TITLE: Nets Reportedly Focusing on Nate Ament at No. 6; Thunder, Bulls Eye Move Up for Aday Mara
SLUG: nets-ament-thunder-bulls-target-aday-mara
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Front-office executives around the league believe the Brooklyn Nets are seriously evaluating Tennessee forward Nate Ament with the sixth overall pick in this month’s NBA Draft, according to Brett Siegel’s latest mock draft for ClutchPoints.
Brooklyn’s decision-makers have a reputation for unconventional moves, underscored by their NBA-record five first-round selections in 2025. The franchise appears ready to consider another surprise by targeting Ament inside the top 10.
Teams positioning for Aday Mara
League sources told ClutchPoints that both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls are gauging trade packages to move up for Michigan center Aday Mara. Oklahoma City controls picks No. 12 and No. 17, while Chicago holds Nos. 4, 15, 38 and 56.
The Bulls have explored acquiring a second top-10 selection to pair with their No. 4 choice, though such a jump is viewed as unlikely. A trade into the 11-to-14 range is considered more feasible, with Mara and his former Michigan teammate Morez Johnson identified as key targets.
Mavericks cool on Kingston Flemings
The Dallas Mavericks, owners of the ninth pick, rank Kingston Flemings below several other backcourt prospects, including Arizona freshman Brayden Burries, sources said.
Burries, projected in the same draft neighborhood, is not believed to favor landing with the Atlanta Hawks at No. 8, Siegel reported.
Medical concerns impact Jayden Quaintance
Multiple teams have removed former Arizona State and Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance from their boards due to medical red flags and an extensive injury history, including a torn ACL suffered in February 2025. Quaintance played only four games for Kentucky during the 2025/26 season.
Despite the concerns, Siegel projects the onetime lottery prospect to draw interest late in the first round, somewhere between picks 25 and 30.
Source: HoopsRumors
