NBA Draft Rumors: Spurs, Hawks Trade Up, & Prospect Intel

With the NBA Draft just days away, front offices across the league are finalizing their boards, exploring trade scenarios, and making last-minute evaluations. Recent reports and aggregate mock drafts shed light on several key teams and prospects generating buzz.

Here’s a look at the latest intel:

Spurs Holding Firm on Coveted No. 2 Pick

The San Antonio Spurs hold the No. 2 overall selection, and while they haven’t completely closed the door on potential trades, all signs point to them keeping the pick. According to reports citing sources like Kevin O’Connor, the Spurs’ asking price for the pick is exceptionally high – one executive described it as a “ridiculous haul” that no team is expected to meet.

This likely means the Spurs will select guard Dylan Harper. The Rutgers freshman is widely considered the consensus No. 2 prospect, appearing in that slot in every major aggregate mock draft. Analysts highlight Harper’s elite basketball IQ, advanced playmaking ability, and well-rounded scoring game. His crafty footwork and sharp offensive instincts make him a high-level offensive threat, and his size (6-6 with a 6-10.5 wingspan) provides defensive versatility.

Hawks Actively Exploring Trade Up for a Center

Holding the No. 13 pick, the Atlanta Hawks are reportedly looking to make a move up the draft board. The team has reportedly placed calls to teams picking within the top five, signaling a strong desire to leapfrog several teams. Their primary target in such a scenario? A center.

The demand for big men in the back end of the lottery appears significant. Earlier reports indicated that teams like the Phoenix Suns (No. 10), Chicago Bulls (No. 12), and the Spurs (who also hold the No. 14 pick) are also eyeing centers. The NBA.com consensus mock draft lists several bigs projected in or near the lottery, including Khaman Maluach (consensus No. 8), Derik Queen (consensus No. 9), and Joan Beringer (consensus No. 14). Scouting reports describe Maluach as a long and mobile defender with NBA-caliber rim-running potential, while Queen is seen as a skilled offensive player with advanced footwork for his size.

Adding an interesting wrinkle to the Hawks’ situation, the NBA.com consensus mock draft actually projects French forward Noa Essengue to Atlanta at pick No. 12. Essengue, a potential lottery pick ranked No. 9 on ESPN’s board and as high as No. 7 by prominent analyst John Hollinger, recently left his German League finals series early to travel to New York for the draft. Despite his team being close to a championship, the 18-year-old has played a limited role in the finals. Essengue is seen as an athletic, raw offensive player with the potential to develop into a 3-and-D wing in the NBA, possessing elite physical tools (6-9 with a 7-0 wingspan).

Prospects Generating Buzz

Beyond the top couple of picks, several prospects are seeing their draft stock fluctuate or solidify:

Asa Newell: The Georgia forward is a player generating buzz as a potential lottery pick, despite being ranked No. 19 on ESPN’s main board. Some draft analysts, like Kevin O’Connor, have projected him going as high as No. 9 overall to Toronto. Scouting notes highlight his improving shooting, defensive ability, and athleticism.
John Hollinger’s Rankings: The Athletic’s John Hollinger recently published his top 75 prospects list, with some notable differences from the general consensus. He ranks players like Collin Murray-Boyles (No. 6 vs. No. 13 consensus), Noa Essengue (No. 7 vs. No. 12 consensus), Thomas Sorber (No. 10), and Ben Saraf (No. 15) higher than many. Conversely, he has highly-touted prospects Tre Johnson (No. 11 vs. No. 5 consensus) and Ace Bailey (No. 12 vs. No. 6 consensus) ranked outside his top 10. Murray-Boyles is noted as a stout defender with interior efficiency, while Saraf, Essengue’s teammate, is praised for his high IQ and playmaking ability.

Team-Specific Targets Emerge

Several teams later in the draft order are having potential targets identified:

New Orleans Pelicans: With picks No. 7 and No. 23, the Pelicans could aim to secure a strong duo. One scenario suggested by Rod Walker involves targeting center Khaman Maluach (consensus No. 8) and guard Walter Clayton Jr. (projected around No. 23 in some mocks).
Los Angeles Clippers: Holding picks No. 30 and No. 51, the Clippers are reportedly looking at various options, including guards like Ben Saraf (Hollinger’s No. 15, projected at No. 30 by some aggregates) and Kameron Jones, and centers such as Ryan Kalkbrenner (projected in the mid-second round) and Maxime Raynaud (projected late second round). Saraf’s IQ and playmaking stand out, while Kalkbrenner and Raynaud offer size and interior presence.

Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder recently held a workout for Georgetown wing Micah Peavy, who is considered a potential second-round selection, ranked No. 54 on ESPN’s board.

As draft night approaches, the picture for many teams and prospects continues to sharpen, though the possibility of trades and surprises remains high.