New NBA Draft Rumors Reveal Thunder Eyeing Trade into Top 10, Linked to CBB National Champion

The Oklahoma City Thunder already have one of the best young cores in the NBA, but they're looking to improve it through this year's draft.

ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported on NBA Today that the Thunder are eyeing a trade that would get them into the top 10. Sean Farnham then noted that OKC is specifically looking at Michigan star Morez Johnson Jr (5:19 mark).

Johnson, who played his freshman season at Illinois before transferring to Michigan, averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 boards and 1.1 blocks per game while helping the Wolverines win the national championship.

He's the No. 16 overall player on Bleacher Report's NBA big board and is projected to go 17th overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the latest mock draft from B/R's Jonathan Wasserman.

While Johnson could still be on the board by the time the Thunder are on the clock at either 12 or 17, it's not a bad idea to try to move up to ensure they get the player they want.

Oklahoma City is also armed with draft picks, as it has two first-rounders this year as well as a second round. The Thunder could potentially have three first-round picks next year.

ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel reported Wednesday that the Brooklyn Nets are interested in OKC's Aaron Wiggins, so moving him to Brooklyn to move up to No. 6 could be an avenue for the Thunder to get into the top 10.

For a team like the Thunder, who won a championship last year and were in the mix again this year, those picks are almost more valuable as trade ammunition since OKC isn't desperate to add young talent through the draft.

Using both of their first-round picks this year would be nice, but it wouldn't hurt the Thunder to send one away to move up a few spots.