The 2012 NBA Draft is almost here. As we get closer and closer to hearing Anthony Davis' name called, rumors begin to fly with ever-increasing frequency, and now and then some of them even become reality in the form of trades.
Consider this your open thread to talk all things draft. We'll be updating this thread whenever something important happens.
Also book mark the SB Nation.com NBA Draft Day Rumors StoryStream.
- Washington and New Orleans kicked off trade season when the two teams agreed to a trade sending Hornets C Emeka Okafor and SF Trevor Ariza to Washington in return for Wizards F Rashard Lewis. New Orleans will reportedly buy out Lewis. This trade points to Washington targeting Florida SG Bradley Beal with their No. 3 pick.
- Houston made the first of I'm sure many moves when they sent SF Chase Budinger to Minnesota for the No. 18 pick. Budinger is an upgrade to the trash the T'Wolves have on the wing, and the pick is more ammo for Houston to use in their attempts to make a big deal. The Wolves also received the rights to Lior Eliyahu, but he is not expected to play for Minnesota.
- In a slightly odd trade, the Bobcats have sent SF Corey Maggette to Detroit in return for SG Ben Gordon and a lottery-protected 2013 first round pick. Maggette is an expiring contract an helps clean up some of Detroit's cap issues, and the pick is top 14 protected next year, which means Charlotte likely will have to wait a year or two more as the protection decreases. Charlotte gets back some needed scoring help, although in a player physically similar to last year's lottery pick Kemba Walker. That should be a fun backcourt to watch. And by fun I mean the exact opposite. There don't seem to be any draft implications in this deal.
- Houston remained active and made a trade for the second straight day, sending C Samuel Dalembert an the No. 14 pick to Milwaukee in exchange for the No. 12 pick, second year PF/C Jon Leuer, PG Shaun Livingston and PF Jon Brockman. Houston continues to work their way up in the draft, and their ultimate aim appears to be to acquire a top 10 pick to use in a blockbuster trade. Milwaukee moved down only two spots and added a decent starting center in Dalembert.