2024 NBA Mock Draft with 5 Trades In Round 1
The Atlanta Hawks are almost on the clock.
Less than one week remains before the birds kick off the 2024 NBA draft with a No. 1 pick that no one seems to have a great grasp on yet.
While French swingman Zaccharie Risacher has been the most popular No. 1 pick in recent mocks, The Athletic's Sam Vecenie noted that "league sources are still unsure of [Atlanta's] plans."
So, this could remain a (somewhat) educated-guessing game up until the moment when NBA commissioner Adam Silver announces the selection.
Mock drafts are always tricky, and this top-to-bottom uncertainty only adds to the trickiness. Still, we're not only plowing through a mock draft here anyway, but we're also upping the difficulty level by piecing together five hypothetical trades in the first round.
With payrolls subject to change amid the dawn of a new NBA calendar year, we'll focus less on money-matching in these trades and more about the value needed to get these deals done.
So, take it away, hypothetical Hawks executive!
Atlanta Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher, SG/SF, JL Bourg-en-Bresse
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It's strange being this close to the draft and this unconfident in a No. 1 pick, but such as life with this year's talent grab.
Several options were considered here—including Atlanta trading down from or even out of this spot—but Risacher feels like the (relatively) safest selection.
Regardless of whether the Hawks try loading up for next season or shift their focus further into the future, he'd be a fit with either timeline.
His three-and-D skills should play right away, and there are enough flashes of ball-handling, facilitating and finishing to hold out hopes that he'll become a highly coveted do-it-all big wing.
2. Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr, PF/C, Perth Wildcats
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Barring a surprise at No. 1, the Wizards might have the most stress-free experience of the draft with the No. 2 pick.
ESPN's Jeremy Woo wrote: "Rival teams have largely viewed the Wizards as a landing spot for Risacher or Sarr, depending which direction the Hawks go."
This should be a mostly straightforward decision that Atlanta will effectively make for Washington. About the only way it could blow this pick would be trading it away, since its infancy-stage rebuilding roster has a glaring need for more blue-chip potential.
Now, does Sarr offer that kind of upside? It depends on what you see for the future of his offensive game.
At worst, he'll be an athletic rim-runner who finishes from close range and defends all over. At best, though, he can check that box while also adding grab-and-go ball-handling, off-the-dribble distributing and shooting range that pushes out past the perimeter.
TRADE at 3. Charlotte Hornets: Reed Sheppard, PG/SG, Kentucky
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Charlotte Hornets receive: No. 3 pick (via HOU), Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale
Houston Rockets receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Miles Bridges (via sign-and-trade), Jae'Sean Tate, No. 6 pick (via CHO) and No. 44 pick (via GSW, from HOU)
Per Kelly Iko of The Athletic, three teams—the Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies—"have been most vocal" about acquiring the No. 3 pick.
Sheppard and UConn center Donovan Clingan seem to be the targets, and because Charlotte might be set at center with 2022 No. 15 pick Mark Williams, Sheppard might be its focus.
His three-ball would bring welcome relief to an offense that's often squeezed for spacing, and the fact that he works on or off the ball means he should be an easy fit with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
As for the rest of this trade, Houston could envision Ingram—a big wing who can light it up and create shots for teammates—as the missing piece who at least gets this group into next year's postseason.
New Orleans, which seemingly doesn't want to cover the cost of Ingram's extension, could pounce on this package featuring two picks to potentially use in trades, a replacement scoring forward in Bridges and another all-purpose wing stopper in Tate.
TRADE at 4. Memphis Grizzlies: Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
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Memphis Grizzlies receive: No. 4 pick and Keldon Johnson
San Antonio Spurs receive: Marcus Smart, Ziaire Williams, No. 9 pick, No. 39 pick and a 2025 second-round pick (via MEM, HOU or OKC)
If the Grizzlies try and fail to get up to No. 3, this front office would be doing backflips if Clingan dropped to No. 4.
Their frontcourt could use a glass-cleaning, shot-blocking, close-range-finishing big body in the middle, and Clingan just filled that very role on consecutive national championship teams at UConn.
Losing Smart's leadership, experience and table-setting would sting, but he has always appeared on paper as a less-than-ideal fit with Ja Morant. Johnson wouldn't be the focus of this deal, but his scoring punch and downhill attacking could be helpful to have nonetheless.
The Spurs, meanwhile, seem likely to pick up a playmaker, and Smart brings that label to both ends. A defense featuring him as the head of the snake and Victor Wembanyama on the back end sounds like a nightmare—even before accounting for the long-limbed duo of Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan—and Smart's vision could help give the big fella cleaner looks than he found during his rookie season.
