With the NBA Draft just over 24 hours from beginning, rumors of possible trades are running wild. While many surround the availability of the No. 1 overall pick, several teams are just hoping to jump into the top five. This year, talent begins to thin out around the middle of the first round. Many teams left picking around No. 12 and down are unsatisfied with what prospects they will be left with. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder are hoping to make the jump.
The Thunder have two first round picks in the draft, including the No. 12 pick and the No. 29 pick. ESPN's Andy Katz reports the team is looking to package their two first round picks plus Kendrick Perkins for a top-five draft pick. Katz says the Thunder have not had any interest in that trade offer.
Oklahoma City has been trying to ramp up their roster in hopes of returning to the NBA Finals and contending for a championship. A mid-level prospect will not help that cause. However, it is no surprise that the Thunder have gotten zero interest for their offer considering the teams that are picking five.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have the top pick. While the team has expressed interest in trading the pick for a proven player, Perkins will not cut it. They are expecting a lot in return. As the draft grows closer, they may be willing to lower the price target, but for now they are expecting a marquee name and nothing less. Orlando, Washington, Charlotte and Phoenix round out the top five of the draft order. None of those teams have expressed any interest in trading out of their spot. Everyone appears content to draft a top prospect instead of later talent to build up their franchise.
The idea of tossing Perkins into a trade makes more sense than giving up two first round picks for one in return. Perkins contract is not helping his cause with the team. He is due $20 million over the final two years of his deal. The inflated deal given Perkins' limited skill set is not helping this trade. No team wants a good pick, a bad pick and an average player with a bad contract for their top-five selection. If Oklahoma City wants to jump into a good spot, they will have to get more creative about their offer.
