Cavs, Rockets, Pelicans, Thunder inquire above moving up to #1

[bstein14]

If a deal were to be consummated, it would more than likely occur closer to the draft.

"Detroit is comfortable standing pat at No. 1 and taking [Cade] Cunningham but will be active in exploring the possibility of trading down and obtaining additional assets, with [Evan ]Mobley a potential target if something gets done," writes Jonathan Givony.

While Cunningham has widely been considered the consensus top prospect in the draft, multiple reports have suggested Detroit's Troy Weaver isn't necessarily sold on Cunningham.

Givony writes that Cunningham remains "the overwhelming favorite to end up in Detroit at that spot still."

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I've got this feeling that we're likely to trade the pick. When you still have as far to go as we do, its enticing to get a bunch of assets and a guy you value as a nearly equal prospect. If Cade isn't clearly above the next few guys its very possible a trade is made. Also, the fact that Weaver hit on both Stewart and Bey but Hayes didn't pan out as well as hoped also leads me to believe a new GM like Weaver might value a bunch of picks over just the top pick. I know a lot of us have been penciling in Cade but it is starting to feel like a trade is very possible.

What type of assets would Cleveland, OKC, Houston, the Pelicans or Thunder have to give up to get #1? Hopefully a ton.

For Houston, #2, #23, #24 and our future first back for #1 makes some sense if we're moving off the #1 pick.
For Cleveland, #3 plus Sexton? Sexton is about to get PAID next summer and it wouldn't be surprising to see them want to not have to invest max dollars for him.
For the Pelicans #10 + #40 + #53 and Brandon Ingraham? The appeal of pairing Cade and Zion would be tempting for sure. Ingraham has had issues with coaches in the past and NO might want to get a fresh start.
For OKC, they have a huge "war chest" of future picks as well at SGA who they might not want to give a max deal to next summer. They also have #6, #16, #18, #34, #36, #55 in this draft.

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All this said, trading the #1 pick is a HUGE massive risk. Cade has a special ability to create space and make jumpers off the dribble. If you pass on the guy that is the next Luka/Harden and end up with some non all-star talent you're setting the franchise and rebuild way, way back.

[aad]

All chatter Cade is going number1 to Detroit

[vege]

Any of those suggested packages would get the GM fired in a couple of years by any sane owner. #1 pick should have a lot more value than that.

Weaver is (Please Use More Appropriate Word), but I don't think even Weaver is that (Please Use More Appropriate Word). He'll just draft Cade and that's it.

[The Moose]

Mobley being the target is interesting, but I think its extremely unlikely a trade happens.

With that being said, if Cade works out for any other team other than us, that would change my thinking.

As far as the trades in the OP, Weaver wanting to trade down to get Mobley would mean we have to be getting either pick 2 or 3 in a return package. That would be the start of any deal and then add additional assets.

I will say its probably not the best start to a relationship with Cade, if it looks like we are more than happy to trade him for the right offer

[bstein14]

Any of those suggested packages would get the GM fired in a couple of years by any sane owner. #1 pick should have a lot more value than that.

Weaver is (Please Use More Appropriate Word), but I don't think even Weaver is that (Please Use More Appropriate Word). He'll just draft Cade and that's it.

Brandon Ingraham is a 23 year old 6'8" 25-5-5- efficient offensive player that shoots 39% from deep. He's kind of what you hope Cade becomes, except the expectation is that Cade would be a little better at creating for his teammates and Cade would also be better at creating his own shot.

SGA is a 22 year old 6'6" 24-5-6 player with 50%+ on FGs including 41%+ from deep. This guy is also very much what you hope Cade can become. He's also a strong defender.

To a certain degree, trading for either of those guys and additional picks is likely a "safer" pick than drafting Cade because they are known commodities in the league. The downside is they are making max dollars now, or soon and they aren't as locked in to a cheap rookie deal. Cade comes to Detroit and he is there for sure for at least 5 years. It doesn't make sense to trade #1 for either of those players straight up, but if you can get enough additional draft assets, lottery picks, future picks, etc... it certainly could make some sense.

Cade being from Texas and playing for Oklahoma State also gives the Rockets and OKC a bit of extra incentive to go after a local guy.

[The Moose]

Any of those suggested packages would get the GM fired in a couple of years by any sane owner. #1 pick should have a lot more value than that.

