Cleveland Cavaliers Trying to Acquire the 2nd Pick, Too?

Report: Cleveland, OH - After landing the 1st and 4th overall pick in this years draft, rumors are flying that the Cavs are attempting to move up to secure the top two picks in an attempt to rebuild their franchise just a year after the departure of LeBron James.  In the potential deal, the Detroit Pistons would trade SG Rip Hamilton and the 8th overall pick to Cleveland, who can absorb his contract with the $14.7M trade exception they received after the sign and trade of LeBron James last summer.  Cleveland is then expected to buy out the remaining $25,000,000 on his contract.  The Timberwolves, then, will act as a third party and trade the 2nd overall pick to Cleveland in return for the Cavs 4th pick and the newly acquired 8th pick from Detroit.  

If the trade does go through, Cleveland is expected to take Duke PG Kyrie Irving with the first pick and Arizona PF Derrick Williams with the second.  This influx of youth and athleticism will certainly create the much needed 1-2 punch that has been lacking in Cleveland for years.  The Timberwolves, supposedly, may be worried that Derrick Williams does not fit into their already PF heavy roster with Kevin Love and Michael Beasley.  By moving back to get a top-5 and top-10 pick, the Wolves may get the opportunity to add two players at other positions such as C Enes Kanter and PG Kemba Walker. 

More details as they come...

SportsBank's NBA Lottery Mock Draft 1.0 Picks (6-10)

In part two of our mock draft special, we pick up with the sixth pick, which belongs to the Washington Wizards.  The Wizards were one of the NBA's worst teams last season, despite a strong season from rookie point guard John Wall.  So without further ado...

6. Washington Wizards - Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego St.

Although this may seem like a stretch to some, Leonard fits in quite well with where Washington needs to go.  Leonard will be able to step in and instantly improve a porous Wizards defense which ranked 26th in blocks per game, and 24th in PPG allowed.  The versatile 6'7'' NCAA tournament standout is capable of guarding shooting guards, small forwards and the occasional power forward, which increases his value substantially.  Simply put, Leonard has a TON of upside, and if he continues to improve his shooting game he could help form a legit force with John Wall.

Also in consideration: Jan Vesley


7. Sacramento Kings - Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky

The Kings could use a Knight at the point for a number of reasons.  Besides the obvious need for a solid on-court leader, drafting Knight would allow them to move Tyreke Evans to permanent shooting guard, where he is a much better fit.  While his name doesn't carry the same weight as, say, Kemba Walker, Knight is a legitimate point guard who can play defense and shoot consistently.  Moreover, he is a strong character guy, who, together with Evans and fellow Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins, could make Sacramento significant again.

Also in consideration: Jimmer Fredette


8. Detroit Pistons - Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas

Thompson is a phenomenal rebounder who could step in and improve the Pistons roster immediately.  While he will likely never be a star, he is a proven inside presence that will be a step in the right direction for a rebuilding Pistons team.  While they might consider international prospect Bismack Biyombo, Thompson is a safer pick that is more NBA ready.

Also in consideration: Bismack Biyombo

9. Charlotte Bobcats - Bismack Biyombo, PF, Congo

Another strong international prospect, Biyombo has tremendous upside due to his superior athleticism.  At only 18 (reportedly), he will need time to develop a complete NBA game, but the potential is there.  He will bring athleticism and rebounding to a team desperately needing both.  Since not a lot is currently known about him, his performance in upcoming team workouts will greatly determine where he goes come draft day.

Also in consideration: Marcus Morris


10. Milwaukee Bucks - Alec Burks, SG, Colorado

A quick 2-guard who can get to the basket, Burks still needs to improve his outside shooting to succeed at the next level.  While the Bucks may look to add size inside, they will likely get the most value with Burks, especially since he can play both shooting guard and small forward.  Again, Burks isn't likely to be a star, but if he continues to improve, he could become a legitimate NBA starter.

Also in consideration: Marcus Morris

Questions with the Potential Melo Trade

Rumors have been swirling all season about the potential trade of Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony, but with Melo having to essentially OK any move (nobody will trade for him without some sort of agreement on an extension), nothing has materialized.  That might change in the coming weeks, however.  The latest scenario includes Denver, New Jersey and Detroit as a potential third team.  In it, Anthony, Billups and Rip Hamilton would join forces in Jersey, Devin Harris, 1st round pick Derrick Favors and Anthony Morrow, going to Denver, along with multiple first round picks, and Troy Murphy & Johan Petro going to Detroit, with some expiring contracts.  (of course, there are a few other players that are of very little significance also moving with these players to make ends meet).  The biggest question mark in this trade is why on earth would Carmelo OR the Pistons be interested?