NBA Draft rumors 2024: Tracking the latest leaks, news, trade buzz before Round 1 | Sporting News Canada

The week of the NBA Draft kicks the offseason in full swing. As such, rumors shift into full gear.

In the lead-up to the draft, the Thunder took a big step toward title contention, acquiring All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso from the Bulls in exchange for Josh Giddey. Expect more teams to try to pull off major deals to catch up to the champion Celtics.

In a year where there is not a consensus top prospect, the uncertainty around the Hawks’ first overall selection adds an element of excitement for the draft. With uncertainty comes speculation and rumors, and plenty have already piled up ahead of Wednesday’s coverage of the first round.

Here is a round-up of the most recent NBA Draft chatter.

MORE: Ranking top 60 prospects in 2024 NBA Draft

NBA Draft rumors 2024: Tracking the latest leaks, news and trades

Spurs are interested in acquiring No. 1 pick

Date: June 22

Source: Marc Stein, NBA insider

There are “rumbles” of San Antonio’s interest in trading up to acquire this year’s No. 1 overall pick from Atlanta.

The Spurs currently own picks Nos. 4 and 8 in 2024 but could look to consolidate draft capital to move up and select the prospect of their choice to pair alongside last year’s No. 1 pick, Victor Wembanyama. French center Alex Sarr is a presumed target, per Stein.

Alex Sarr viewed as ‘a lock’ to go to Washington

Date: June 21

Source: Jonathan Givony, ESPN

With Sarr’s camp supposedly against the idea of Atlanta, the French center is heavily linked to the Wizards, according to Givony. Washington will select second overall in 2024.

“I think No. 2 is pretty much a lock to be Alex Sarr to Washington,” Givony said during a Friday appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

MORE: Who is Alex Sarr? Meet potential No. 1 pick in 2024 NBA Draft

Atlanta is not a situation Alex Sarr’s agency wants

Date: June 21

Source: Jake Fischer, Yahoo Sports

Sarr, a 7-foot center from France, is one of the prospects viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick. According to Fischer, Sarr’s agency does not want its client with the Hawks, deeming Atlanta a bad fit.

“Right now all this word that Atlanta is not a situation that WMA wants,” Fischer said. “They don’t want him to be a member of the Hawks, which could cost him $9 million in theory over the course of four years. It’s all about that second contract. It’s all about fit.”

Several teams could engage in pick swaps 

Date: June 21

Source: Jake Fischer, Yahoo Sports

Several teams could be aggressive in trading picks in this year’s draft, according to Fischer.

The Hornets, who select sixth overall and the Trail Blazers, who select seventh overall are exploring the possibility of moving up in the draft. The Rockets, who own the No. 3 pick, are listening to offers while the Wizards appear intent on staying at No. 2.

Atlanta is not actively pursuing a trade but would reportedly listen to the right deal.

Thunder, Bulls complete trade involving Alex Caruso and Josh Giddey

Date: June 21

Source: Official

One day after reports of the trade surfaced, the Thunder and Bulls finalized a trade sending Caruso to Oklahoma City and Giddey to Chicago.

No draft picks were involved in the trade but Oklahoma City owns the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Adding Caruso to their rotation could shape the Thunder’s approach to the upcoming NBA Draft.

TRADE GRADES: Why Thunder are clear winners in Josh Giddey-Alex Caruso swap

Donovan Clingan ‘gaining momentum’ as potential No. 1 pick

Date: June 20

Source: Kelly Iko, The Athletic

Through a Rockets lens, Iko described Houston’s chance of selecting Clingan first overall as less of a possibility given his rising stock and links to the Hawks. Should Clingan go first overall, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr could fall from being the believed top two picks.

Lakers, Mavericks, Raptors, Suns and Timberwolves interested in Bronny James

Date: June 19

Source: Rich Paul, to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony

Paul, who represent James and his father, LeBron, suggested that in addition to the two teams Bronny has worked out for (Lakers and Suns), several other teams could select him in the upcoming NBA Draft.

There are other teams that love Bronny. For example, Minnesota, Dallas, Toronto. …

If it’s not the Lakers, it will be someone else. Minnesota would love to get Bronny in, but I don’t know who their owner is going to be. [Mavs GM] Nico Harrison is like an uncle to Bronny. If the Lakers don’t take him at 55, Dallas would take him at 58 and give him a guaranteed deal. Masai [Ujiri, Raptors president], loves him. They could take him without even seeing him at 31.