2017 NBA Draft: Live analysis and tracking rumors, picks, trades for the NBA Draft

Rumors/Confirmations

Lakers and Nets trading D’Angelo Russell and Brook Lopez

This trade is reportedly going to be finished on Thursday. In the trade, the Los Angeles Lakers receive another first round pick (they now have back-to-back picks at #27 and #28) and a proven top-notch big man in Brook Lopez. They also are able to shed the massive contract of Tim Mozgov in hopes of signing a major free agent or trading for one, such as Paul George.

The Nets, despite finishing last in the league, do not have a top-20 pick this season due to their trade with the Celtics a few seasons back. By acquiring D’Angelo Russell in this deal, they have acquired a franchise cornerstone who can hopefully develop into something special.

Hornets and Hawks trade picks as well as Dwight Howard

On first look, it seems like the Charlotte Hornets came away with a major victory in this trade. In Dwight Howard, they came away with the best player in the trade, and they were also able to move up 10 spots in the draft. As for the Hawks, they are able to start fresh at the center position and they add a very capable shooter in Marco Belinelli.

Greg Monroe stays with Milwaukee by picking up his player option

After a stellar season off the bench for the Milwaukee Bucks, Greg Monroe decided he was happy with the team and did not want to test the risky big man market, which might not net him more than the player option he took with the Bucks. For Bucks’ fans, this is good news, and it might take the team away from drafting a big man in the first round, but we will see what the front office will do.

Nick Young opts out of his contract with Los Angeles Lakers

With Nick Young taking off for free agency, it will be interesting to see what kind of deal he receives on the open market. He is a very good three-point shooter, and every team needs one of those, but who is going to give him a contract and how long will the deal be?

Porzingis on the trading block?

Rumors throughout Wednesday discussed the possibility that the Knicks would be interested in trading Kristaps Porzingis. On Thursday, those rumors were furthered with the idea that the Suns and Knicks were in discussion, although with Devin Booker as an untouchable part of the deal, something might not get done. The Knicks’ front office has a very high asking price for Porzingis (as they should), but if he doesn’t get traded, I wonder how he will feel about being set onto the open market during the draft week.

Suns looking to make a move

If the Suns are realistically thinking about De’Aaron Fox at the #4 pick, then they will be spending the rest of today looking for a home for Eric Bledsoe. Bledsoe, a high-profile point guard, would certainly get the attention of the league and should return solid trade value if dealt. There are several teams that would like to have his athleticism and defense as their starting point guard.

If Bledsoe is going to be headed to Denver, then the possibility of De’Aaron Fox at #4 would be reopened, especially if the Suns do not see Emmanuel Mudiay as a starter. The Nuggets would receive a solid starting point guard to pair up with Nikola Jokic while the Suns can add to their young core with a young guard and a second lottery pick at #13.

Spurs active in trades surrounding LaMarcus Aldridge and Danny Green

With three first round picks, the Trail Blazers certainly have the assets to be able to get this done. If this were to go down, the Spurs would have to find someone to fill that whole at power forward on a team that can compete for a title. Kawhi Leonard is the heart of the team right now, but they need more talent. Are they going to find that through the draft or are they looking to shed more money for a big name free agent. Chris Paul maybe? For Portland, this would bring Aldridge back into the mix with his former team, who is in need of a power forward.

With his combination of defense and shooting ability, Danny Green would be an ideal fit in Cleveland. Problem with this deal as that Cleveland has very little to offer as far as assets go that would ensure a deal for Green would occur outside of Kevin Love. And Kevin Love was offered in the trade, the Cavaliers would want more than just Green. In other words, an asset of which I am not sure the Spurs would be willing to part with.

Jimmy Butler to potentially join former coach in Minnesota

This deal would give the Timberwolves another star player to join up with Karl-Anthony Towns, and it would give the Bulls some much needed youth. The Bulls struggled this past season due to an inability to shoot the ball and being too old. The Bulls are able to snag two young assets while the Timberwolves add a star. Interesting move on both ends.

Paul George might be heading to Boston

Portland and Sacramento making deals

Denver and Utah swap picks

Memphis gets into the draft

Jazz find a center late in the first round

Golden State gets into the draft