This year’s NBA Draft is soon approaching.
We are in the final stages of prep for teams around the league.
With the draft comes trade rumors.
Rumors have already entered the media about what teams are willing to move on draft night.
Players have already been made available, along with draft picks.
Now it is time to decipher through all the rumors and proclaim which players are going to be moved.
Star NBA players are not usually involved in trades on draft night, but this year might be different.
There are two stars that are most likely going to be traded during this year’s NBA Draft.
2. Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker is in a tough position right now.
He was just traded from the Boston Celtics after signing a big contract in free agency just two years ago.
The idea was for him to be a part of the Celtics future with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
After battling injuries in his two seasons with them; they decided it was time to move on.
The Celtics traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder to bring back Al Horford.
However, Walker is not in the Thunder’s future plans.
They are in a big rebuild mode and want to accumulate as many draft picks as possible.
That is where Walker comes into play.
He might have a big contract, battling multiple injuries every year, and is 31 years old; but he is still a good player in this league.
As soon as he was acquired by the Thunder, the plan was to move him to another destination.
The Thunder are expected to trade Kemba Walker and a deal is considered “imminent”, per @NYDailyNews pic.twitter.com/2qHcDhAWyt
— Guy Boston Sports (@GuyBostonSports) June 26, 2021
Teams should call the Thunder and see what the asking price is.
The New York Knicks are one example of a team that should go and pull the trigger on a Walker trade.
These last two seasons have been rough for him, but it is a risk that some teams should be willing to take.
1. Pascal Siakam
The Toronto Raptors were the biggest risers in the draft lottery as they now own the fourth pick.
They have a plethora of options to go with by securing that pick.
What is better than one lottery pick?
Multiple lottery picks.
There have been several rumors stating that the Golden State Warriors are willing to shop their two lottery picks.
They are also willing to trade the second pick in last year’s draft, James Wiseman.
Pascal Siakam is the perfect trade candidate for the Warriors.
The Warriors are expected to trade James Wiseman and the No.7 pick for a major upgrade, with Pascal Siakam being one name to watch.
(via The Athletic) pic.twitter.com/xL7gmHoc4J
— Basketball Forever (@Bballforeverfb) June 29, 2021
He fits their style and is big enough to play a small ball center for them.
Siakam is still a young star in this league with an All-Star appearance and championship ring on his resume.
The Warriors would love to have him on their roster and try to make another run at winning it all.
The Raptors are potentially rebuilding, but can simply be re-tooling.
Two years ago, we saw them win the championship for the first time in franchise history.
Now they need to figure out what to do in this draft.
Watch out for Siakam being traded on draft night.
NEXT: Why Hawks Were Able To Win Without Trae Young
Anonymous says
Salary cap wise, the Warriors couldn’t swing it, as well ,they can’t afford to take on another huge salary because of the luxury tax of which Joe Lacob has already stated. I wish these speculating writers would do their homework rather that spout off some ridiculous trade scenario that would never happen. They are wasting everyone’s time.
1r says
You add Wiggins to the trade.
Jon says
Pascal being traded for wiseman and no 7…….Are you expecting Masai to just fold? Do you expect Raptors to restructure their core and rebuild? And you’re making an assumption that Wiseman will be this elite center which may or may not happen. Considering gsw is ready to ship him makes me think they don’t think he will be ready next year. So why would raptors do this trade??
Heatdreamer says
The rumor is Wiggins + Wiseman + the 7th pick for Siakam. + Baines. If GSW wants to do this – Maisai should say Yes immediately.
Wiseman will take three years to grow into a force. Dubs won’t wait. In my opinion , GSW keeps their picks and create a younger core. Sign and Trade Oubre and than extend Curry for three more years.
My dream is to have D. Rose signed for three years on the MLE – which I recognize is an underpay. .
Dubs lineup would be vastly improved if they do not make the trade for Siakam.