The 2016 NBA Draft is nearly here and with it come a slew of trade rumors and speculation. This draft class is universally known as a weak one with no discernible future stars after what most presume to be the top two pick. The lack of great talent may mean that we see even more movement than usual in the draft order.
According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, several teams are interested in trading their lottery picks:
Yes. Celtics, Kings, Bucks, Jazz all strong options to trade the pick. – @chadfordinsider https://t.co/YjlWi1JwkA
— ESPN Insider (@ESPNInsider) May 27, 2016
None of these are overly surprising. The Kings are always on the lookout for adding veterans to a roster that has been underwhelming for years. The Bucks have a talented and young roster and were in the playoffs just one season ago and could use more established talent to help them get there again.
The Jazz have already been rumored to be looking for veteran guard and wing depth in exchange for their pick.
The most interesting scenario is the Boston Celtics. Boston holds the third overall pick in what is known as a two-player draft. However, there are a few players, namely Dragan Bender, who could be worth taking fliers on. The Celtics have long been in the running to trade for stars to add to what has been a playoff team lacking the superstar talent needed to win big.
The value of the pick remains to be seen but there is some likelihood that the Celtics package the third overall pick as well as some of their other assets for more established talent.
