rockets view Eason as an elite defender. “Tari can play defense, man,” he said. “He plays really hard and he’s a great athlete and he’s really committed on the defensive end. Some defensive players contain. Very few are playmakers. I would definitely consider him a playmaker on defense.”
Pelicans draft-and-stash second rounder Karlo Matkovic is close to signing with Slovenia’s Cedevita, according to Antigoni Zachari of EuroHoops.net. The Crotian forward/center, selected 52nd overall, is expected to join New Orleans’ Summer League roster.

2022 NBA Draft Results

June 24th, 2022 at 1:30am CST by Luke Adams

The 2022 NBA draft is in the books, and we tracked all of this year’s picks in the space below, taking into account each trade agreed upon over the course of the draft.

Here are 2022’s NBA draft results:

First Round:

Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero, F, Duke (story)
Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren, F, Gonzaga (story)
Houston Rockets: Jabari Smith, F, Auburn (story)
Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray, F, Iowa (story)
Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue
Indiana Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin, G/F, Arizona
Portland Trail Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe, G, Kentucky
New Orleans Pelicans (from Lakers): Dyson Daniels, G, G League Ignite
San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, F, Baylor
Washington Wizards: Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin
Oklahoma City Thunder (from Knicks): Ousmane Dieng, F, New Zealand Breakers
Oklahoma City Thunder (from Clippers): Jalen Williams, G, Santa Clara
Detroit Pistons (from Hornets via Knicks): Jalen Duren, C, Memphis
Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji, F, Kansas
Charlotte Hornets (from Pelicans): Mark Williams, C, Duke
Atlanta Hawks: AJ Griffin, F, Duke
Houston Rockets (from Nets): Tari Eason, F, LSU
Chicago Bulls: Dalen Terry, G, Arizona
Memphis Grizzlies (from Timberwolves): Jake LaRavia, F, Wake Forest
San Antonio Spurs (from Raptors): Malaki Branham, G/F, Ohio State
Denver Nuggets: Christian Braun, G, Kansas
Minnesota Timberwolves (from Jazz via Grizzlies): Walker Kessler, C, Auburn
Memphis Grizzlies (from Sixers): David Roddy, F, Colorado State
Milwaukee Bucks: MarJon Beauchamp, G, G League Ignite
San Antonio Spurs (from Celtics): Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame
Minnesota Timberwolves (from Mavericks via Rockets): Wendell Moore, F, Duke
Miami Heat: Nikola Jovic, F, Mega Mozzart
Golden State Warriors: Patrick Baldwin Jr., F, Milwaukee
Houston Rockets (from Grizzlies via Timberwolves): TyTy Washington, G, Kentucky
Denver Nuggets (from Suns via Thunder): Peyton Watson, F, UCLA

Second Round:

Indiana Pacers (from Rockets): Andrew Nembhard, G, Gonzaga
Orlando Magic: Caleb Houstan, F, Michigan
Toronto Raptors (from Pistons): Christian Koloko, F/C, Arizona
Oklahoma City Thunder: Jaylin Williams, C, Arkansas
Los Angeles Lakers (from Pacers via Magic): Max Christie, G, Michigan State
Detroit Pistons (from Trail Blazers): Gabriele Procida, G, Fortitudo Bologna
Dallas Mavericks (from Kings): Jaden Hardy, G, G League Ignite
Memphis Grizzlies (from Lakers via Spurs): Kennedy Chandler, G, Tennessee
Cleveland Cavaliers (from Spurs): Khalifa Diop, C, Gran Canaria
Charlotte Hornets (from Wizards via Timberwolves): Bryce McGowens, G, Nebraska
New Orleans Pelicans: E.J. Liddell, F, Ohio State
New York Knicks: Trevor Keels, F, Duke
Los Angeles Clippers: Moussa Diabate, F, Michigan
Golden State Warriors (from Hawks): Ryan Rollins, G, Toledo
Minnesota Timberwolves (from Hornets): Josh Minott, F, Memphis
Denver Nuggets (from Nets via Pistons and Trail Blazers): Ismael Kamagate, C, Paris
Memphis Grizzlies (from Cavaliers): Vince Williams, F, VCU
Indiana Pacers (from Timberwolves): Kendall Brown, F, Baylor
Cleveland Cavaliers (from Bulls via Kings): Isaiah Mobley, F, USC
Minnesota Timberwolves (from Nuggets): Matteo Spagnolo, G, Cremona
Atlanta Hawks (from Raptors via Warriors): Tyrese Martin, F, UConn
New Orleans Pelicans (from Jazz): Karlo Matkovic, F, Mega Mozzart
Boston Celtics: JD Davison, G, Alabama
Washington Wizards (from Mavericks): Yannick Nzosa, C, Unicaja Malaga
Golden State Warriors: Gui Santos, F, Minas
Cleveland Cavaliers (from Heat): Luke Travers, G/F, Perth Wildcats
Portland Trail Blazers (from Grizzlies): Jabari Walker, F, Colorado
Milwaukee Bucks (from Suns via Pacers): Hugo Besson, G, New Zealand Breakers

Note: The Bucks and Heat forfeited their second-round picks due to free agency gun-jumping. They would have been No. 54 and No. 55, respectively.

