The NBA Draft is next week, and it has the potential to be a thrilling night. Since it is such a loaded draft, not only in terms of top prospects, but also in terms of depth, trades could happen at a high rate. Today, I'll go through the first round and discuss trades that I've seen or heard rumored. I'll discuss how it would effect each team in a good way or bad way.
#1 Pick (and #3)
I've seen two trades involving this pick. The more realistic option is the 76ers trading up from #3 to guarantee their selection of Andrew Wiggins. Philly is hesitant to part with #3 and #10, so the deal would likely involved #3 and Thad Young for #1. I love this deal for the Cavs, who would come away with a great player either way, including the one they really want (Joel Embiid). Plus, they'd add Young to their bench. I don't get it for Philly, as I believe Wiggins will fall to #3 anyways, and I like Parker and Embiid better as well.
The other trade involving #1 I've heard is Cleveland could use this to acquire Kevin Love. A couple weeks ago I broke this trade down as a win-win for both sides, but it doesn't seem likely at this point.
#5 Pick (and #12)
If the experts are correct, Utah will be sitting here with all their coveted players off the board. The value at #5 are at positions they don't really need. Bleacher Report discussed a trade where they give this pick to Orlando for #12 and Aaron Afflalo. This would be a great trade for both teams. Utah could still get a great player at #12 that could fill a need, plus they'd add a wing player like Afflalo to round out their starting lineup (assuming they re-sign Gordon Heyward). For Orlando, this would allow them to draft Noah Vonleh, right after they draft Dante Exum at #4. With Exum and Oladipo as the backcourt of the future, they don't need Afflalo anyways, and could clear cap space while filling a need at PF.
#7 Pick
The Lakers would love to use this pick in a package to get Kevin Love. To put it simply, it's not going to happen.
#8 Pick
The Kings would love to use this pick to acquire an established player. First off, I don't get it. They can get a quality player at #8 to fill a hole such as Marcus Smart or Julius Randle. Secondly, I'm not sure who they could really get since no team seems interested at this point. My guess is that they end up keeping this pick.
#11 Pick (and #16 and #19)
One trade that's being discussed heavily right now is Chicago trading their two picks at 16/19 to move up to #11. This would allow them to add an elite shooting guard, such as Nik Stauskas or Gary Harris. While that makes obvious sense for the Bulls who could a shooter next to Rose, I think they could fill two needs by staying put. For example, a scorer like Young, Hood, Warren, Hairston, or another would be available later. A stretch-4 who'd be perfect for Thib's system would be Adreiane Payne. Also, they could add an elite point guard to back up Derrick Rose, which is an important spot nowadays. So whoever ends up with 16/19 to me comes out a winner in this potential deal, since it is such a deep draft.
#14/#18/#27
The Suns have three picks in this loaded first round. That means they could make some serious moves. The most rumored has been trading for Kevin Love, but Love doesn't seem convinced he wants to go there. Maybe they could lure another star though... Trading for Love would be a great deal. If not, I'd stay put and again load up on prospects, maybe adding a stashed Euro or two.
These are just some of the things I've heard. Obviously, there could be more. No matter what, I expect some trades to take place on draft night, if not before. Can't wait!
By: The Sports Guys
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