What Happened to 2018 NBA Draft?
The 2018 NBA Draft, held on June 21, 2018, saw Deandre Ayton selected first overall, but it is now widely recognized for producing multiple perennial All-Stars and an MVP, notably Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Many of its top talents have since achieved significant individual accolades, secured lucrative contracts, and experienced major team changes, including championship wins and trades, shaping the league's landscape through 2026.
Quick Answer
The 2018 NBA Draft class has proven to be one of the most impactful in recent memory, featuring two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and perennial All-Star Luka Doncic, who now leads the Los Angeles Lakers. Many draftees have signed significant extensions or been traded to new teams, with Mikal Bridges winning an NBA Championship with the New York Knicks in 2026. As of August 2026, several key players like Trae Young and Deandre Ayton are navigating new contracts or team situations, continuing to influence the league.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
2018 NBA Draft Held
The 2018 NBA Draft takes place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Deandre Ayton is selected first overall by the Phoenix Suns. Luka Doncic is drafted 3rd by the Atlanta Hawks and immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young and a future first-round pick.
Luka Doncic Wins Rookie of the Year
Luka Doncic is named the NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2018-19 season, showcasing his immediate impact on the league.
Mikal Bridges Reaches NBA Finals with Suns
Mikal Bridges plays a key role for the Phoenix Suns as they reach the NBA Finals, ultimately losing to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Wins Defensive Player of the Year
Jaren Jackson Jr. is awarded the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, recognizing his elite rim protection and defensive prowess for the Memphis Grizzlies. He also earns his first All-Star selection.
Luka Doncic Leads Mavericks to NBA Finals
Luka Doncic leads the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, where they are defeated by the Boston Celtics in five games.
Mikal Bridges Traded to New York Knicks
After a stint with the Brooklyn Nets, Mikal Bridges is traded to the New York Knicks, reuniting with former Villanova teammates.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins First NBA MVP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is named the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 season, solidifying his status as a league superstar.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Signs Massive Extension with Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr. agrees to a five-year, $240 million contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies, signaling their long-term commitment.
Deandre Ayton Joins Los Angeles Lakers
Deandre Ayton is acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers after a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, joining Luka Doncic.
Trae Young Traded to Washington Wizards
Trae Young is traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards, marking a significant shift in his career.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Traded to Utah Jazz
Jaren Jackson Jr. is traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Utah Jazz in a multi-player deal. His season with the Jazz is cut short due to knee surgery.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins Second NBA MVP and NBA Championship
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander secures his second consecutive NBA MVP award and leads the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA Championship, also earning Finals MVP.
Mikal Bridges Wins NBA Championship with Knicks
Mikal Bridges wins his first NBA Championship as a key player for the New York Knicks.
Deandre Ayton Picks Up Player Option with Lakers
Deandre Ayton exercises his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, despite the team reportedly looking to upgrade at center.
Marvin Bagley III Signs with Denver Nuggets
Marvin Bagley III, after playing for three teams in the past two seasons, signs a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets for the 2026-27 campaign.
Trae Young Declines Player Option, Expected to Re-sign with Wizards
Trae Young declines his $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season to become an unrestricted free agent, with strong indications he will re-sign with the Washington Wizards on a new, long-term contract.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The 2018 NBA Draft, held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, initially saw Deandre Ayton selected first overall by the Phoenix Suns, followed by Marvin Bagley III to the Sacramento Kings, and Luka Doncic to the Dallas Mavericks via a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. While Ayton and Bagley have had fluctuating careers, the draft is now celebrated for its depth of talent, particularly with the emergence of Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as bonafide superstars.
Luka Doncic quickly established himself as a generational talent with the Mavericks, leading them to the NBA Finals in 2024 before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he became the team's new leader following LeBron James' departure. He signed a three-year, $160.3 million contract and has a player option for the 2028-29 season, with his commitment to the Lakers reinforced by organizing a team retreat in Slovenia in August 2026 amidst ownership changes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, drafted 11th, has blossomed into a two-time NBA MVP (2025, 2026) and an NBA Champion with the Oklahoma City Thunder, with his father publicly stating his desire to remain with the team for his entire career.
Other notable draftees have also had significant career trajectories. Jaren Jackson Jr., the fourth pick, became an NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 and a two-time All-Star with the Memphis Grizzlies before being traded to the Utah Jazz in February 2026, though his 2025-26 season was cut short by knee surgery. Trae Young, initially drafted by Dallas and traded to Atlanta for Doncic, was a multi-time All-Star for the Hawks before being traded to the Washington Wizards in January 2026. He is expected to decline his 2026-27 player option but re-sign with the Wizards on a substantial new deal.
Mikal Bridges, the 10th pick, has been a model of durability and success, winning his first NBA Finals with the New York Knicks in 2026 and holding the active record for most consecutive games played. Deandre Ayton, the first overall pick, has had a more tumultuous path, moving from the Suns to the Portland Trail Blazers and then to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025, where he picked up his player option for the 2026-27 season amidst speculation about the Lakers seeking an upgrade at center. Marvin Bagley III, the second pick, has experienced numerous team changes, signing with the Denver Nuggets for the 2026-27 season after stints with the Kings, Pistons, Wizards, and Mavericks.
The 2018 NBA Draft class continues to be a dominant force in the league, with its top talents securing long-term commitments and leading their respective franchises. The ongoing developments, including contract negotiations, trades, and pursuit of championships, underscore the enduring impact of this draft class on the NBA's competitive landscape as of August 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if 2018 NBA Draft made different choices?