The NBA rumors regarding trades and the draft keep coming.
Kevin Love is being talked about a lot still, but there’s some other names thrown into the mix.
Let’s check out the latest news:
-Top Draft Picks Can Be Traded For
The top teams in the draft aren’t looking to trade--but No. 5 and down are.
“After pick No. 5, however, things are much more fluid. Sources say the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns are all open to offers,” reported Chad Ford of ESPN (subscription required).
“While the Celtics, Lakers, Kings, Hornets, Wolves and Suns aren’t likely to get All-Stars for their picks, they should be able to score players or multiple assets to help their teams right now. Look for the Bucks, Hawks, Mavs, Blazers and Raptors to be especially busy trying to move up or acquire a second pick.”
The deep draft is giving lots of teams incentive to try to move back and still get a good pick, while picking up a nice veteran or two in the process.
-Celtics Want to Trade Up
The Celtics are among many teams looking to deal draft related trades.
President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge “has contacted two unspecified teams in the five slots above his pick about trading up for the most intriguing prospects in the draft,” according to the Boston Herald.
“He has also taken a marginal number of calls from teams interested in the sixth pick.”
The Celtics are among the teams reportedly trying to get Kevin Love, as well.
-Lakers Pick Increasingly Linked to Julius Randle
Kentucky forward Julius Randle, left, fights for a rebound with Wisconsin forward Duje Dukan during the second half of an NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball semifinal game Saturday, April 5, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Randle may not fall to No. 7, but if he does (and if the pick hasn’t been traded) the Lakers will probably scoop him up.
Basketball Insiders, exploring the Lakers options, says that they should sign someone like Trevor Ariza and/or Greivis Vasquez.
“Putting guys like Ariza, Vasquez, and potentially a young power forward like Julius Randle (if he were to dip slightly in the draft) next to a returning Bryant would certainly be an intriguing start, but Kupchak and Buss would be far from done this summer. Although we shouldn’t expect quite the ‘rent-a-roster’ that took the floor this season, even if the Lakers are able to land a couple of the players mentioned, the front office is still expected to look to retain some of the current crop of players in order to complete the roster,” it reported.
“Reserve big man Robest Sacre is the only player with a guaranteed contract beyond Bryant and Nash. Things remain uncertain regarding Pau Gasol’s future, as there have been no updates beyond the reports that surfaced last month claiming he would consider the Grizzlies, Bulls, Spurs and Lakers when deciding where to play next season.”
-Phoenix Suns Want Kevin Love
The Suns may be able to put out the best offer for Love, since they have so many draft picks and also a lot of young, talented players.
“Suns interested in Love deal w/best assets Dragic, Bledsoe & picks,” reported Marc Spears of Yahoo via Twitter.
“NBA sources say it will take full max deal to control free agent Bledsoe.”
The Suns have three picks in the first round--No. 14 , No. 18, and No. 27.--as well as No. 50 in the second round.
Other teams that have been linked to Love deals are the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers, the Houston Rockets, and the Chicago Bulls.
The Rockets don’t have a whole lot to deal, and neither do the Bulls.
The Warriors are rumored to want to deal David Lee, according to Basketball Insiders. And they could throw in another player or two and/or draft pick(s).
The Lakers seem to be a top destination if/once Love gets out of his deal next summer.
