The Pistons have decided to take Cade Cunningham
Mark that on your final mock draft because the Pistons have finally decided to take Cade Cunningham after doing their due dilligence on other top prospects in Evan Mobley and Jalen Green.
Rockets prefer Green over Mobley, Cavs believe in fit but still listening to offers
The Rockets figure to take Jalen Green with the second pick rather than Evan Mobley, while the Cavaliers believe in the fit of Mobley next to big man Jarett Allen. However, they are getting plenty of trade offers from OKC, the Raptors, and others. Still, in the end, I think they'll lean to a top 3 prospect in Mobley. And, they have made Larry Nance Jr. very available.
Raptors may take Suggs ... or Barnes
I'm hearing the Raptors have done extensive homework of Scottie Barnes, especially considering they have made Pascal Siakam available in trades. I still do think the Raptors can't pass on a core four prospect in Suggs, rather than Barnes, but still wouldn't be surprised if the Florida State forward gets drafted at 4. Toronto is also a likely landing spot for Ben Simmons, who may be traded tonight.
Kuminga not generating buzz from Orlando or Oklahoma City
Jonathan Kuminga isn't generating much interest from Orlando and Oklahoma City, and I figure that these teams will select "their guy" ahead of the draft. Orlando seems attracted to Scottie Barnes, and the Thunder like James Bouknight. While dealing for the first pick is not on the table with the Pistons decided, I project these teams to be as equally happy with Barnes and Bouknight.
Kuminga a likely option for the Warriors, if not, Giddey
The Warriors are said to be "quite" high on Jonathan Kuminga, and regardless of who makes the selection at 7, I believe Kuminga will be the pick if he falls. Giddey has gained interest because of his ability to handle the ball next to Steph, and in my opinion, a heavy Top 10 favorite. Don't count out Franz Wagner here as well.
Magic trying out wings at 8 The Magic are said to take a wing such as Franz Wagner, Moses Moody, or maybe even Kuminga if available, and Stanford wing Ziaire Williams is also a real possibility here. The Magic are discussing a potential deal with the Knicks to move Terrence Ross for a draft pick.
Kings high on Sengun and Wagner
The Kings are the favorite to land Wagner if still available, and if not, they are favorable of big man Alperen Sengun. If they're not convinced they can bring back Richaun Holmes, the Kings may go with Sengun at 9.
Grizzlies looking to move up, but high on Giddey at 10
The Grizzlies have explored the possibility of moving up again in the draft after leapfrogging to 10. They are high on Jonathan Kuminga and James Bouknight and if available for trade, they may strike a deal. However, if they stay put, Josh Giddey, if available, is favored by Memphis.
Hornets exploring trade down, and high on Kai Jones
This may seem pointless because exactly zero rumors about the Charlotte Hornets have come true since a long time. Still, I'm hearing they are exploring trading down in the draft, and the Knicks and Thunder may be several suitors, as the Thunder and Hornets have discussed a swap of 11 and 16. If they stay put, they are believed to be prioritizing bigs, and they like Texas big Kai Jones at 11.
Spurs looking to trade into the Top 10, but have worked out a lot of prospect and potential targets at 12
I'm hearing the Spurs are trying to trade into the Top 10 of the draft. If they stay put, there's no telling what they do here considering they've worked out a bevy of prospects, from the backcourt to the frontcourt.
Pacers interested in Mitchell, putting Warren and Turner in trade talks along with 13
The Pacers are expected to be very active on draft night, as they've put T.J. Warren and Myles Turner in trade talks along with 13. However, if Davion Mitchell is on the board, they may decline to trade down with a team such as the Knicks as they are interested in the Baylor guard and defensive stopper.
Wizards have entered Ben Simmons trade sweepstakes - if they blow it up
The longer Bradley Beal goes without requesting a trade, the less likely a possible trade will happen. However, the Wizards have entered the Ben Simmons trade sweepstakes if they eventually do trade Beal. A potential Russell Westbrook sign-and-trade that consists of Kyle Kuzma as part of the package is an option. Basically, all I'm hearing from the Wizards is trade news, but assuming that Beal wants to stay in Washington and then decide to leave next season, they should get an NBA ready made contributor like Chris Duarte (who's worked out for the Wizards).
Thunder looking to move up for another lottery pick, Kemba and SGA may be moved
The Thunder can't keep all the picks they have packaged, so they have discussed a possible deal to move up from 6 to 3 and also to get a lottery pick from the Hornets. There is an expectation that the Thunder will be able to move on from Kemba for additional assets before the start of the season, and we now know SGA isn't untouchable considering the fact the Thunder offered him along with 6 for Cade Cunningham.
Lonzo done with the Pelicans? Buying a pick? Plenty of buzz from New Orleans
I'm hearing Lonzo Ball is done with the Pelicans, as Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus reported. That eliminates the purpose of creating cap space in the deal to move down from 17. Now, you may expect the Pelicans to add a guard considering Ball's expected leave. They have also acquired 2.2 million from the 76ers for the 53rd pick.