Weaver is (Please Use More Appropriate Word), but I don't think even Weaver is that (Please Use More Appropriate Word). He'll just draft Cade and that's it.

Brandon Ingraham is a 23 year old 6'8" 25-5-5- efficient offensive player that shoots 39% from deep. He's kind of what you hope Cade becomes, except the expectation is that Cade would be a little better at creating for his teammates and Cade would also be better at creating his own shot.

SGA is a 22 year old 6'6" 24-5-6 player with 50%+ on FGs including 41%+ from deep. This guy is also very much what you hope Cade can become. He's also a strong defender.

To a certain degree, trading for either of those guys and additional picks is likely a "safer" pick than drafting Cade because they are known commodities in the league. The downside is they are making max dollars now, or soon and they aren't as locked in to a cheap rookie deal. Cade comes to Detroit and he is there for sure for at least 5 years. It doesn't make sense to trade #1 for either of those players straight up, but if you can get enough additional draft assets, lottery picks, future picks, etc... it certainly could make some sense.

Cade being from Texas and playing for Oklahoma State also gives the Rockets and OKC a bit of extra incentive to go after a local guy.

if it was a young star like Ingram or SGA + pick 2 or 3, I would have to go for it, but thats an overpay I think

[vic]

If your a guy like Troy and have confidence in your GMing abilities, I could see taking Mobley, 23,24 and trying to fill out your roster with talent.

But at the end of the day, there’s only 1 ball on the court at a time. Mobley is just as good as Cade, but the rest will probably be role players.

Getting Cade means you’ve got the ball in the best guys hands all game long, and he constantly gets everyone involved, and makes an impact both ways. No holes in his game, and no in-game situation you won’t have an advantage.

At some point you’ve got to win basketball games not just the drafting game.

Just get Cade.

[The Moose]

That's what NBA teams tell me they are hearing coming out of Detroit's front office. But would the Pistons really pass on Cunningham if the draft were tonight? I still think the answer is no. I would put Cunningham as the overwhelming favorite to end up in Detroit at that spot still, which, by the way, I've been told he would be very excited about. The recent buzz about other options can be chalked up to a second-year GM doing his homework and trying to make sure he leaves no stone unturned with what might end up being the most valuable pick he ever has in his career.

[Kilo]

I think the Cleveland deal would be #3 and Jarrett Allen. Is Jalen Green and Jarrett Allen for Cunningham a good deal?

I think there is a real possibility of a trade with Houston - those other FRP's will be crazy enticing for Weaver.

Pellies can offer nothing. Probably offering Lonzo Ball and their pick or something. Ingram is getting paid is the issue with him. Trading rookie contract for Ingram or SGA means Detroit wouldn't have max money for next years FA class when Blake comes off the books.

SGA and #6 is too rich for OKC. SGA and #16 and #18 could be something they might consider given they get 5 yrs of Cade on his rookie deal and his window would line up with their rebuild. This one would be tough to turn down.

All comes down to how Weaver feels about Mobley and Green. Doesn't make sense to me for Cleveland to want to trade up for Cunningham - other than #1 OA is a shiny toy for Gilbert. They should be looking to trade back and keep Sexland and Allen, trade back to #5 and get Barnes or Kuminga.

[Kilo]

That's what NBA teams tell me they are hearing coming out of Detroit's front office. But would the Pistons really pass on Cunningham if the draft were tonight? I still think the answer is no. I would put Cunningham as the overwhelming favorite to end up in Detroit at that spot still, which, by the way, I've been told he would be very excited about. The recent buzz about other options can be chalked up to a second-year GM doing his homework and trying to make sure he leaves no stone unturned with what might end up being the most valuable pick he ever has in his career.

And it makes Cade Cunningham look better if Weaver does all this homework, gets all these trade offers and chooses to keep the pick and take Cunningham.

[bstein14]

Here's a 3 team trade that works in the trade checker. Is Detroit giving up too much?

Detroit trades: #1, Grant, Plumlee, Josh Jackson
Detroit receives: Brandon Ingraham(23), James Wiseman(20), #7, #10, #14
Loads up with with a young all-star in Brandon Ingraham, last year's #2 pick Wiseman, plus 3 lottery picks in 2021.

