The Nets, who currently hold the 29th, 40th, and 45th overall picks in the 2018 NBA draft, would like to move up into the teens if possible, league sources tell Michael Scotto of The Athletic.
Scotto identifies the Nuggets (No. 14), Wizards (No. 15), and Bucks (No. 17) as three teams picking in the middle of the first round who are currently in win-now mode, making them potential trade partners for Brooklyn. The Nets could dangle modestly-priced point guard Spencer Dinwiddie in trade talks, according to Scotto, who notes that veteran forward DeMarre Carroll may appeal to some teams too. Carroll played for new Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer in Atlanta.
Scotto suggests that the Nets would rather not compromise their 2019 cap flexibility, so if they take on any salary in a trade, they’d prefer expiring contracts. That could make them a match with the Denver or Washington — both teams will probably be looking to shed some salary this offseason and are carrying pricey veterans entering contract years.
According to Scotto, the Nets aren’t the only team mulling the possibility of a move up. As Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports reported earlier this week, the Clippers have weighed trading up in the lottery too.
Per Scotto, the Clips have made calls to multiple teams in the top 10 to inquire on how much it would cost to make a deal. In addition to holding the 12th and 13th overall picks, Los Angeles has some veterans entering contract years. Tobias Harris would be a particularly appealing trade chip if the team is willing to move him.
The Sixers are one more team to keep an eye on when it comes to draft-related trades, Scotto observes, pointing out that Philadelphia currently owns two first-round picks and four second-rounders. The club figures to move at least one or two of those selections, and may target draft-and-stash prospects with some others, says Scotto.
Sixers move up IF you can land Michael Porter Jr. Won’t trade up for Mikal Bridges, tho I like him, I’d just as soon take Miles Bridges at 10.
Sixers trade their picks if it’s for Kawhi Leonard. It’s the “Hey We’re Ready NOW!” message to LeBron. I don’t think it will take much to trade for him tbh though, if he doesn’t sign that super-max then that relationship is SO bad that I think he can be had for a Bayless + Fultz + #10.
I don’t see Kawhi going anywhere. And unfortunately I don’t think LeBron fits, he would certainly hinder what the 76ers envision Simmons to be, because LeBron is a natural “give-me-the-ball” kind of guy.
Huh? You saw him play with 2 other ball dominant players in Kyrie and D Wade… won 3 NBA championships.
No, neither of them are as ball-dominant as LeBron, they know how to get open and feed off a ball-handler
If the dont get a 3rd, they’ll be Stockton and Malone at best. Close but no cigar.
Embiid Simmons and “x” free agent makes 3 to me?
Embiid isnt what I’d call ball dominant. He isnt like a Melo Iso guy.
I envision the Sixers losing to the Celtics annually.
Harell, 12th and 13th to Knicks for #9 pick,Thomas and Mudiay
No way do the Clippers make that trade. If they move both 12 and 13, it will be for 5 or higher. Otherwise there is more value in just standing pat.
With the draft position they are in, they would be better to keep the picks and draft 2 good young players. Harrell already is a good young building block, and they have several other pieces in place, they could look pretty good for next year
5 or higher? While you’re at it, perhaps the top pick and the Suns mascot…?
Clippers would laugh at that
I could envision a Wizards/Nets deal
Nets get
Marcin Gortat, pick #15
Wizards get
Demarre Carroll, pick#29
That could also enable the Wizards to do a sign and trade of Otto Porter for DeMarcus Cousins.
A starting 5 of Wall, Beal, Carroll, Morris, Cousins would be very good in the East. And if they could upgrade a little at the 4, they could challenge for a title, health permitting.
did you really just say Porter for Cousins smh
Is that really the first time you have heard that rumor in the past few weeks? I didn’t invent it, it is a fairly popular suggestion.
Hahaha…from the man who invented that “popular” dream scenario. Keep dreaming pal.
It’s also a sign and trade Cousins could hold NO over a barrel and say take Porter or I’ll go somewhere else and you’ll get nothing.
You’re a natural for a GM spot.
Am I the only one that thinks Joel&Labron might butt heads on being the leader?Sometimes you can have too many chiefs and not enough lndians!
Worked in Miami.
Totally agree with DonC, Philly is Embiid’s team, as clear as that, so if you bring a big FA signing the question is will he be happy playing 3rd fiddle for Simmons/Embiid, & watching at the progress of Dario & Fultz, hence why I think Philly needs complementary pieces not big signings, chemistry & timeline probably wouldn’t match.
It’s LeBron James. If you have the option to have him play for your team, you don’t turn it away. Stop overthinking it. It’s LeBron James.
Yea, literally Zero chance of beating the Warriors without LeBron unless Fultz becomes D Wade. Go it organically, like the Wizards or Raptors? Working out well. Celtics were not organic, heard of Al Horford? Kyrie Irving? Gordon Hayward? They overachieved this year for a stretch without Kyrie.
Irving was acquired organically – draft pick. Horford and Hayward didn’t cost them anything but a contract.
You are forgetting that Embiid has openly tried to recruit LeBron in the past. I don’t think he would have any problem with your scenario.