Aside from the prospects most likely to be taken, there are few other givens about the top of the 2020 NBA Draft. Barring an unforeseen change, LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman and Anthony Edwards will be the first names called, but the teams they’ll land with is an entire unknown.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony said as much in his latest report on the draft on Monday, noting that the Timberwolves are open to trading the top pick to a team looking to draft Ball. The teams mentioned by Givony both back up previous reports elsewhere as well as provide some surprises.
“Some popular picks among executives to make such a move for Ball at No. 1 include the Chicago Bulls (currently holding the No. 4 pick), Detroit Pistons (No. 7) and Oklahoma City Thunder (No. 25, plus a stash of future firsts).”
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported the Bulls were looking for a lead playmaker and Ball would obviously fit that bill. ESPN’s Eric Woodyard reported that the Pistons had interest in trading up for Ball as well. The surprise team included in this report is Oklahoma City.
The Thunder would likely need to get creative to move into the No. 1 pick. Chris Paul is the name most mentioned most with trades regarding the Thunder. The Timberwolves are looking to improve for the future but trading for Paul would be too much of a win-now move.
As Givony noted, the team may need to package some of its other assets to move up in the draft. The team gained a host of draft picks last summer with the trades of Paul George and Russell Westbrook and could cash in right away on those assets.
In all, it is another rumor that will continue to make the lead up to the 2020 NBA Draft all the more fascinating.
[lawrence-related id=26797,26794,26780]