Explosion of trades before NBA draft even begins

The draft hasn’t yet begun. The deals already have.

The Pelicans added to their Anthony Davis draft haul by sending the No. 4 overall pick acquired from the Lakers to the Hawks in exchange for the eighth, 17th and 35th picks, according to ESPN. The Pelicans are also sending Solomon Hill — owed $13.2 million next season — the 57th pick and a future second-round pick to Atlanta, while New Orleans is also receiving a strongly protected first-round pick (via Cleveland) in 2020.

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It is the second straight draft in which Atlanta has made a trade in the lottery, having sent Luka Doncic to Dallas, in exchange for Trae Young, and a first-round pick last year. The Hawks are believed to be pursuing Virginia’s De’Andre Hunter, who is coming off an incredible performance in the national championship game and is considered the best defensive player in the draft.

Another lottery deal came soon afterward, as Minnesota sent the No. 11 pick and Dario Saric to Phoenix for the No. 6 pick. The Suns made the day’s first deal by trading T.J. Warren and the No. 32 pick to Indiana for cash considerations.

Minnesota reportedly attempted to acquire the fourth or fifth pick (from Cleveland), before settling at No. 6.

Saric, 25, was the 12th overall pick in 2014 and averaged 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds last season.

Warren, 25, averaged 18 points and shot 42.8% on 3-pointers last season, and was moved as a strict salary dump (three years, $35 million remaining) by Phoenix.