Knicks Looking To Trade For Ivey, Pistons Balking

June 23rd, 2022 at 8:25pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Pistons selected Jaden Ivey with the No. 5 pick, forming a potentially dynamic backcourt with last year’s top pick, Cade Cunningham.

However, the Knicks didn’t give up on their pursuit of Ivey easily. They are trying to make a deal with Detroit to acquire the jet-quick point guard out of Purdue, according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer (Twitter link) and SNY TV’s Ian Begley (Twitter link).

Steve Popper of Newsday tweets that the Pistons may have some interest if Memphis center Jalen Duren is still available at New York’s pick at No. 11. However, New York instead chose French center Ousmane Dieng, the top international prospect, and are moving him to the Thunder in a trade, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweets.

The Knicks are acquiring multiple picks in that deal and are making one last serious push to trade for Ivey with those additional assets, The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III tweets.

New York is desperately seeking a lead guard to get back into the postseason after coming up empty this past season.

Kings Keep No. 4 Pick, Draft Keegan Murray

June 23rd, 2022 at 7:29pm CST by Dana Gauruder

After weighing trade offers for weeks, the Kings have decided to keep the No. 4 overall pick and have drafted Iowa’s Keegan Murray, per Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter links).

Murray and Purdue guard Jaden Ivey were widely considered the top two prospects after the top three were off the board. While Ivey was ahead of Murray on many experts’ boards, he may have been an awkward fit in Sacramento alongside a similar lead guard in De’Aaron Fox. Murray should comfortably slot into the Kings’ frontcourt alongside Domantas Sabonis.

Murray, who was not a blue chip prospect entering college, was one of Division I’s most prolific scorers this past season. He averaged 23.5 PPG along with 8.7 RPG while knocking down 39.8% of his 3-point tries. He was also a defensive force (1.9 BPG, 1.3 SPG). He’s considered by many experts to be the most NBA ready prospect in the draft after playing two seasons of college ball.

Kings forward Harrison Barnes has been mentioned frequently in trade rumors this offseason, and the selection of Murray could make a Barnes deal more likely as the team seeks to end the league’s longest current playoff drought.

We won’t be publishing full stories on the rest of the individual picks in this year’s draft – unless there are trades involved – but we’re tracking all the picks right here.

Rockets Select Jabari Smith Third Overall In 2022 Draft

June 23rd, 2022 at 7:23pm CST by Rory Maher

The Rockets have selected Auburn forward Jabari Smith with the third overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft.

In 34 games (28.8 MPG) in his lone college season, the 6’10” Smith averaged 16.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG and 1.0 BPG. Smith led the Tigers to a 28-6 overall and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament, where the team lost in the second round to Miami (FL).

The 19-year-old earned numerous accolades for his standout season, including Consensus All-America Second Team, All-SEC First Team, and SEC Rookie of the Year, among others.

Smith has the ability to make an array of incredibly difficult shots in a variety of ways, including step-backs, fadeaways, pull-up jumpers in transition, and coming off screens. Despite facing frequent double teams, he converted 42% of his three-pointers and 79.9% of his free throws.

Smith is also viewed as an energetic, intense, and “highly versatile defender” who can switch across multiple positions, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. His shot-making prowess and strong defense should fit in nicely with a young Houston squad that struggled mightily to score last season — the Rockets were 26th in the league in offensive rating and 21st in three-point percentage.

Smith falling to No. 3 was unexpected, because for well over a month league insiders had him going No. 1 overall to Orlando.

Thunder Select Chet Holmgren Second Overall In 2022 Draft

June 23rd, 2022 at 7:17pm CST by Rory Maher

The Thunder have selected Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren with the second overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft.

In 32 games (26.9) as a freshman this season, the 7’0″ Holmgren averaged 14.1 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.9 APG and 3.7 BPG. The 20-year-old also boasted an impressing shooting slash line of .607/.390/.717.

Holmgren won numerous awards for his impressive season, including Consensus All-America Second Team, All-WCC First Team, and WCC Defensive Player of the Year, among others.

