NBA Draft 2021: 5 trades that could potentially happen on draft night

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Ethan Thompson #5 of the Oregon State Beavers drives against Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Oregon State Beavers won 80-70. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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NBA Draft Cade Cunningham Oklahoma State Cowboys (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

How This Helps the Thunder

GM Sam Presti stockpiled picks and has 12 first-round picks from 2021-2026 for the OKC Thunder. Presti decides to go all-in on Cade Cunningham, tapping into his stockpile of picks and trading his franchise player in Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Thunder gets a once-in-a-generation player in Cunningham who can do it all. They also get last year’s No. 7 pick in Killian Hayes. OKC gets Cunningham with the No.1 pick and then will have plenty of draft picks to pair with him for years to come.

How This Helps the Pistons

I am taking the report that came out about the Pistons looking to trade down and running with it. The Pistons think they can build something better by trading down and they get a franchise player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Next. Biggest winners and losers from NBA Draft deadline. dark

Detroit also gets another high ceiling player to pair with Gilgeous-Alexander with the fifth pick and two other late first-round picks. Plus, we don’t know the Clipper’s future with Kawhi Leonard. They could be getting another lottery pick plus their own in 2022. Overall Detroit gets a sizeable haul for the No.1 pick.

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