The Milwaukee Bucks met with Tennessee forward Nate Ament in New York this week, and several league sources believe the 19-year-old will not fall past Milwaukee’s No. 10 pick in Tuesday’s NBA Draft.
General manager Jon Horst and newly hired head coach Taylor Jenkins led the Bucks’ delegation, while co-owner and Tennessee alumnus Jimmy Haslam—one of the university’s top donors—adds another link between the prospect and the franchise.
The Los Angeles Clippers (No. 5), Brooklyn Nets (No. 6) and Dallas Mavericks (No. 9) have also shown interest in Ament, according to league insiders. He declined to work out for Golden State, which selects at No. 11.
The New Orleans Pelicans are exploring ways to trade into the top 14, with Ament among the players who would interest them, sources said. Golden State has long pursued Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III, but New Orleans is reportedly asking for a significant return.
Additional draft buzz
Labaron Philon: The Alabama guard is gaining traction with both the Bucks and the Miami Heat. Philon is viewed as a strong option at No. 13, whether Miami keeps the pick or sends it to Milwaukee in a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo deal.
Brayden Burries: Arizona’s guard impressed Clippers coach Tyronn Lue during a Tuesday visit and is now under consideration at No. 5, though most projections place him no earlier than ninth.
Morez Johnson: Teams drafting in the late teens and 20s do not expect the Michigan forward to slip past the Chicago Bulls at No. 15. Rival executives believe the Oklahoma City Thunder (No. 12) and Charlotte Hornets (No. 14) are possible landing spots, and some see the Atlanta Hawks (No. 8) as his ceiling.
Phoenix Suns: With only the 47th pick in hand, Phoenix has discussed acquiring a first-round selection.
Dallas Mavericks: Holding the final pick of the opening round at No. 30, Dallas is gauging what it would cost to move higher.
The first round is scheduled for June —five days away—as front offices finalize boards and explore trade scenarios.
Source: Hoops Rumors