Knicks want to trade up for lottery pick
The Knicks have four picks in this draft and are expected to move on for a few. They've discussed potential deals to move into the lottery and desperately want to get into the lottery. However, if they do stay put, the prediction for the Knicks is to select a big (given the situation with Mitchell Robinson) and VCU's Nah'shon Hyland, who's shooting, scoring, and defensive upside really excites New York.
Hawks have made Reddish available, likely to move Gallinari for cap room
The Hawks have made Cam Reddish available and have discussed potential deals including the former Duke standout, and are likely to move Danilo Gallinari to create cap room to retain restricted free agent John Collins. I haven't heard much coming out of them for moving in the draft, as they are likely to stay put at 20.
Lakers high on Isaiah Jackson, likely will trade down
The Lakers may trade down in the draft to get someone else in the draft and recoup an asset, but things could get interesting if Isaiah Jackson falls to them. Jackson's shot blocking and length at 6-11 plus his shooting potential should be appealing to the Lakers at 22 if they do stay put. Meanwhile, as you guys know, KCP and Kuzma have been packaged in potential deals and Kuzma could be swapped in a potential DeMar DeRozan sign and trade.
No guarantee Rockets will keep both picks at 23 and 24, but may experience a fall of a top prospect aand get them
I believe that the Rockets will have a super high upside dude fall to them at 23, and I believe that they will take him, whether it's Keon Johnson out of Tennessee or Duke's Jalen Johnson. But I believe some trade will happen with the 24th pick, as the Rockets will look to add future picks and capital for their rebuild.
Clippers linked to Sharpe, In the Bidding for DeRozan
The Clippers can go two directions with the 25th pick: draft a scorer to help replace the scoring of Kawhi Leonard or get a much needed big man. If they decide to go the latter, Day'ron Sharpe is expected to be on the board at 25 and the Clippers may get the North Carolina big. They also have joined the DeMar DeRozan sweepstakes and have made it clear they are on a winning trail, as they, along with the Lakers and Celtics, are monitoring the availability of Ricky Rubio.
Nuggets high on Dosunmu and Primo, expected to stay put at 26
The Nuggets are expected to retain FAs JaVale McGee and Will Barton and select one of Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmu or Alabama swingman Joshua Primo. I project Dosunmu to go to the Nuggets as he provides immediate scoring help with Jamal Murray's Torn ACL affecting the team.
Nets have made Shamet and Jordan available, like Sharpe at 27,
The Nets have made guard Landry Shamet available and would "love" to dump DeAndre Jordan's salary elsewhere. Assuming they don't trade the 27th pick (haven't heard much buzz on that), if available, Day'ron Sharpe could be an option, with his size and rim protecting and capability to be a big body at the rim.
Simmons, 76ers tenure almost over, Morey wants big return
I'm sure you've heard it on Fanspo's twitter account, but Daryl Morey wants to deal Ben Simmons TONIGHT. While he still wants a "king's ransom" in return, the Sixers probably would like to deal Simmons now. They now have 3 picks in this draft, and Morey buying a pick explains his interest in this draft class. The Wolves and Wizards are among the likely landing spots for the 6-10 guard. The 76ers are also interested in Buddy Hield.
Suns likely to be more quiet on draft night
I haven't heard much buzz from Phoenix besides the speculation on Chris Paul, so I think they are likely to stay put and given the question of his and Cam Payne's status, will likely draft a guard here.
Jazz open to moving the 30th pick, but one guy who they are high on
The Jazz are open to moving the 30th pick, but there is one specific player they are high on that may reduce their interest of trading. Mike Conley is likely to stay with the Jazz, but it will come at an expneisve price.
Other Teams not picking in the first round:
Plenty of PG Options for the Bulls
Lonzo Ball and the Bulls have mutual interest if he indeed wants to leave New Orleans, and the Bulls have a secondary option in Dennis Schroeder. They've also joined in on the DeMar DeRozan sweepstakes. Expect the Bulls to make win now moves, although I haven't heard much on them looking to move 38.
Heat likely to buy a pick
The Heat have over $5 million to buy a pick, and Pat Riley seems on track to do so (yes!). A Ben Simmons trade is highly unlikely, and the Heat are interested in Kyle Lowry. If they can make cap room, they may be able to afford Lowry, whose priority this off-season is oddly money, according to sources.
Mavericks interested in Lowry and Kawhi in free agency
The Mavericks' main priority in free agency is (obviously) Kawhi Leonard, but if they miss out on him, they'll likely use their cap space to get Kyle Lowry. There is an expectation that the Mavs will be able to clear up cap room. Also, the Mavericks, along with the Lakers, are interested in Landry Shamet.
Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard has constantly reminded people that he's not requesting a trade on Twitter. That's all I have to say.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are willing to move the 31st pick in order to get veteran help, but if still available and the Bucks stay pat, Ayo Dosunmu may be a target. Teams have expressed interest in P.J. Tucker, although I think it is unlikely he'll be moved at this point.
Timberwolves
Lottery teams have expressed interest in Jaden McDaniels, and sources say the Timberwolves are searching for a veteran power forward on the market, such as ... Ben Simmons!
So there's all the trade buzz, draft targets, and rumors I've been hearing! Hope you enjoyed this article.