NBA Draft 2011: Who Might Be Trading Up for Derrick Williams at No. 2?
Derrick Williams is about the surest bet in this year's mediocre NBA draft even though he is a bit of a "tweener." Still, most scouts are sure he'll be an above-average scorer in the NBA, and he has shown an ability to rebound well, especially for a small forward.
The Cleveland Cavaliers seem set to choose Kyrie Irving of Duke with the No. 1 pick, as a point guard is generally the best place to start completely rebuilding.
That leaves the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 2, but they already have Michael Beasley, who averaged 19 points per game last year at Williams' position—sounds like a draft day deal to me, either for the incumbent or the newcomer.
Here are a few ideas of which teams might just be willing to wheel and deal for that second pick.
Cleveland Cavaliers
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Sure they have the No. 1 and No. 4 picks right now, but "Angry" Dan Gilbert will be in a hurry to make a splash to improve the jilted lovers we know as the Cavs. What better way to get it done than to grab the two best players in the draft?
Only one problem—this draft may not have two difference makers in its midst to make the Cavs contenders in the next three years. Though, coming out of the first round with Irving and Williams would look much better than the guys "Angry" Dan ran out there for Byron Scott last year.
What type of deal could get it done? Well, Anderson Varejao and the fourth overall selection for the second pick and Jonny Flynn seems just about fair. The T'Wolves could take Enes Kanter at No. 4.
Cleveland Lineup
Kyrie Irving
Free Agent 2-Guard
Derrick Williams
J.J. Hickson
Ryan Hollins
Minnesota Lineup
Ricky Rubio
Wesley Johnson
Michael Beasley
Kevin Love
Enes Kanter/Anderson Varejao
Utah Jazz
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Utah Jazz fans are used to winning and last year was their worst in a while. If they really covet Derrick Williams it should cost them their third overall pick and Gordon Hayward to grab him.
The T'Wolves may like this deal best because they could still get the player they'd take one pick later anyway—most likely Enes Kanter. However, I think the T'Wolves would have the least to gain in this deal.
Utah Lineup
Devin Harris
Raja Bell (Possible Free Agent)
Derrick Williams
Derrick Favors/Paul Milsap
Al Jefferson
Minnesota Lineup
Ricky Rubio
Wesley Johnson
Michael Beasley
Kevin Love
Enes Kanter
Washington Wizards
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Could Derrick Williams be John Wall's running mate? It would seem to mean parting with super-freak athlete JaVale McGee.
The Wizards would certainly have to give up the No. 6 pick for Minnesota's No. 2 and Anthony Randolph. This trade looks great for Minnesota, as it would get a tenacious shot-blocker in the middle in McGee, a perfect complement to Kevin Love.
The 'Wolves could still take a big man, possibly Jonas Valanciunas or Jan Vesely, who may be better than Williams when it's all said and done.
Washington Lineup
John Wall
Nick Young
Derrick Williams
Anthony Randolph
Free Agent Center
Minnesota Lineup
Ricky Rubio
Wesley Johnson
Michael Beasley
Kevin Love
JaVale McGee
Detroit Pistons
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The Pistons are due for a good move; I'm not sure this is it though. It could get complicated, possibly involving Richard Hamilton, which could lead to a buyout and him signing with the Chicago Bulls.
Another option is Rodney Stuckey. Stuckey would no doubt take over at shooting guard for Wesley Johnson. The 'Wolves would get the Detroit pick and possibly select Klay Thompson.
Even though the T'Wolves could send Jonny Flynn and Martell Webster, the Pistons would still need a point guard. They could get a third team involved like the Jazz and move back to No. 3 and still get Brandon Knight, but, like I said, it could get complicated. Overall, the T'Wolves don't stand to win in the short-term if they did this, as it would be for the salary dump and long-term flexibility.
Detroit Lineup
Will Bynum/Free Agent
Ben Gordon
Derrick Williams
Charlie Villanueva
Greg Monroe
Minnesota Lineup
Ricky Rubio
Rodney Stuckey
Michael Beasley
Kevin Love
Darko Milicic
Golden State Warriors
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The Golden State Warriors seem to be involved in nearly every trade rumor. It may very well be a blockbuster if these two teams deal, and if Monta Ellis were included, the T'Wolves would be serious contenders for the postseason.
They could part with the Williams pick, Michael Beasley and Martell Webster for the 11th pick and Monta Ellis. This would have a huge impact on both sides. The 'Wolves could select Klay Thompson at No. 11.
Golden State Lineup
Stephen Curry
Reggie Williams
Derrick Williams
David Lee
Andris Biedrins
Minnesota Lineup
Ricky Rubio
Monta Ellis
Anthony Randolph
Kevin Love
Darko Milicic
Phoenix Suns
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Will Derrick Williams stay in the state of Arizona? This trade seems unlikely because I believe the Phoenix Suns want Jimmer Fredette at No. 13 and he should be available.
The Suns could send Channing Frye, Marcin Gortat and the 13th pick to Minnesota for the Williams pick, Anthony Randolph, Jonny Flynn and Martell Webster. The T'Wolves can't select Fredette—he and Rubio would be the worst defensive backcourt in history.
Marshon Brooks my be the pick here, as he is probably the draft's fastest riser.
Phoenix Lineup
Steve Nash
Grant Hill
Derrick Williams
Anthony Randolph
Robin Lopez
Minnesota Lineup
Ricky Rubio
Marshon Brooks
Michael Beasley
Kevin Love
Marcin Gortat
Houston Rockets
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The Houston Rockets need an identity, I'm not sure if Derrick Williams gives them one, but he's a good piece. The Rockets could ship Kevin Martin and the 14th pick to Minnesota for Martell Webster, Nikola Pekovic, Jonny Flynn and the pick.
This would be nice for Minnesota as it could still pick Brooks at No. 14.
Houston Lineup
Kyle Lowry
Courtney Lee/Free Agent
Derrick Williams
Luis Scola
Brad Miller/Free Agent
Minnesota Lineup
Ricky Rubio
Kevin Martin
Michael Beasley
Kevin Love
Darko Milicic
Los Angeles Lakers
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Easily the most intriguing and impactful trade possibility would have the T'Wolves sending the No. 2 pick and Kevin Love (yes, Kevin Love) to the Lakers for Pau Gasol. This would be a huge haul for the Lakers any way you cut it.
Gasol seemed to be on the outs with teammates and Love is a younger player. The 'Wolves would have to include players like Milicic and Flynn to make the trade work from a money standpoint.
The T'Wolves would be matching Rubio with fellow Spaniard Gasol. The trade could work for both teams, but the Lakers would be the favorites to come out of the West with their lineup.
The Lakers don't have a first-round pick, but could include one of their two second-round picks to sweeten the deal.
Los Angeles Lineup
Derek Fisher
Derrick Williams or Lamar Odom
Kevin Love
Andrew Bynum
Minnesota Lineup
Ricky Rubio
Wesley Johnson
Michael Beasley
Anthony Randolph
Pau Gasol
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