TITLE: Thunder Reportedly Eye Top-Four Trade to Draft Cameron Boozer
SLUG: thunder-top-four-trade-boozer-draft-rumors
CONTENT:
Two league executives told Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints that the Oklahoma City Thunder are considering a package built around the No. 12 and No. 17 selections in next month’s NBA Draft in an effort to climb into the top four and select Duke forward Cameron Boozer.
Sources cited by Siegel believe teams holding early lottery spots are unlikely to cooperate, noting that the projected top four prospects are viewed as a separate tier. Rival executives also doubt clubs will be eager to help the defending champions secure another potential franchise cornerstone unless Oklahoma City overpays.
The Chicago Bulls, owners of the No. 4 pick, would only entertain moving that selection if it allowed them to move up rather than down, according to Siegel.
Even if the Thunder cannot reach the top four, league figures expect general manager Sam Presti to be active on the trade market. The consensus is that Oklahoma City will not simply stand pat at Nos. 12 and 17; one or both picks could be used to move up elsewhere in the draft or converted into future assets.
Golden State’s Immediate Help, Lendeborg Interest Across Lottery
If Golden State retains the No. 11 pick, the front office is targeting a prospect who can contribute immediately, Siegel reports. The Warriors also aim to acquire a veteran guard capable of playing on or off the ball alongside Stephen Curry this offseason, with Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton identified by league sources as potential free-agent options.
The Warriors (No. 11), Charlotte Hornets (Nos. 14 and 18), San Antonio Spurs (No. 20) and Detroit Pistons (No. 21) all have interest in Michigan standout Yaxel Lendeborg, according to Siegel. Because Lendeborg is widely projected as a late-lottery selection, every team except Golden State may need to trade up to secure him. Multiple sources told Siegel that Charlotte’s pursuit is genuine, and the Hornets are expected to explore scenarios to move higher.
Mavericks Linked to Ament, Carr at No. 9
League personnel familiar with Dallas’ thinking point to Tennessee’s Nate Ament and Baylor’s Cameron Carr as players who fit the Mavericks’ preference for length and athleticism. Dallas controls the No. 9 pick.
The NBA Draft is scheduled for next month.
Source: Hoops Rumors
