The 2016 NBA Draft is mere hours away and trade chatter is likely to ramp up significantly as the event nears. Here’s the latest rumors and notes from around the league:
- A number of teams have ruled out selecting Thon Maker in the first round over concerns that his age has been misrepresented, Jake Fischer of Liberty Ballers tweets. Multiple league sources tell Fischer they believe Maker to be 21-23 years of age, while he is officially listed as being just 19-years-old.
- The Hornets are offering the No. 22 overall pick as a sweetener if teams will take the contracts of Spencer Hawes or Jeremy Lamb off their hands via trade, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical relays (via Twitter). Charlotte wants to clear cap room to aid it in pursuing free agents this offseason, Wojnarowski adds.
- Several Western Conference teams have been aggressively pursuing Nets forward Thaddeus Young, who Brooklyn is looking to deal to the highest bidder in an effort to land a first round pick, Wojnarowski tweets.
- Teams picking after the Grizzlies, who own the No. 17 overall pick, believe Memphis is split between selecting Malachi Richardson and Malik Beasley, Fischer tweets.
- The Hawks have contacted teams drafting in the late teens of the first round offering to trade back from No. 12 overall in exchange for an established rotation player, Fischer relays (on Twitter).
- The Clippers have made calls to teams owning first-rounders in the mid to late teens and are offering up the No. 25 and No. 33 overall picks in return, Fischer tweets.
The Nets should take both Hawes and Lamb for the no.22
the knicks should be all over this. get a solid young two guard and the 22nd pick for nothing, then sign a center in FA.
Exactly. That deal should he done in a heartbeat
The Hawks would be idiots if they trade #12 pick for a role player!!! They traded Teague basically for a role player then. They need to package a couple draft picks for an All-Star player at SG, SF, or C. I would let Horford walk and use money for one of the previous positions. They need a go to player that can win games and not just rely on shooting with a bunch of good players. I wish they could trade for Klay Thompson if Warriors signed Durant. Too bad Durant wouldn’t go to Hawks! They could win the East.