The Warriors aren’t known for selling draft picks; they’re usually buyers. But the Jazz gave them an offer they couldn’t refuse for the No. 58 overall choice in the 2019 draft.
Golden State did its share of buying this season as well. The team paid the Hawks $1.3 million, along with a 2024 second round pick, for the No. 41 choice. General manager Bob Myers selected former Villanova power forward Eric Paschall with that pick, adding to a draft class that already consisted of guard Jordan Poole and center Alen Smailagic.
The Warriors need to fill their roster after devastating injuries to guard Klay Thompson and forward Kevin Durant — each of whom is set to test free agency — so it wasn’t a stretch to believe they’d come away with four players from the 2019 draft.
And the Warriors got a good deal for No. 58 — which ended up becoming former Yale shooting guard Miye Oni — according to NBA TV capologist Eric Pincus. But the Warriors dealt him to the Utah Jazz, which freed up $2 million they can use towards their roster reconstruction efforts.
Selections that late in the draft rarely make an impact in the NBA, and considering the price Golden State paid to get the No. 41 pick, Myers made a nice deal for No. 58. The Warriors have been active in the rookie free agent market as well and must have been confident they could sign the players they desired without the use of that late choice.
