NBA Draft 2013: Oklahoma City Thunder “Proactive” In Trying to Land No. 1 Pick from Cavaliers
By Josh Hill
The Cleveland Cavaliers jumped around and hooted and hollered when they won the NBA Draft Lottery but it appears that was all a smoke screen. We now know the Cav’s have no intention of keeping the No. 1 pick unless they fail to secure a trade they deem fit to move the pick to another team. The Cavaliers have reached out to other teams about a possible trade but they’ve also fielded calls from some very high profile teams that have reportedly been “proactive” in trying to land the top pick.
According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, the Oklahoma City Thunder are one of those teams proactively trying to trade for the top overall pick.
"They are engaged in trade talks with a number of teams. Sources say the Thunder, Timberwolves and Blazers have been the most proactive in trying to get the No. 1 pick — but so far neither team has persuaded the Cavs to move out of the top pick."
Cleveland floated two first round picks to the Blazers for LaMarcus Aldridge but Portland didn’t want any of that. It’s unknown if the Thunder have actually made any offers but they appear to have some pieces that might pry the first overall pick from the Cav’s. But Cleveland has established that they want much more value in return than some teams think the pick is worth, so by default the Thunder might be out on this already.
It does give you an idea of what the Cavaliers are trying to do and the teams that apparently feel they need to move up in the draft. Oklahoma City could use a top, NBA ready prospect to get back on the right track next season but don’t expect them to blow up their roster to get one.