The Trade Market Held Endless Possibilities, and No One Knew What the Future Would Bring

At the end of the first round and throughout the second-round prospect pool, teams were more inclined to pick players with polished skills but limited upside—immediate contributors who might still be able to help.

These players would be treated as "temporary, trial-period hires" to fill gaps in their teams' rosters.

If they worked out, great. If not, they could be sent down to the G League or simply cut a year or two later. Their salaries weren't high anyway~~

After all, the draft system was already highly developed, and the scouts working for each team had become better and better.

Finding a diamond in the rough with a late pick was getting harder and harder.

For the front offices of all the teams, the end of the Draft didn't mean their work could take a pause.

In fact, even for the Spurs, the truly hectic period was only just beginning.

The Draft was merely an appetizer. The upcoming trade market was what they needed to focus on most and devote the most energy to.

And before any actual trade news arrived, all kinds of wild Trade rumors were sure to start flying.

Among them, the biggest stories drawing attention were as follows:

1. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers' contract negotiations. What would the star who had left such an indelible mark on League history do as he neared the end of his career?

2. The four-year deal Kyrie Irving signed earlier had officially expired with the end of this season. Irving had already announced that he wouldn't stay in Houston. Naturally, that meant he would test the free-agent market, making him one of the biggest names available this summer.

3. After falling short of a title once again, the Brooklyn Big Three might break apart this summer. Paul