NBA Draft Buzz: Jazz Still Weighing Peterson at No. 2; Clippers Zero In on Brown or Wagler; Nets Monitoring Wiggins
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June 2024 — Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and Brooklyn
Jazz
The Utah Jazz continue to evaluate possibilities for the No. 2 overall selection. League sources told The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer that guard Darryn Peterson has not scheduled a workout with Utah because his representatives are concerned about overlapping roles with second-year guard Keyonte George. Despite the absence of a workout, Utah’s front office remains focused on Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic.
Jones reported that the Jazz recently hosted guard Darius Acuff and left impressed, yet team officials are still expected to choose from their original trio of targets.
Clippers
At No. 5, the Los Angeles Clippers appear to be narrowing their field. Rival executives increasingly believe the club is leaning toward Louisville guard Mikel Brown or Illinois guard Keaton Wagler in next week’s NBA Draft, Fischer noted.
Both prospects are viewed as complementary fits next to All-Star guard Darius Garland, a key piece of the Clippers’ roster. Wagler recently participated in a head-to-head workout against Kingston Flemings at the team’s practice facility and reportedly made a strong impression. Brown has also visited the Clippers and the Brooklyn Nets as the draft draws closer.
Should Brown or Wagler come off the board sooner than projected, multiple lottery teams, including the Sacramento Kings, are expected to adjust their draft strategies.
Nets
The Brooklyn Nets could emerge as a trade partner if the Oklahoma City Thunder seek to reduce payroll. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that Brooklyn holds interest in Thunder wing Aaron Wiggins, who has established himself as a dependable rotation defender. With significant cap space anticipated, the Nets are positioned to absorb salary should Oklahoma City decide to move the 25-year-old swingman.
Updates on workouts and trade discussions are expected to continue through draft week.
Source: Hoops Wire
