2021 NBA DRAFT: July 29, 7 pm

[SkenfromLMF]

So...I believe you, but this confuses me. 

I would have thought the "trade deadline" means trading is done until the next season. I have always thought that all of these draft day deals (and the trades that happen during free agency) are like the free agency agreements that happen during the moratorium - just waiting until the date you referenced to become official. 

If that's not the case, then why on Earth do they not let the team trading for the pick MAKE THE PICK? Like, what is the point of Luka having to put on the stupid Atlanta Falcons hat on draft night? I've always hated that, and much prefer the NFL's way of doing it. If you're correct that those trades go on the tail end of the previous season then I hate it even more.

There is a DRAFT DAY moratorium which prevents the picks from changing hands on the day of the draft. This is most likely done to help the TV presentation of the picks so that the partners KNOW who is on the clock.