2021 NBA Draft: Last-minute news and notes
Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Cade Cunningham (right). (Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire)
July 29th, 2021
The day is finally here, and we have some final news and notes for tonight's NBA Draft.
Let’s take a look at all the last-minute rumors and decisions that could change our expectations for tonight.
Detroit not committed yet
Since the NBA Draft Lottery on June 23 was won by the Detroit Pistons, all signs have pointed toward Cade Cunningham, but the franchise has yet to come out and say it will taking him.
ESPN reported earlier this week that the Pistons were keeping their options open and having internal discussions about Jalen Green and Evan Mobley, along with Cunningham. However, this all seems like a lot of noise and little news.
Detroit’s internal meetings are still revolving around three players for the No. 1 pick on Thursday night — Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green and Evan Mobley, sources tell ESPN. Detroit isn’t fully there yet on committing to Cunningham with their first overall choice.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 26, 2021
Unless the Pistons are looking at possible trade options, they are not going to pass on Cunningham. He remains at -10000 to be the first player drafted, and there is no doubt he will hear his name called first, even if it is for a different team than the Pistons.
Ben Simmons trade rumors keep swirling
Since the Philadelphia 76ers took a shocking, second-round exit from the playoffs to the Atlanta Hawks, the rumors have been swirling about moving Ben Simmons.
There is never a better time to find some suitors than draft night. The price will be steep, but there are teams that have the assets to make moves.
ESPN Sources: Sixers continue to canvass the league for Ben Simmons trades — armed with a steep asking price. Simmons and his agent, Klutch CEO Rich Paul, are in step with a move elsewhere. Draft night is always an ideal vehicle for a deal, but talks could continue into summer.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 28, 2021
The Golden State Warriors have picks at No. 7 and No. 14, along with Andrew Wiggins and James Wiseman. The Toronto Raptors have the No. 4 pick and have been rumored to be in talks with the Sixers already for Kyle Lowry.
Lakers actively shopping
The Los Angeles Lakers have been actively involved in just about every trade rumor involving a point guard this offseason. That includes names like Lowry, Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook, and Simmons. Now that list includes Landry Shamet.
Ian Begley of SNY reported the Dallas Mavericks and the Lakers are the top two contenders to get Shamet via trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets have the No. 27 pick and might want to move up to No. 22, a pick the Lakers hold. The Nets have three second-round picks that could be included in a deal.
The Lakers also have the option to move up in the NBA Draft, which is another rumor swirling. They may try to to secure one of the Baylor guards, Davion Mitchell or Jared Butler.
“Sources say the Lakers are highly motivated to add another significant player to the roster and win it all again this season.” 👀🍿
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 28, 2021
(via @sam_amick) pic.twitter.com/50nhc8rAXL
No more Ainge magic
This will be the Celtics' first NBA Draft without Danny Ainge as an executive since 2002. Ainge has been known for his big moves around draft time, including his deal to send away Jeff Green for Ray Allen in 2007 and his trade to get out of the No. 1 pick in 2017 to still take the player he wanted at No. 3.
While Ainge deals will be missed, I am sure we will see plenty of trade discussions and moves during tonight’s draft, especially given how deep this talent pool is going late into the second round.
ADVERTISEMENT
