2014 NBA Draft Rumors: Suns, Bulls Could Be Looking To Trade Up
The 2014 NBA draft is still weeks away, but rumors are already swirling about the 28 teams not currently vying for the title.
Early rumors are centered on a pair of teams that could be looking to move up in the draft, swapping picks with the Orlando Magic. The Magic have two picks in the first round, the No. 4 and No. 12 selections.
But their No. 4 pick will likely leave the Magic out of the top three superstars in the draft — Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, and Joel Embiid. Should one of them somehow fall to No. 4 the Magic would love to keep the pick and add to what is already a team budding with young talent, but more than likely they will be looking to deal.
Now 2014 NBA draft rumors indicate that the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls might look to trade up for Orlando’s pick
From Basketball Insiders:
It wouldn’t be totally out of left field if Hennigan traded the fourth pick to a team that has maybe two first-round picks to give away like the Phoenix Suns or the Chicago Bulls. The Suns have the 14th, 18th and 27th picks in the draft while the Bulls have the 16th and 19th picks.
Some believe the Orlando Magic could be holding onto the No. 4 pick but looking to trade their No. 12, which could still net them a solid return.
Other 2014 NBA draft rumors center on that coveted top three. While Wiggins was once seen as the near consensus No. 1 pick, in recent weeks Joel Embiid has risen greatly on mock draft boards.
The former Kansas big man was plagued by a back injury this season that had many scouts wary, but a recent workout showed that the nagging injury is gone.
In a two-minute video of the workout, Embiid shows off his versatile skills and great range for a 7-footer. The workout was so impressive that Embiid even drew comparisons to another nimble center, NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon.
The strong showing led many NBA experts to believe the the Cleveland Cavaliers will scoop up Joel Embiid with the No. 1 pick.
“Joel Embiid is going to be the first pick of the 2014 draft,” Grantland’s Bill Simmons wrote prior to Tuesday’s lottery. “Don’t let anyone tell you differently…Unless Embiid’s pre-draft MRI reveals a career-threatening back issue (doubtful), NOBODY is passing on a franchise center.”
Those who want to see if the 2014 NBA draft rumors come true will have to wait a little longer. The draft will take place June 26.
