NBA Draft Rumors: Latest on Bronny James, 2024 Lottery Trades and Potential Picks
Decision time is nearing for the Atlanta Hawks.
And all of the others slated to pick behind them during this week's 2024 NBA draft, too.
The Hawks, who hold the No. 1 pick, still could go a number of different ways, as this talent grab lacks a clear-cut best prospect on the board. Trading back from this spot could be considered, too.
With the draft so close—the first round gets rolling Wednesday night—the basketball world is buzzing over what could happen next. Let's break down the latest buzz, then, which includes trade rumblings and a less-than-flattering Bronny James take.
Spurs, Hawks Discussing No. 1 Pick?
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While the Hawks landed the No. 1 overall pick, it's possible they won't be the ones who actually use it. Whispers of the San Antonio Spurs moving into that spot "haven't gone away," per NBA insider Marc Stein.
There is enough trade interest from the Alamo City, it seems, that the two sides have discussed potential deals. And so far, it sounds as if San Antonio is unwilling to meet Atlanta's asking price.
The Spurs, who have the Nos. 4 and 8 picks, consider that package "too rich" to climb up to No. 1, ESPN's Jonathan Givony said on The Lowe Post podcast. The Hawks, Givony added, would be interesting in getting back their unprotected 2025 first-rounder, but the Spurs "aren't particularly interested in that, either."
Expect this dialogue—and many other discussions—to continue up to and into the opening of the draft. While the top of this draft board feels a little flat in terms of prospect appeal, it only takes one front office to disagree with that assessment and try trading up for whichever player it favors above the rest.
Lakers Thinking Big with No. 17 Pick?
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The Los Angeles Lakers, who hold the No. 17 pick, are a team to watch on Wednesday. Now, that's partly because the Purple and Gold are always a team worth tracking, but it's also due to the fact the Lakers could do something interesting in that spot.
One option, per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, could be "targeting centers to slot next to Anthony Davis." If that is the route taken at the draft, Fischer mentioned Baylor's Yves Missi and Indiana's Kel'el Ware as being "linked to the Lakers at No. 17."
Fischer also relayed the club "likely will explore the trade market to see what type of veterans they can add," with Atlanta's Dejounte Murray and Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz "being batted around by rival teams as possible targets." Both players are guards, which shows there are many different potential paths to improve this roster.
Assuming LeBron James sticks around (he has a player option for next season), he, Anthony Davis and new coach JJ Redick will need to immediately crash the championship chase if this core has another banner-raising run in it.
Bronny James 'Nowhere Near Ready?'
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Bronny James will have tons of eyeballs on him this week, as the hoops world learns whether LeBron James' firstborn will be drafted or not.
If you've spent the past calendar year under a rock, this might be news to you, but yes, there is some uncertainty over whether James will be selected. His one-and-done run at USC, which had a delayed start after he suffered cardiac arrest in July, wound up being pretty quiet—media attention, aside. He averaged just 4.8 points and 2.1 assists in 19.3 minutes over 25 games, only six of which he started.
College production doesn't mean everything for NBA prospects, obviously, but it does have some questioning James' readiness for the big leagues.
"I think there are teams who believe he is an NBA player," one Western Conference assistant coach told Yahoo Sports' Dan Wetzel. "What I've seen is a kid who is nowhere near ready. He is a very good athlete and small. He doesn't dribble well or shoot it great."
Teams could still draft James and plan on further development, of course, but those sinking more immediate impact might look elsewhere.
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