The Blazers own the No. 7 selection in the upcoming draft and there’s a widespread belief that the team could trade away the selection as it looks for veteran help.
Damian Lillard would like the team to acquire Deandre Ayton or OG Anunoby this offseason, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
It was previously reported that the Raptors would want more than just the No. 7 pick in exchange for Anunoby, though it’s fair to wonder whether a sign-and-trade for Jusuf Nurkic plus the selection would be enough for the Raptors given their interest in acquiring a center.
As for Ayton, Phoenix has the ability to match any offer for the center, though it’s hard to see a scenario where Portland offers up the No. 7 pick just to secure the big man. Perhaps Nurkic (via sign-and-trade) would be an option for the Suns, something that would allow the Blazer to utilize the No. 7 pick via trade elsewhere.
More NBA Draft Buzz
- The Hornets have two first-round picks and trading them both to move up and select Jalen Duren would be a smart move for the franchise, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Reports contends. Swartz mocks Charlotte swinging a trade with the Blazers at No. 7, which sends Portland the No. 13 and No. 15 overall selections.
- Shareef O’Neal has plans to visit the Lakers, Cavaliers, Hawks, and Wizards. O’Neal, who is the son of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, worked out for the Bucks this past week.
- Some around the league believe that the Thunder could attempt to get another top-10 pick, Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated writes. OKC owns the No. 12 and No. 30 selections in addition to the No. 2 overall pick. Many mock drafts have Chet Holmgren heading to the Thunder with their first pick but Woo cautions that the franchise has historically made some surprising selections compared to industry expectations and the scribe pencils in Duke’s Paolo Banchero at No. 2 in his latest mock draft. For what it’s worth, Oklahoma City’s selection of Josh Giddey last year was counter to what was expected.
