We’re just a couple of weeks away from the 2020 NBA Draft and even though this class has been deemed weak and slim, some intriguing prospects could end up outplaying their draft stock.
However, the talent gap between the top 5 and the rest of the lottery is reportedly considerable this season, meaning that teams picking outside of the first 5 spots could be interested in trading down to gather more future assets.
And that’s why, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, and Washington Wizards are reportedly trying to make the most of the chance to trade up and take a risk in the 2020 NBA Draft.
“League sources say both the Celtics and Magic are trying to move up into the mid-lottery using their own first-round picks, and the Wizards are angling to move up from no. 9,” KevinO’Connor said.
Boston Celtics Offering 3 First-Round Picks
Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics aren’t known for just giving away picks. If anything, Ainge has made a reputation for piling up as many assets as he can. This time, however, he’d be willing to give up as much as 3 first-rounders to crack the top 5.
“The Celtics have offered their three first-round picks (nos. 14, 26, and 30) in trades to try and move up, according to multiple league sources. So far, no one is biting,” Kevin O’Connor said in his report.
Orlando Magic To Take Tyrelle Maxey If They Don’t Trade Up
O’Connor continued by stating that the Orlando Magic have been trying to move up in the Draft to land a lottery pick, but that they’re not willing to give up many assets in a move as they feel like Kentucky guard Tyrelle Maxey would be a perfect fit next to Markelle Fultz:
“League sources say the Magic are attempting to move up into the lottery; if they stay put, though, Maxey could potentially provide lottery value and immediately inject life as an energetic presence and hard-nosed defender. Though Markelle Fultz’s resurgence makes for a nice story, he’s still yet to prove he can reliably shoot the ball. Maxey is further along as a scorer off the dribble, which could push Fultz into his ideal role as a supercharged Shaun Livingston,” the report said.
Washington Wizards Could Eye LaMelo Ball
O’Connor added that Washington Wizards Tommy Sheppard told him in July that his team would be willing to take a risk on LaMelo Ball to pair him with Bradley Beal and John Wall because other teams will be wary of gambling on the younger Ball brother:
“This draft is looked at by several people as being weaker than recent years. We see it as a great opportunity. This might give us an opportunity to swing for the fences, take a wild card, buy a lottery ticket, if you will.’ Is there a bigger home run swing in the draft than Ball? At 6-foot-7, he (LaMelo Ball) could be paired with Bradley Beal and John Wall to create a three-headed monster in the backcourt with players who can attack from anywhere on the court, or as a succession plan if one (or both) of them are eventually dealt,” Sheppard reportedly told O’Connor.
There’s no denying LaMelo Ball’s upside as a scoring star in the NBA but there are serious doubts regarding his shot selection, lack of defense and muscle, so whether the Wizards will be willing to give up many assets to land him is yet to be seen.