Report: Wizards Looking to Block Charlotte-Cleveland Draft Pick Swap

The Washington Wizards might be pulling a fast one on the Bobcats. It has been widely reported that Cleveland is trying to trade the No. 4 and No. 24 picks for Charlotte's No. 2 pick in tomorrow's NBA Draft.

However, Michael Lee of the Washington Post reports:

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As Thursday’s draft draws near, the Wizards are discovering that No. 3 is in demand. According to two league sources, the Wizards have been fielding calls in recent days from teams interested in moving up to possibly select Kansas big man and District native Thomas Robinson.

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Interesting move by the Wizards, who really want to draft Bradley Beal to pair with John Wall. While Harrison Barnes and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist can both become top players in the league, Washington just acquired Trevor Ariza, when they traded Rashard Lewis for the Hornets swingman and Emeka Okafor.

Ariza plays the same position as both Barnes and Kidd-Gilchrist.

Charlotte has been also noted to want Thomas Robinson, who has been projected to land in Charlotte by almost every single Mock Draft. 

If the Wizards attempt to deal the pick to a team that wants Robinson, Charlotte might be afraid to deal their pick to Cleveland because they might not be able to draft Kansas big man.

This is great gamesmanship from Washington management. Drafting Beal seems to be by far the best option, and they are trying to do whatever they can to draft him.

The question is whether Charlotte will bite, considering that Washington needs to come to grips to trading the pick and finding a "package" which improve their roster for the future.

For Cleveland, this report is worrisome, but not back-breaking because Washington's proposed move is likely smoke and mirrors.

Look for the Charlotte-Cleveland swap to be happen before the Wizards trading out of the No. 3 pick.