NBA mock draft 7.0: Detroit lands All-Star forward in surprising trade!

The Detroit Pistons set the NBA record for consecutive losses during the 2023-2024 campaign, and are hoping that next season unfolds in a more positive way. They have the fifth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but might be more interested in swapping that selection for a more proven commodity.

The Pistons would send the fifth overall pick, Jaden Ivey, Isaiah Stewart and Quentin Grimes to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Lauri Markkanen. The New York Times suggested in May that Detroit should deal the pick in order to build around Cade Cunningham, and this might be the optimal way to do that.

Detroit cannot afford to finish at the bottom of the standings, and Markkanen’s offensive skill set on paper would seem to complement Cunningham and center Jalen Duren well. For the Jazz, they might value having two picks in the top 10, and might want to re-shape their roster to retool, considering they were not that successful with Markkanen as a cornerstone anyway.

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This would seem to be an unlikely landing spot for Castle, who is projected to go higher in the draft. Additionally, the Trail Blazers have a glut of guards currently, and might have a tough time giving him many minutes. Still, his defensive upside might be too much to ignore, which is an area Portland could use help in.

Fox Sports believes that Edey could be taken in the top 10, which would represent a remarkable jump from where his perception was just a year ago. The Kings at 13 feel like a strong fit as well, considering their desire to pair Domantas Sabonis with a more competent, sizeable player at center.

Knecht might be the best player in this draft to come in and play the role Gordon Hayward couldn’t for the Thunder down the stretch. The Tennessee prospect’s outside shooting ability makes him a natural fit alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Knecht on a rookie salary might be one of the more attractive commodities in the league.

NBA Draft Room calls Salaun a boom or bust pick, with a chance to become a star if everything falls into place. The Bulls have been stuck in mediocrity for a few years, and should take a flier on a player like this. Like Zaccharie Risacher, Salaun has held his own playing against grown men in France’s professional basketball circuit.

Reports from multiple outlets revealed that Topic is dealing with a partially torn ACL, which may cause him to slide a little during the NBA Draft. With that said, his potential is right up there with almost any player in his class. As indicated earlier, if the Jazz are willing to part ways with Markkanen, they might be willing for Topic to get healthy before seeing what he can do.

Like a couple of teams in the lottery this year, Memphis has visions of competing in the playoffs next season. They might not be served selecting a developmental prospect in the draft, but they might take a long look at Holland. NBA Draft Room spoke about his high motor, which could help an improved Grizzlies team if they are healthy next season.

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Many mock drafts are a little down on Walter, who has slipped outside of the lottery in many projections. With that being said, his potential to stretch the floor and play solid perimeter defense might be too tantalizing for San Antonio to pass up here. Yahoo Sports brought up his ability to create offense off the dribble and knock down shots in catch-and-shoot scenarios.

Cody Williams is the younger brother of emerging Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, and the siblings might see a lot of each other next season. Portland feels like an ideal landing spot for the younger Williams, as the organization seems to be prioritizing long term potential over competitiveness at this point in time.

The Charlotte Hornets’ front office has to be concerned about LaMelo Ball’s inability to stay healthy during his brief NBA career. While Sheppard doesn’t have the same potential that Ball does, he may prove to be a more reliable option in the backcourt. If Ball does stay healthy, Yahoo Sports points out Sheppard’s keen ability to play without the basketball in his hands as well.

This is the selection Utah would receive in the proposed Lauri Markkanen trade with Detroit. Dealing Markkanen away would signal a shift in direction for the Jazz, and they might be inclined to select a more raw prospect with the potential for a higher ceiling. Buzelis appears to fit that profile. The Ringer spoke favorably about his shot-creation, but will need to improve his range.

San Antonio figures to come away from this draft with at least one option at point guard, and Dillingham might be the best prospect at the position. CBS Sports and others have brought up Dillingham’s somewhat small stature, but the Spurs can mask that with Victor Wembanyama’s presence defensively.

Fox Sports put it best, as they accurately described the conundrum Houston has this year. They could sit tight and select a player with the third pick, or trade it for veteran help during the upcoming season. If the Rockets do remain at number three, they might go for Clingan, who The Ringer has said compares favorably to Rudy Gobert.

Washington figures to select whichever French prospect Atlanta passes up on, and the Wizards would likely be happy to end up with Risacher. NBA Draft Room believes that he’s the best two-way prospect in this draft, and brought up the fact that the teenager played very well against much more seasoned players in France.

Selecting Sarr with the first pick would seem to indicate the end of the line for Clint Capela in Atlanta, and might significantly impact the minutes Onyeka Okongwu receives if he’s still on the roster. Still, the Hawks would be well served to bring Sarr into the fold, as Yahoo Sports and others have lauded his elite rim-protecting ability.

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