The NBA Draft is slated to begin Thursday, June 25th at 7:00 pm but that won’t stop the trade rumor mill from spinning. Not only will we likely see draft picks traded Thursday night, but we will most certainly see a couple of NBA players on the move as well. NBA teams have had a lot of time since the season ended, or for some playoff teams, when they were eliminated, in order to evaluate the draft pool as well as talent currently on NBA rosters in order to be moved. Let’s take a look at some veterans who could be on the move come draft night.
Brendan Haywood – Cleveland Cavaliers
Brendan Haywood should be on the move Thursday night.
Brendan Haywood has not been much of a factor since the 2009-2010 season in which he spent time with both the Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks. His production has been down in recent years and he managed to play in just 22 games this season for the Cleveland Cavaliers and averaged just 5.4 minutes in those games. So why would anyone want Haywood? Haywood is entering the final year of a 6 year $55 million deal that he signed following the 2010 season. The Cavaliers are looking to package Haywood and the remaining $10.5 million on his deal with a 1st round pick and upgrade their roster. The Cavs can bring in a better player closer to worth of $10.5 million and the team that acquires Haywood receives a 1st round pick and if they waive Haywood before August 2nd, that team rids themselves of paying Haywood anything.
Jamal Crawford – Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers just recently shipped small forward Matt Barnes and center Spencer Hawes to the Charlotte Bobcats for guard/forward Lance Stephenson. The Clippers are now looking to move guards Jamal Crawford and CJ Wilcox for an upgrade at small forward. There have been rumors of Crawford, Wilcox, and a 1st rounder to the Denver Nuggets for Wilson Chandler but talks are still ongoing.
Anthony Bennett – Minnesota Timberwolves
The 2013 #1 overall pick is involved in trade talk yet again. After disappointing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2013-2014 season, Bennett was sent in a packed deal to the Timberwolves which helped the Cavs acquire Kevin Love. Bennett reportedly can now be had for just a 2nd round pick. Still at the young age of 22, Bennett way still be worth the risk of a 2nd round pick if put in the right situation.
Will Selva 