NBA Draft Rumors: Latest Buzz on Bronny James, Trades and More 2024 Picks, Prospects
The scent from the Boston Celtics' champagne celebration of their NBA championship still wafts over the basketball world, but the 2024 offseason is officially here.
It's business-of-basketball time with the draft arriving this week and free agency opening the next.
The rumor mill is hyperactive, as you might expect. Let's dissect the latest draft buzz, then, and see what to look out for during the upcoming talent grab.
Hawks Could Trade out of the No. 1 Spot?
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The Atlanta Hawks, possessors of the No. 1 pick, are either unsure of how to handle the pick or are so tightly lipped about their process that everyone thinks they're unsure about it.
Either way, it's "unclear what Atlanta will do with the first pick," per The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, who added the Hawks like UConn center Donovan Clingan but "would ideally prefer to trade down" for him.
That's a sensible stance, provided they could find a willing trade partner, of course. That could be the tricky part. Is there a front office out there infatuated with Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr or any other candidate for the top spot? There could be, but it can't help Atlanta's negotiating power that the Washington Wizards (who have the No. 2 pick) and Houston Rockets (No. 3) are reportedly "also listening to trade offers for their selections," per O'Connor.
If the Hawks see Clingan as the best prospect in this class—or at least the best one for them—they should be careful about trying to extract value in a trade before adding him. It doesn't look like teams will be a fortune to move up, plus Clingan stands as one of the draft's most logical trade-up targets given his potentially immense impact on the defensive end.
Zach Edey Cracking the Top 10?
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Towering center Zach Edey out of Purdue, who measured 7'4" at the combine without shoes, was crowned the best player in men's college basketball each of the past two seasons.
It remains unclear, though, what NBA teams think of his play style and how it will translate to the modern Association. He is much more of a lumbering, low-post big than the do-it-all 5s becoming more prevalent in this league, but front offices could value him more than people think.
To that end, O'Connor reported hearing the Blazers are "extremely high" on Edey and could consider him with their first of two lottery picks (Nos. 7 and 14).
This could depend on how the draft board breaks—if they get a shot at Clingan, it feels like they'll take it—but what feels most revealing about the rumor is what this seemingly means for Portland's two incumbent centers: Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III. If the Blazers are this interested in the draft's top bigs, they can't be enamored with their internal options.
Bronny James Destined to Land with Lakers at No. 55?
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Bronny James is perhaps the most polarizing prospect in this class.
And when he gets to the league, he might be the most polarizing player there, too, at least until (or if) he is able to establish an identity beyond being the son of LeBron James.
His lone season at USC, which was delayed upon suffering cardiac arrest in July, was borderline silent. He averaged just 4.8 points and 2.1 assists, highlighting his need for further development at the next level.
NBA teams have long drafted for potential over production, though, so James isn't unique in that regard. He might require a good amount of seasoning, but that could be true of many players in this draft.
So, will James actually wind up being one of those players picked this week? Tom Haberstroh relayed for Yahoo Sports that James is "widely expected" to be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 55th pick "if he's still on the board."
If folks need a reason to tune into Thursday night's second round, Bronny's fate—and what that might mean for LeBron's immediate future—is easily the most interesting angle to follow.
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