Golden State trades: James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins, #7, #14
Golden State receives: Jerami Grant, Josh Jackson, Mason Plumlee, #35
Makes a win now move getting 3 solid rotation players, and moves into the 2nd round. Saves $100+ million in luxury tax payments

New Orleans trades: Brandon Ingraham, #10, #35
New Orleans receives: #1, Andrew Wiggins
Gets a new #1 pick to pair with Zion and form a dynamic duo. They take on the downside of taking on Andrew Wiggins contract as well as part of the price of getting #1 overall.

[chrbal]

Just using the teams, not the proposed offers. The Cavs and Rockets have possible chances by having the second or third pick. The Thunder and Pelicans honestly don’t. Sure they could make insane offers, but that’s realistically not happening.

[flow]

If your a guy like Troy and have confidence in your GMing abilities, I could see taking Mobley, 23,24 and trying to fill out your roster with talent.

But at the end of the day, there’s only 1 ball on the court at a time. Mobley is just as good as Cade, but the rest will probably be role players.

Getting Cade means you’ve got the ball in the best guys hands all game long, and he constantly gets everyone involved, and makes an impact both ways. No holes in his game, and no in-game situation you won’t have an advantage.

At some point you’ve got to win basketball games not just the drafting game.

Just get Cade.

If you honestly believe that Mobley is equal to Cade as a player, then you'd be silly not to make a trade. It's a game of assets.

.

[dVs33]

I would be worried if weaver wasn’t looking at every possible option come draft night. Doesn’t mean he won’t pick Cade with the first.

[The Moose]

Just using the teams, not the proposed offers. The Cavs and Rockets have possible chances by having the second or third pick. The Thunder and Pelicans honestly don’t. Sure they could make insane offers, but that’s realistically not happening.

in theory the thunder or the pelicans could acquire one of those picks, most likely Cleveland and then package it to us, aka if the Cavs want Kuminga or Barnes they might move down to 6

i think the most obvious offer would be Sexton+3rd pick for 1st pick, which I wouldn't have any interest in, but if Weaver thinks the top 3 prospects are equal, I would assume he will certainly consider it

[ComboGuardCity]

Every year this story comes out. Sites need clicks

[NYPiston]

This is typical pre-draft chatter, nothing more. We're not used to being in this position so it's new territory for this fanbase to be in the thick of these rumors.

Of course teams are going to inquire about the #1 pick especially in a draft where there is a fairly consensus #1 and Weaver owes it to the process to do his due diligence and field some offers but at the end of the day, he'll almost assuredly stay at 1 and most likely take Cade.

The one interesting tidbit is that his interest would be more in Mobley than Green. That's contrary to earlier reports that Green was his #2 guy. PErsonally, Mobley would be 4th on my board with Cade and Green being the clear top 2 but Weaver does love his big guys.
In any event, I wouldn't worry about these rumors and get used to it because there will be a ton of them in the next 3 weeks.

[buzzkilloton]

He surely is talking to other teams. The athletic reported similar things a week ago. Its possible he prefers Mobley + a unprotected 1st next year to Cade. We seen Ainge trade 1 for a similar package.

I just want Cade personally. I can live with us making a move if we get Mobley and a hou or Cle 1st unprotected though. It has to be at least as good as what the celtics got for it to be acceptable.

[NYPiston]

He surely is talking to other teams. The athletic reported similar things a week ago. Its possible he prefers Mobley + a unprotected 1st next year to Cade. We seen Ainge trade 1 for a similar package.

I just want Cade personally. I can live with us making a move if we get Mobley and a hou or Cle 1st unprotected though. It has to be at least as good as what the celtics got for it to be acceptable.

That's unacceptable for me. If they are making that trade, it has to be Green and not a big guy who will likely never be a go to offensive option. The Pistons need a go to guy, Mobley isn't that. That would be a big fail on Weaver's part IMO.

[Kilo]

Reported interest in Mobley could be a strategic leak from Pistons as teams 3-5-6 would probably have more interest in the Ce than Green. Cleveland likely keeps Sexland and wants to add Mobley - so offers #3, Jarrett Allen future protected FRP for #2.

So Detroit comes out with Jalen Green, Jarrett Allen, unprotected Houston 2022 FRP,returned Detroit owed FRP(from Houston) and future non-lotto Cleveland FRP.

Houston will be better in 2022 but I don't think they're a playoff team even adding Cade. Being unprotected is very key though. Having that lottery ticket chance to get another lottery pick is the selling point to make the drop back.