The 2019 NBA Draft was held on Jun 21, 2019, at Barclays Center, New York, United States and as expected Zion Williamson was the no.1 overall selection by New Orleans Pelicans while Ja Morant was picked 2nd by Memphis Grizzlies. R.J. Barrett was picked 3rd overall by New York Knicks.
Pelicans were prepared to bet on Zion ever since they won the draft lottery and the former Duke star is the new face of the team after their star player Anthony Davis reportedly joined La Lakers this month. He is likely to receive four-year deal at $44.2 million, with only the first two years guaranteed at a combined $20 million.
All first-round picks will receive guaranteed for only the first two years and limited to four years overall, but the teams also have options for Years 3 and 4. The contract values are based on the rookie salary scale, where teams can pay as little as 80% of the scale but typically pay 120% of the figure, the maximum allowed. The potential salaries below are based on teams offering deals worth the max 20% above the rookie salary scale.
First-Round Selections, Players, Teams and Rookie Salary Projections
Selection | Player | Team | Projected contract (4-year) |
1 | Zion Williamson | New Orleans Pelicans | $44.2 million |
2 | Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies | $39.6 million |
3 | RJ Barrett | New York Knicks | $35.6 million |
4 | De'Andre Hunter | Los Angeles Lakers | $32.1 million |
5 | Darius Garland | Cleveland Cavaliers | $29 million |
6 | Jarrett Culver | Phoenix Suns | $26.4 million |
7 | Coby White | Chicago Bulls | $24.1 million |
8 | Jaxson Hayes | Atlanta Hawks | $22.1 million |
9 | Rui Hachimura | Washington Wizards | $20.3 million |
10 | Cam Reddish | Atlanta Hawks | $19.3 million |
11 | Cameron Johnson | Minnesota Timberwolves | $18.6 million |
12 | PJ Washington | Charlotte Hornets | $17.9 million |
13 | Tyler Herro | Miami Heat | $17.2 million |
14 | Romeo Langford | Boston Celtics | $16.5 million |
15 | Sekou Doumbouya | Detroit Pistons | $15.9 million |
16 | Chuma Okeke | Orlando Magic | $15.1 million |
17 | Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Brooklyn Nets | $14.3 million |
18 | Goga Bitadze | Indiana Pacers | $13.6 million |
19 | Luka Samanic | San Antonio Spurs | $13 million |
20 | Matisse Thybulle | Boston Celtics (traded to the Philadelphia 76ers) | $12.4 million |
21 | Brandon Clarke | Oklahoma City Thunder | $12 million |
22 | Grant Williams | Boston Celtics | $11.7 million |
23 | Darius Bazley | Utah Jazz | $11.4 million |
24 | Ty Jerome | Philadelphia 76ers (traded to the Boston Celtics) | $11 million |
25 | Nassir Little | Portland Trail Blazers | $10.7 million |
26 | Dylan Windler | Cleveland Cavaliers | $10.4 million |
27 | Mfiondu Kabengele | Brooklyn Nets (traded to the LA Clippers) | $10.1 million |
28 | Jordan Poole | Golden State Warriors | $10.1 million |
29 | Keldon Johnson | San Antonio Spurs | $10 million |
30 | Keldon Kevin Porter Jr. | Milwaukee Bucks (traded to the Detroit Pistons) | $9.9 million |
Also Read: Who is Zion Williamson currently Dating? Know about his Girlfriend and Family
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