TITLE: Peterson Addresses Jazz Interest as Pacers, Thunder Weigh Draft Moves
SLUG: nba-draft-peterson-jazz-pacers-thunder-mavericks
CONTENT:
With the NBA Draft rapidly approaching, several teams are still fine-tuning their strategies—and one top prospect is trying to calm the rumor mill.
Peterson Meets With Utah
Former Kansas standout Darryn Peterson confirmed on Monday that he sat down with the Utah Jazz over the weekend, countering reports that he preferred to avoid the franchise. “I’m definitely not dodging any team,” Peterson said. “Whoever takes me, I’m going to come in and be delighted to be there.”
The 6-foot-5 guard has already worked out for the Washington Wizards, who control the No. 1 pick. League sources continue to suggest Washington is weighing Peterson against former BYU star AJ Dybantsa for the top selection. Should Peterson slip to No. 2, Utah is expected to give him serious consideration.
Pacers Seek Second-Round Entry
The Indiana Pacers currently hold no selections in this year’s draft, but that could change. According to Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star, the club is exploring avenues to secure a second-round pick. Jumping into the first round is viewed as unlikely due to the higher acquisition cost, though forward Jarace Walker has surfaced as a potential trade chip if Indiana pursues that path.
Thunder, Mavericks Discuss Pick Swap
Oklahoma City is evaluating a move up the board. Marc Stein of The Stein Line reports that the Thunder have talked with the Dallas Mavericks about packaging the Nos. 12 and 17 picks for Dallas’s No. 9 selection. Oklahoma City, already deep with young talent, could prefer one higher pick to two later first-rounders. Dallas, building around Cooper Flagg, may value adding two prospects instead of one.
With less than 24 hours until the draft begins, negotiations and workouts continue to shape a fluid first-round landscape.
Source: Hoops Wire
