With the draft less than a week away, it has been seeming more and more likely that the Oklahoma City Thunder will remain at pick No. 6 and end up with whoever remains between Jonathan Kuminga and Scottie Barnes.
But reported uncertainty from a team above the Thunder might provide the Oklahoma City front office a pathway to trading up.
The Toronto Raptors are “mulling” Jalen Suggs, Kuminga and Barnes, according to Chad Ford. Suggs seemed to have separated himself from the two forwards on prospect lists, but from the sound of it, Toronto has yet to make a decision.
If this is true, the Thunder could have an opening to move up two spots.
Suggs is widely regarded as a top-four prospect. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie has the Gonzaga guard second in his final big board posted Saturday. Many believe that the 6-foot-4 playmaker has All-Star potential.
He could be a dangerous threat next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Barring trades it’s looking like the top of the draft is firming up
1. Pistons – Cade
2. Rockets – Green
3. Cavs – MobleyThe real intrigue starts at 4 where the Raptors are still mulling Jalen Suggs v Scottie Barnes v. Jonathan Kuminga
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) July 24, 2021
If Toronto truly does not have a preference between Suggs, Barnes and Kuminga, the Thunder can strike using one of their many assets to move up. They have picks 6, 16, 18, 34, 36 and 55 in the upcoming draft, and then a trove of future selections.
Oklahoma City could also wait and see if Suggs falls to six if they so choose. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman reported that there’s a “good possibility” that the Orlando Magic select Scottie Barnes with the No. 5 pick, but that could change in a heartbeat if Suggs is available.
The draft is Thursday. Let’s see if the Thunder can heat up some trade talks before then.