The Spurs also add three picks to keep or trade, plus they get the chance to see what happens when they run Williams through their famed developmental program.
5. Detroit Pistons: Matas Buzelis, SF, G League Ignite
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While plenty of mock predictions have changed during this pre-draft cycle, the link between the Pistons and Buzelis at No. 5 is far from a new idea.
In fact, the latest mocks from B/R's Jonathan Wasserman, The Athletic's Sam Vecenie and ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo all feature this same connection. A versatile big wing would be a hand-in-glove fit with Detroit's roster, which has yet to sprout the kind of high-end talent that would help bring out Cade Cunningham's best.
Buzelis' shot is a question, and that could give the already-short-on-spacing Pistons some pause, but if they believe his shotmaking will come around, they'll have plenty to like with his size, creation and defensive versatility.
TRADE at 6. New York Knicks: Stephon Castle, SG, UConn
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New York Knicks receive: No. 6 pick and Larry Nance Jr.
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Mitchell Robinson and No. 24 pick
It would certainly be shocking to see the Knicks trade into the top 10, but doesn't this draft seem determined to serve up a few stunners? Plus, if New York plans on paying what it takes to keep Isaiah Hartenstein (and it could be a lot), then shedding the money owed to Robinson might become a priority.
This deal would let the Knicks check that box while bringing back a completely serviceable (and cheaper) backup center in Nance. More importantly, it might deliver an optimal backcourt running mate for Jalen Brunson, provided Castle's perimeter shot comes around. That's about all the 6'6" guard needs to add, since he can handle, create, finish and defend with ferocity.
The Pelicans figure to be searching for a new 5 with Jonas Valančiūnas entering free agency (and unlikely to return), and Robinson would immediately form one of the Association's most athletic 4-5 combos with Zion Williamson.
Yes, that pairing would carry an uncomfortable amount of injury risk, but it could be phenomenal and disruptive as heck if both bigs stay healthy. Plus, New Orleans would hold a pair of picks in the 20s and therefore might have the chips to make yet another move. (That's called foreshadowing, folks.)
7. Portland Trail Blazers: Cody Williams, SF/PF, Colorado
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The Blazers, who also own the No. 14 pick, should shoot for upside with at least one of their selections. They could do it here with Williams.
The younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder swingman Jalen Williams, Cody boasts good size (6'7") and length (7'1") and could grow into the big-wing mold.
He needs to bulk up and fine-tune his shooting, but he looks capable of providing at least ball-handling, secondary playmaking and defensive versatility.
8. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors): Dalton Knecht, SG/SF, Tennessee
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If the Spurs swung our trade for Marcus Smart, that would indicate a desire to compete sooner than later. Knecht, the top upperclassmen in this draft, would fit with that thought process.
If he isn't the best shooter in this class, he's at least in the discussion. He is a versatile shotmaker, too, as he can separate off the dribble or fly around off the ball into open spaces.
Knecht would have the kind of gravitational pull on defenders to help take some focus off of Victor Wembanyama.
TRADE at 9. Chicago Bulls: Devin Carter, PG/SG, Providence
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Chicago Bulls receive: No. 9 pick
San Antonio Spurs receive: No. 11 pick and a 2025 first-round pick (lottery-protected, via POR)
The Bulls have an opening for a backcourt glue-guy after reportedly trading away Alex Caruso, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, and Williams might be perfect.
Wasserman likened Williams to Boston Celtics' do-everything connector Derrick White while calling him "one of the top perimeter defenders in the draft" and "one of the nation's best pick-and-roll ball-handlers and a much-improved shotmaker."
While the Spurs are high on Williams, per Wasserman, they might see too much overlap after our hypothetical Marcus Smart pickup. So, they instead move down again to retain another lottery pick while gaining a future first that could take a little time to convey, because its lottery protection runs through 2028.
10. Utah Jazz: Ron Holland, SF, G League Ignite
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The Jazz are a theoretical candidate to prioritize some safety here, since Lauri Markkanen's window to win won't stay open forever. After back-to-back losing seasons, though, this could be the time to chase upside, and few in this draft offer more of it than Holland.
An inefficient season with the Ignite torpedoed his chances of going No. 1, but Utah wouldn't ask him to carry nearly the same offensive burden.
Instead, he could focus on finding ways for his athleticism, motor and defensive versatility to shine while slowly expanding an offensive arsenal that could feature high-end off-the-dribble shooting and passing if everything breaks right.
TRADE at 11. San Antonio Spurs: Rob Dillingham, PG/SG, Kentucky
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If the draft somehow magically follows our script, this could be the second consecutive year in which the Lone Star State pulls a fast one on the rest of the league.
