The NBA Draft is right around the corner and FortyEightMinutes conducted a Mock Draft with a trade for every pick, including several Donovan Mitchell deals, multiple scenarios where teams trade up into the top-10, and at least one scenario that sees Ben Simmons, LeBron James, and D’Angelo Russell each finding a new team.
Below is an excerpt from the piece which is set to be released later today:
No. 1 – Orlando Magic
Pelicans Trade Zion Williamson
- Magic get: Zion Williamson, No. 8
- Pelicans get: No. 1, Jonathan Isaac.
As we mentioned in our previous mock draft, the Pelicans are in an interesting position with Zion Williamson, who will be eligible for an extension this summer. It’s not clear if he’s a great fit next to Brandon Ingram and his real interest in being with the Pelicans franchise is even more unclear.
It’s hard to envision Orlando trading the No. 1 selection but no doubt, teams will be calling. Is there a reasonable offer out there that would be more enticing than the Pelicans should they look to trade Williamson? When Zion is on the court, there’s no doubting his ability. He’d even-further fast-track the Magic rebuild and provide them with the type of ceiling that rivals any player in this draft class. The move would come with massive risk but it would be something worth considering for Orlando.
New Orleans would make the move to take Jabari Smith Jr. and it would change their salary cap dynamic without taking away the team’s long-term ceiling. Such a trade would provide a situation similar to an NFL team with a prospering QB under a rookie contract, as David Griffin would have ultimate flexibility to bring in talent around a budding star who can play right away. It would be the kind of move that could potentially set up the Pelicans to grow into a Spurs-style dynasty rather than having that being at the mercy of Williamson’s health and interest in coming to work.
– Chris W. Crouse
Another Scenario: Thunder Move Up One Spot
Our mock draft also features another scenario where the Magic trade the No. 1 pick. The Thunder aim to trade the No. 2 pick to move up to No. 1, giving Orlando the No. 30 overall selection to do so.
For Orlando, it gives them one of the perceived top-2 prospects and adds another contributor at No. 30 (Michigan State’s Max Christie would certainly be welcomed on the wing).
