The Cavaliers remain active in trade discussions, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who reports (via Twitter) that Cleveland is exploring deals involving J.R. Smith‘s expiring contract in addition to possible trades of the No. 5 pick. Barring a trade, Cleveland remains focused on Darius Garland at No. 5, Woj adds (via Twitter).
Here a few more draft-night rumors worth rounding up:
- According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 (Twitter link), the Suns felt that the ability to land a starting power forward trumped the opportunity to draft a developmental point guard at No. 6, which is why they made their trade with the Timberwolves for Dario Saric. Phoenix plans on rolling with Tyler Johnson and a free agent signing at the point guard spot, Gambadoro adds.
- The Timberwolves have engaged in multiple conversations about that No. 6 pick since agreeing to acquire it from the Suns, league sources tell Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
- Two high-ranking sources have told Brian Lewis of The New York Post (Twitter link) that the Nets remain “very interested” in signing Kyrie Irving with or without Kevin Durant. Lewis had previously reported that Brooklyn was weighing whether to sign Irving if the team couldn’t get Durant too.
- Things could change, but for now it looks like Frank Ntilikina may not be traded tonight by the Knicks, tweets Steve Popper of Newsday.
I’m good with the Garland pick. Was cool with Coby or Reddish. Let’s keep the pick Cavs. Figure out how to get a 13-20 pick with Jr if possible. Would love to get Cam Johnson and Dylan Widenor with the 26th pick too. Wonder how far Reddish might slip?
You guys gotta stop listening to John Gambadoro. The guy is a total joke. Literally the least creditable person in all of sports media.
He’s pretty plugged in on the Suns and has sources within the organization (the tweet linked in this post is a good example, since it’s clearly coming from the team trying to explain its thinking).
I’m not against Garland, I just haven’t seen him in a game. Sounds like what I said about Doncic last year. Hmm… good precedent!
I live in Nashville and have seen both Garland and Windler. I like both picks a lot. Garland was a beast in HS.