Chris Livingston earned the dubious title of "Mr. Irrelevant" as the final pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. However, this seemingly undesirable outcome might have been a calculated strategy. Reports suggest that Livingston's agent, Rich Paul, actively discouraged teams from selecting his client during the second round. This unusual tactic reportedly stemmed from a prior agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks, who ultimately chose Livingston with the 58th pick.

Livingston's pre-draft activities hinted at a prearranged deal. After working out with seven teams, he abruptly cancelled all remaining sessions on June 8th, fueling speculation that a team had promised to draft him. This promise seemingly came from the Bucks, allowing Livingston to bypass the uncertainty of the second round and land on his desired team.

The strategic advantage of being "Mr. Irrelevant" lies in the new flexibility surrounding second-round contracts. These contracts can now be structured for longer terms, offering players like Livingston more stability and development opportunities.

The Kentucky alumnus, who averaged 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in his single college season, now joins the Bucks with a potentially more favorable contract situation than he might have secured earlier in the draft.

This strategic maneuvering by Paul, known for representing NBA superstar LeBron James, highlights the evolving dynamics of the draft process and the increasing importance of contract negotiations.