Holmgren helped lead the Bulldogs to a 28-4 record and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament in 2021/22. They ultimately fell to Arkansas in the Sweet Sixteen, ending their tournament run.

Weighing just 195 pounds, Holmgren has been a somewhat divisive prospect for talent evaluators. Some are enamored by his length (7’6″ wingspan) and overall skillset, as he’s an outstanding shot blocker, rebounder, and inside finisher. He also has some guard-like skills, capable of starting a fast break after a defensive rebound with his ball handling on top of being a solid passer, and a good shooter with space.

The Thunder are known for playing their cards close to the vest, so many around the league were curious if they’d actually select Holmgren, but clearly they viewed his upside as too good to pass up.

Magic Select Paolo Banchero First Overall In 2022 Draft

June 23rd, 2022 at 7:12pm CST by Rory Maher

In a surprise twist, the Magic have selected Duke forward Paolo Banchero with the first overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft.

For well over a month, league insiders had predicted that Orlando favored Jabari Smith with the first pick, but obviously the Magic liked Banchero more, even though he didn’t end up working out for the team after a Monday visit was reportedly canceled.

In 39 games as a freshman in this season, the 6’10” Banchero averaged 17.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.2 APG and 1.1 SPG on .478/.338/.729 shooting. He helped lead the Blue Devils to a 32-7 record and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament, where they ultimately fell to long-time rival North Carolina in the Final Four.

Banchero earned numerous accolades for his stellar season, including Consensus All-America Second Team, All-ACC First Team, and ACC Rookie of the Year, among others.

The versatile big man is viewed as an outstanding shot-creator from all over the floor, capable of generating offense for both himself and teammates via post-ups and drives. He’s a strong ball handler, passer, and has a great overall feel for offense.

Banchero sometimes lacks effort defensively, and he’s a solid, but unspectacular shooter at the moment, but he showed throughout the NCAA tournament that he was capable of turning up the intensity when the games mattered most.

Orlando was clearly drawn by Banchero’s strong tournament performances and his polished offensive skills — the Magic ranked last in the NBA in offensive rating in 2021/22, so he should help bolster that figure.

Draft Rumors: Pistons, Duren, Dieng, Mavericks, Raptors, Anunoby

June 23rd, 2022 at 7:01pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Pistons, who already made news this week with their impending trade of Jerami Grant to Portland, could make another significant move this evening. They are holding ongoing conversations to acquire another lottery pick, with Memphis center Jalen Duren believed to be the target, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report tweets.

Detroit already holds the No. 5 selection in the draft. A report earlier today indicated Pistons GM Troy Weaver is a big fan of Duren.

Ousmane Dieng seems destined to be chosen higher than any other international prospect. The French big man, who played for the New Zealand Breakers, has been surging up draft boards and could go as high as No. 8, where the Pelicans are picking, Marc Stein tweets.
The Mavericks are covering all their bases, even though their first-round pick is headed to Houston and their second-rounder is headed to Washington, Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News tweets. GM Nico Harrison says they’re are not actively calling teams to trade into the draft, but have done the prep work needed in case they end up with a draft pick in either round.
The Raptors are unlikely to move into the lottery and trade forward OG Anunoby, Michael Grange of Sportsnet tweets. Most of the chatter surrounding Anunoby has come from the Trail Blazers, who are trying to add veterans around Damian Lillard, Grange adds, while Toronto remains in a ‘be patient and grow’ mode.

Woj: Paolo Banchero Frontrunner To Be No. 1 Pick

June 23rd, 2022 at 6:56pm CST by Luke Adams

6:56pm: Wojnarowski (Twitter link) now classifies Banchero as the frontrunner to be the No. 1 pick.

6:48pm: Duke forward Paolo Banchero remains “very much” in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick, Adrian Wojnarowski said on ESPN’s draft broadcast. Wojnarowski has since reported on Twitter that Banchero has emerged as a “significant possibility” to be drafted first overall (Twitter links).

The Magic are expected to select either Auburn’s Jabari Smith or Banchero, according to Wojnarowski, who says there’s a “real chance” teams’ draft boards could be blown up.

Virtually all reporting leading up to draft night has had Smith as the favorite to go first overall, with ESPN’s Jonathan Givony suggesting earlier this week that it would be a major surprise to most teams around the NBA if Smith isn’t Orlando’s pick.

As we relayed earlier today, oddsmakers around the country briefly made Banchero the betting favorite to be the No. 1 pick late last night, but those odds shifted back strongly in Smith’s favor after Wojnarowski reported this morning that the top three – with Smith to Orlando, Chet Holmgren to the Thunder, and Banchero to the Rockets – looked “increasingly firm.”