Just like the Mavericks did last year with Dereck Lively II, the Spurs could slide back a few spots, gain assets (a pick in this case, flexibility for Dallas) and still wind up getting their guy.
While San Antonio would be covered at point guard in the short term with Marcus Smart, Dillingham could be the franchise's long-term solution at floor general while providing an instant impact as an off-the-bench shotmaker.
The Kentucky product can make wow plays (and wow passes) on the move, and if any defense can protect against his lack of size, it's probably one with 7'4" Victor Wembanyama manning the middle.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets): Tidjane Salaun, PF, Cholet
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While the 18-year-old Salaun lacks seasoning, a forward-thinking franchise could see a bright future ahead of him. And because the Thunder already have so many young players in prominent places of their rotation, they just might be that franchise.
He is a 6'9" shooter, finisher and multipositional defender who has dropped hints of having a deep off-the-dribble bag. He could be a real find if he lands in the right situation with the right coaching staff.
13. Sacramento Kings: Ja'Kobe Walter, SG/SF, Baylor
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The Kings are logical candidates to trade this pick, but with potential trade-up targets such as Ron Holland and Tidjane Salaun off the board, they might not find a willing dance partner.
So, here they instead pivot toward Walter, who would arrive with plenty of three-and-D tools and a chance to grow into more of a creation role if his handle and decision-making continue to improve.
14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Warriors): Kyshawn George, SG/SF, Miami
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If this pick is directly preceded by the selections of Salaun and Walter, you will hear an audible groan from Portland's decision-makers.
The Blazers need a wing in the worst kind of way, and this draft range doesn't offer an ideal fit if those players are off the board.
This would be a slight reach for George, but 6'7" playmakers who can handle and shoot will always intrigue. He'll need time to adjust to the physicality of this league, but he could be a really fun fit with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe if he checks that box.
15. Miami Heat: Nikola Topić, PG, KK Crvena Zvezda
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While it's possible Miami would want immediate results out of this pick given Jimmy Butler's rising odometer, the fact that the Heat could be eyeing stars who fit Bam Adebayo's timeline, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, suggests they may not be feeling as much urgency as folks think.
If Miami is feeling patient, then buying low on Topić might be the move to make.
The Serb looked like a top-10 pick before the discovery of his partial ACL tear, but that injury doesn't necessarily hold major long-term concerns.
When healthy, Topić is a big playmaker at 6'6" who constantly pressures opposing defenses with downhill attacks and drive-and-kicks.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Tristan da Silva, SF/PF, Colorado
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While most teams drafting ahead of this pick will focus on potential, the Sixers can afford to focus more on the here and now.
No one knows how much longer they'll be able to count on Joel Embiid staying upright, and Tyrese Maxey spent this season looking awfully capable of being the second-best player on a contender.
Philly could be looking to fill in some cracks here then, and Da Silva plays like a human adhesive. Though not a great athlete, he is polished, poised and playable both in multiple roles and at multiple positions.
17. Los Angeles Lakers: Zach Edey, C, Purdue
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The Lakers followed the double-big model to championship success during the 2019-20 season. They could be angling to try that option again, as SNY.tv's Ian Begley reported they are "closely monitoring potential center additions this offseason both through the NBA draft and free agency."
If L.A. wants size, no prospect offers more of that than the 7'4", 299-pound Edey.
While it's unclear how much value he'll add on the perimeter at either end, he'll gobble up rebounds, protect the paint and torch defenders in the post.
18. Orlando Magic: Jared McCain, PG/SG, Duke
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While Orlando's defense proved postseason-ready, a dearth of shooting effectively capped how high this young club could climb. Adding a shotmaker of McCain's ilk could be a way to raise that roof.
He is a lights-out shooter both off the catch and off the dribble, and when defenses crowd him along the arch, he can pick them apart with his passing.
It's easy to envision an on-court connection between McCain and last year's No. 6 pick, Anthony Black, because each player's skills can cover for the other's weaknesses.
19. Toronto Raptors (via Pacers): Carlton Carrington, PG/SG, Pittsburgh
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If the Raptors are committed to building around Scottie Barnes—and this season's trades of OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam suggest they are—then they'll always be on the lookout for more shooting.
Carrington provides exactly that. Even better, he offers good size for a combo guard (6'4" in socks with a 6'8" wingspan), enough vision to run point and the abilities to shoot and distribute off the dribble.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers: Johnny Furphy, SF, Kansas
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The Cavaliers should focus on finding wins until whenever they decide to break apart their core of star guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland and star bigs Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
And despite some early speculation suggesting otherwise, it doesn't sound like that will happen this offseason.
