Pre-NBA Draft Trade Chatter
 

Figured we may as well put up a thread for it for these next few days...

So far, we have the Wizards back to being convinced that it's "Win Now" mode, clearing cap space for the Hornets by sending out Rashard Lewis and taking on Okafor and Ariza's horrible contracts. Wizards now have two solid but overpaid big men in Okafor and Nene, a small forward that can't shoot in Ariza, and one starting position with a desperate need--a shooting guard that can shoot. They are hoping to get Beal at #3 for that spot, and have kind of painted themselves into needing that to happen. Although Kidd-Gilchrist or Barnes would also both be upgrades on Ariza if Beal does go. As for the Hornets, this clears some cap room to re-sign Gordon, and get some pieces to put around the Gordon/Davis core that will be a big upgrade for the team.

Now for the rumors...
Hearing the Bobcats want to stay in the top six and get a young player in exchange for #2. That's a hard sell unless a team falls in love with a player..but now there are some rumors of the Cavs offering a package based on the #4 & #24 picks. Rumor is the Cavs are eying Beal, which would likely piss off the Wizards.

The Blazers seem willing to trade one or both of their lottery picks. There is some thought that a team would possibly move to #6 to get Drummond. Makes some sense since none of the point guards should go that high, and the Blazers may view Drummond as too much of a risk. This one should go to the wire though, as the Blazers would probably be better served to see who falls to #6 before making a move.

The Warriors also, after tanking to ensure they had a pick, are willing to trade out. I'll bring up Chicago and the rumors of them wanting to trade Deng and/or Noah here, as the Warriors are the primary team rumored for Deng, in exchange for basically just #7. This would be a very good trade for the Warriors, getting them something they really need. I still think the Bulls should try pawning Deng and Noah off on the Magic for Howard, though. The Bulls motivation is to escape the feared repeater tax, and having room to re-sign Asik and Gibson.

The Raptors pick is also rumored to be for sale. Philly is mentioned here a lot, in exchange for Iguodala. Adding AI, Steve Nash, and Jonas Valančiūnas probably puts the Raptors into the playoffs, with potential of being actual contenders.

The Bucks are rumored to want to move up...what they are offering, and how high they are looking, is unknown. They are rumored to be interested in a big man, however, and rumors currently project Drummond, Leonard, AND Zeller to all be gone by 12.

The Houston Rockets also want to move up, and are offering #14 and #16, as well as Kyle Lowry, as bait to do so. Sacramento is said to be interested, especially if Lowry is involved. Samuel Dalembert is also said to be on the block.

Utah is rumored to want to get into the first round, and the thought is one of their bigs(Millsap, Jefferson, Kanter, Favors-in that order) might get it done.

The Lakers are also rumored to want in, but it's unclear what they have to offer beyond straight up cash. Which may be ok with OKC or Memphis.

The Timberwolves are said to prefer to trade out in exchange for a young shooting guard...Not sure of any good matches, beside possibly Utah and Gordon Hayward? Utah also has Alec Burks, but he doesn't have the shooting the T-Wolves need. The team may need to get creative at the position via trading other players, especially if Rivers, Ross, and Lamb are all gone by 18.

Boston, like every other team with two picks, is rumored to want to move up, but may be best served staying put if they don't get some good feedback from Garnett prior-losing KG ushers in rebuilding, and then they need all the picks they can get. Royce White has a promise, and Boston is considered to be on the list of suspects.

Please add any rumors as you hear them or if I've missed them, regardless of how outlandish or unlikely they seem.

Apparently the Chicago front office has promised Deng he won't be traded to Golden State.

That is a foolish thing to do, really.

If for no other reason than it eliminates a bidder.

Ok...So the Bobcats get Ben Gordon and a future first rounder for Maggette.

The Clippers, Mavs, and Lakers are all discussing a trade that would send Odom to the Clips, Mo Williams to the Lakers and cap space to the Mavs.

Should be an interesting couple of days...

Other rumors:

The Rockets are trying to move up with Drummond as a target. The ultimate goal, though, is to trade the higher picks for Howard. When that fails, they may look towards Josh Smith or Pau Gasol.

Alrighty, rumours flying everywhere now...

Beal says Thunder are interested in him. So now there is speculation that Thunder might trade Harden to Wiz or Bobcats for him.

Warriors either want to move up, down, or out of first round. If they make their pick, their owner wants Drummond, but Jerry West says no project players.

Cavs are showing interest in Waiters at #4, most believe it's a smokescreen to get Bobcats to lower price.

Kings turned down #16 and Lowry for #5 deal. Maybe #12 and Lowry gets it done.

Grizzlies, like most teams in the 20's, have their pick for sale.

Bulls still want to move up.

Pacers are trying to get into top 10, apparently willing to trade Collison and/or Hansbrough. Pritchard is the new GM, so I'd be shocked if there wasn't a trade of some sort.

Rockets have shown interest in Josh Smith, but not Pau Gasol. The Lakers and Hawks have discussed a Smith/pieces for Gasol trade.

Nuggets apparently have offered Wilson Chandler for Dorell Wright and #7.

Mavs want to move up.

Sixers want Terrence Ross. Apparently, so do the Bucks. Bucks believe that the player the Suns want at #13 isn't someone they are interested in.

And Perry Jones allegedly has a knee issue that is scaring teams away.

That too.

If I was a team picking in the lottery, I'd be calling up those teams in the 20's trying to sell their picks and nab Perry Jones, Quincy Miller, or maybe even Sullinger.

I love Pau and he was key in turning the Lakers back into contenders, but if Mitch can turn Pau into Josh Smith and a draft pick, I'd be fucking ecstatic. Younger, more athletic, save money and get a 1st rounder, which they haven't had in like 5 years.

Hmm..for salaries to match, Lakers would have to take someone like Williams as well...at that point, I'm not sure the Lakers would be getting a draft pick.

Not a big deal since any deal with GS would force Chicago to take back at least 1 horrible contract.

Doesn't matter what the offer is, by saying "no offer with THAT team", you lose leverage you can lie about.

No matter, the Bulls promised Tyshawn Taylor they'd pick him #29 now.

I'm expecting the Bulls to try to get more picks either by buying them or trading future picks. They are probably getting rid of their entire bench backcourt they are gonna need more bodies that can contribute off the bench.

Taylor is suprising. For such a PG heavy offense, he doesn't seem to fit given his decision making problems.

Plus, I think most people figured he'd be available in round 2.

apparently mn offered dwill for number 2

Most likely got laughed at.

And now the Jazz are replacing the Lakers in this scenario.

most likely, wolves have terrible luck big need at sg, no one available past year at 2 worth it, and this year no pick

im sure they'd throw in Wes Johnson

Sacramento won't trade #5 to Rockets until Thomas Robinson is gone.