The Warriors continue to actively discuss trades involving the No. 2 pick, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN (Insider link), who writes within his latest mock draft that the Bulls, Pistons, and Knicks are among the candidates to make a deal with Golden State.
If the Warriors remain at No. 2, the team seems more likely to select Memphis center James Wiseman than Georgia guard Anthony Edwards, per Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report. Wasserman has heard that there are some voices in Golden State’s front office against drafting Edwards, as well as mixed opinions within the front office on LaMelo Ball.
As Wasserman details, the Warriors have also expressed “legitimate” interest in sharpshooting wing Devin Vassell, but the assumption is that the club wouldn’t take the Florida State prospect at No. 2 — he’d be an option in a trade-down scenario. Wasserman adds that Vassell’s camp is confident he’ll go in the middle of the lottery and is unlikely to slip past the Kings at No. 12.
Here are a few more draft-related updates and rumors:
- According to Givony, the Suns (No. 10) are “looking heavily” at point guards and wing players, especially prospects who can complement Devin Booker, while the Spurs (No. 11) are eyeing both big men and wings in the hopes of bolstering their frontcourt.
- The Mavericks have expressed some interest in trading up into the lottery, league sources tell Jeremy Woo of SI.com. Dallas currently holds the 18th and 31st overall picks.
- Teams with picks in the 20s aren’t expecting Precious Achiuwa to be available, according to Wasserman, who says the Memphis forward will likely be picked in the 9-18 range.
- Multiple teams believe Arizona shooting guard Josh Green could slip a little, with some clubs viewing him as a “fringe first-rounder,” writes Wasserman.
- Jaden McDaniels, Tyrell Terry, Daniel Oturu, Tyrese Maxey, and RJ Hampton are among the first-round candidates with the widest projected draft ranges, per Wasserman.
First round picks can sign for as much as 120% and as little as 80% of the rookie scale. Therefore, GS and can draft Vassell at #2 and be like, “look, we’re offering you 80% of the #2 slot which is approximately the value of the #4 pick. This is a good deal for you.”
It’s not like he’s going to turn that down!
Now, GS should be able to get at least a 2nd rounder from CHA to swap picks, so take that. Then do it again with CHI. Then do it again with CLE. Then do it again with ATL. Do it until you start to get uncomfortable that you won’t get your guy. For Vassell? I’d say that’s somewhere around 6 or 7.
GS should be able to turn #2 into #6 for AT THE VERY LEAST four 2nds.
Lmao this isn’t 2K bud
Even if you could do that, you are aware that there is not an unlimited number of roster spaces available, aren’t you? Where exactly do you expect all those 2nd round picks to go?
1. Trade down 25 slots for 25 second round picks
2. Trade 20 of those second round picks for the #2 pick back
3. Profit??
The Knicks tend to get oddest mentions. Maybe because, in the past at least, they’ve done the oddest things. There isn’t any player worth trading up from #8 to #2. I would take in order 1) Williams, 2) Vassell, or 3) Okoro. I expect Vassell to be the pick. If they are determined to trade future assets, they should be used to trade up from #27 and/or #38. Play to the strength of the draft.
Knicks take Vassel or Nesmith with #8. They desperately need a shooter. They haven’t had a decent one since Sprewell/Houston
Yeah, bricklayers like Gallinari, Porzingis, and Carmelo Anthony.
I’m saying a shooter guard. All those are are small forwards
Shooting 2 guard
They need shooters, for sure, and Rose & Co. are well aware. I don’t see any off season acquisitions being guys who aren’t good shooters. Nesmith is likely the best shooter in the draft and certainly a fit on that basis. I don’t think his overall ceiling is as high as the guys I mentioned. Williams and Okoro can shoot, they just need to work on distance. Vassell also has a little hitch in his shot that needs to be cleaned up for NBA 3pt shooting. These are young players, some assembly is going to be required.
James Wiseman is the best player in the draft. Neither Ball or Edwards can shoot and both will be busts.