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The Atlanta Hawks could reportedly look into packaging their two top-10 picks to move up in the NBA Draft, possibly to get as high as the New York Knicks' pick at No. 3, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony.
The Los Angeles Lakers at No. 4 and the Phoenix Suns at No. 6 are also engaging potential trade talks and would be open to trading their picks for an established veteran who would be able to influence winning games next season, as these two struggling teams look for more of an immediate return than a work in progress.
Both the Lakers and Suns are expected to start showing some results. The Lakers are coming off their sixth straight season missing the playoffs, this time with arguably the best player in the game in their roster.
The Suns, who have had four awful rebuilding seasons, have finally taken the first step toward building a winning foundation, giving James Jones the reins of the front office and hiring top-coaching candidate Monty Williams over a five-year deal.
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Several agents projected to be selected in the lottery have had conversations with teams that are capable of making a trade for the Hawks' No. 10 pick if needed, which means that pick along could be in discussions without the need to package it with the eighth overall selection.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are rumored to be “especially active with discussions involving picks in both rounds.” The Cavs have the 5th and 26th overall selection in this year's draft.
However, if the Hawks move both of their picks, it could cause a major shake-up in the top of the board. Aiming for RJ Barrett at No. 3 won't come cheap, but the Knicks have been known to potentially explore moving that pick, meaning they'd at least be willing to listen to offers, should a few come their way.
