According to Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated, there are rumblings from multiple teams looking to acquire a first round pick in the early twenties of the 2019 NBA Draft.
Fischer lists the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, and San Antonio Spurs as teams possessing interest and making it known. With the 2019 draft class appearing to be relatively level after the first three picks or so, teams believe they can get a viable contributor, even a role player, at most levels of the draft. The teams listed above must be trying to jump some of the teams listed at 24 and 25, the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers, meaning the desired players may be wings or forwards, positions the Sixers and Blazers both need.
With Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant out for most if not all of this NBA season, the Warriors may be in need of some wing and forward help in this draft. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green will not be able to carry the entire load, and adding some three-point shooting and perimeter defense around them seems prudent in making sure this year of Curry’s prime isn’t wasted.
As for the Nuggets, time appears to be ticking away to acquire a draft pick this year. With many trades already occurring and many teams positioning themselves early for the selection process, the Nuggets may find it difficult to trade into this draft during the actual draft process. Unless the Nuggets have had legitimate conversations with teams about acquiring a pick, expect a quiet night from Tim Connelly, Arturas Karnisovas, and the Nuggets front office this draft year.