So, Cleveland throws a dart here at Furphy, a 6'8" shooter who plays within himself and can finish around (or above) the basket.
21. New Orleans Pelicans (via Bucks): Yves Missi, C, Baylor
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If the Pelicans brokered our theoretical trade for Mitchell Robinson, they could still double-down on bigs with this pick—especially if, like it did here, the Robinson deal cost them Larry Nance Jr.
Missi would fit into the same rim-running role, though that's not the only place he'd make his mark. He's also a nimble enough mover to defend on the perimeter, and he has shown flashes of attacking out of face-ups.
22. Phoenix Suns: Tyler Kolek, PG, Marquette
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The Suns spent this past season without a traditional point guard. It doesn't sound like they'll try that again.
Kolek could be exactly what they need: A ball-mover, shot-maker and plug-and-play prospect who looks like he could handle at least a significant reserve role right from the start.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (via Pelicans): Jaylon Tyson, SF/PF, California
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A prospect's playability will be big for the Bucks, who only have so many more cracks at it with their current core. Shotmaking will matter, too, since superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo does everything but space the floor.
Tyson should be a fit from both angles. The 21-year-old seems well-equipped for a complementary role, and his far-reaching skill set should add immediate value.
TRADE at 24. Boston Celtics: Kel'el Ware, C, Indiana
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Boston Celtics receive: No. 24 pick
New Orleans Pelicans receive: No. 30 pick, No. 54 pick and a 2026 second-round pick (via MIN, NOP, NYK or POR)
In a perfect world, the Celtics would be able to nab a backup big man with the 30th overall pick. With Zach Edey and Yves Missi off the board, though, they might have doubts about a capable center slipping that far.
So, Boston swaps out a current and future second for the chance to climb six picks and add Ware, an athletic 7-footer who might become a rim-running big with three-point touch.
25. New York Knicks: DaRon Holmes II, C, Dayton
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Even without the mock trade involving Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks could be in the market for a backup center.
Isaiah Hartenstein and Precious Achiuwa are both ticketed for free agency, and it seems less than certain they will pick up their team option on Jericho Sims.
In other words, there are myriad ways in which Holmes could wind up on their radar. He doesn't offer a ton of size (6'9", 236 lbs), but he is long and bouncy. He also could be a supplier of the unicorn combination of shot-blocking and three-point shooting.
26. Washington Wizards (via Clippers): Isaiah Collier, PG, USC
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Between Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly and Deni Avdija, the Wizards would have the makings of a young core to build around. But they could still use a young point guard to help tie everything together.
Collier is more of a downhill power scorer than a traditional floor general, but that should be fine with Washington.
This roster needs more offense, and that will only become more obvious if the Wizards ship out any veterans for long-term assets.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr., SG/SF, Illinois
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The Timberwolves looked a bit top-heavy in the playoffs, and it won't be easy balancing this roster with their skyrocketing payroll.
A perimeter scorer to pair with star sub-center Naz Reid could help, and Shannon should be one of the best left on the board.
He is aggressive both with the basketball and on the defensive end, and his three-ball never showed more promise than it did this season (2.4 threes per game on 36.2 percent shooting).
28. Denver Nuggets: Kyle Filipowski, PF/C, Duke
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This mock draft would produce some white-knuckle moments in Denver, as one serviceable backup big after the next was taken.
In the end, though, the nervousness would dissipate with Filipowski still on the board and perhaps good enough on the perimeter to log spot minutes alongside Nikola Jokić.
More importantly, though, the Duke product could fill in when the big fella needs a breather and ensure Denver still has a jumbo-sized scorer, screener, ball-handler and passer on the floor.
29. Utah Jazz (via Thunder): Pacome Dadiet, SF/PF, Ratiopharm Ulm
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The Jazz could make their second upside play of the first round here, hopefully expanding what's already an interesting young core.
While Ron Holland does his best work defensively, Dadiet is a hoop waiting to happen.
He can shoot off the catch or the bounce and finish with power at the basket. His decision-making could use some polishing, but the Jazz should be patient enough to let that process play out.
TRADE at 30. New Orleans Pelicans: KJ Simpson, PG, Colorado
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While dealing Brandon Ingram for a center would fill one void, it would create another. Namely, the Pels would be missing a big chunk of their scoring, creation and table-setting.
Simpson couldn't fill that on his own, but he would provide support in all of those areas, especially if the gains he made as an outside shooter (43.4 percent this season, 26.9 the two seasons prior) sustain.
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