Draft Rumors: Wolves, Sixers, Celtics, Nets, Monk

A Tuesday report suggested that the Pistons are open to the idea of moving their No. 12 overall pick for a more established veteran, and Detroit may not be the only team with that idea. According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, there’s a belief that the Timberwolves – who currently hold the No. 7 pick – would move their lottery selection for a win-now veteran in the right deal.

Interestingly, both the Pistons and Timberwolves employ a head coach who also has the final say in basketball decisions, which is one reason why those clubs may be more inclined than others to get short-term help instead of looking too far down the road.

While we wait to see if either team seriously pursues a pick-for-player swap, here are a few more draft rumors from Kyler and his fellow Basketball Insiders scribe Moke Hamilton…

  • Sixers president of basketball ops Bryan Colangelo has “made it pretty clear” that his second-round picks in this year’s draft are available, per Kyler. Philadelphia has four second-round picks in addition to the No. 3 overall selection this year, and has little interest in adding that many more young players to its roster.
  • League sources who spoke to Kyler doubt that the Celtics will receive a trade offer valuable enough to move the No. 1 pick. Danny Ainge confirmed this week that he has received calls about that top selection, but according to Kyler, the prevailing belief in NBA circles is that Boston will use the pick.
  • The Nets are “sold” on Latvian forward Rodions Kurucs, reports Hamilton. There’s skepticism that Kurucs will still be on the board when Brooklyn picks at No. 22, however, with speculation that he could go as early as No. 15. Interestingly, Portland holds that 15th overall pick, and the Nets have spoken to the Trail Blazers about the possibility of acquiring one of their first-round selections.
  • Sources familiar with the Sixers‘ thinking believe Malik Monk is high on Philadelphia’s board, according to Hamilton. Hamilton suggests it might make sense for the Kings and 76ers to explore a deal, with Sacramento moving up to No. 3 to land De’Aaron Fox and Philadelphia sliding down to No. 5 to nab Monk.
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