NBA Draft Buzz: Clippers Lean Toward Staying at No. 5 as Nets, Mavericks and Pelicans Weigh Trade Options
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The picture at the top of Tuesday night’s NBA Draft is becoming clearer, with several teams refining their plans, according to reporting from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
Clippers
Los Angeles is expected to hold on to the No. 5 overall pick and is focused on two guards—Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and Louisville’s Mikel Brown. Despite months of speculation about trading the selection for veteran help, there was little sign over the weekend that the Clippers were actively pursuing that route.
Nets
Brooklyn, selecting sixth, is also high on Brown. If the Louisville guard is gone, the Nets have considered trading down and have shown interest in Tennessee forward Nate Ament. Should Brooklyn pass on Wagler, Atlanta at No. 8 could become a landing spot for the Illinois guard, and multiple teams outside the top 10 are prepared to move up if Wagler slips.
Mavericks
Dallas remains active on the trade front, discussing packages built around center Daniel Gafford and the No. 30 pick to move higher in the draft. The Raptors and Hornets have surfaced as potential partners. Guards Cameron Carr and Labaron Philon are among the prospects drawing the Mavericks’ attention.
Pelicans
New Orleans continues to search for a path into the lottery and has spoken with the Warriors, Mavericks, Thunder and Hornets. Forward Trey Murphy III has come up in those talks, but the Pelicans are reluctant to move him unless an offer is overwhelmingly strong. If they do secure a lottery pick, Ament and Carr are believed to be high on their board.
Source: Hoops Wire
