NBA Mock Draft 2022: All the trades that could shake up the first-round

Following the NBA Draft rumors, the Houston Rockets trade down from No. 3

Here the Spurs give up a fairly rich package to move up and get the big man they covet at No. 3. They’re giving up a lot of pieces but chasing a star and get Nix, an extremely young, defensive-minded guard as someone to develop. The Rockets, missing out on the big man they really want, opt to trade back for some additional bites at the apple. They’re giving up the biggest single asset in the deal but should have chances to grab impact players with the two first-round picks they get in return. They also get Primo, an extremely young player with 3-and-D potential, and a young rotation player in Keldon Johnson would could be a useful piece as they try to pivot towards playoff contention.

Sacramento Kings trade down from No. 4

This is a fairly dramatic, win-now gamble for the Kings but there isn’t an obvious fit for them at No. 4 and they’ve given every indication of being willing to bet the house on trying to make the playoffs. Here they turn the aging Barnes (whose next contract they won’t want to play) into a cost-effective, up-and-coming, two-way difference-maker in Anunoby. They also get a future first to start restocking their draft war chest and a defensive big in Birch they can keep or flip.

For the Raptors, trading Anunoby would be hard to swallow but they get Barnes for now and the cap space his expiring contract will create at the end of next season. And with the No. 4 pick, they get a chance to grab a backcourt difference-maker who can help shift their timeline more and more towards the ascendant Scottie Barnes.

Portland Trail Blazers trade No. 7 for veteran help

The Trail Blazers would probably much rather land OG Anunoby but they can’t offer as compelling a trade package and may have to settle for flipping the No. 7 pick for something slightly lesser in trying to build a new core around Damian Lillard. Here they get a two-way wing they reportedly coveted in Jerami Grant, as well as a stretchy and offensively versatile big man in Kelly Olynyk. For the Pistons, they’ll now be making the No. 5 and No. 7 picks and have a chance to really build out a compelling young core around Cade Cunningham.

Indiana Pacers grab another first-round pick

Here the Pacers find a way to push their rebuild ahead, grabbing some cap relief and another lottery pick. They bring back some contracts to match salaries, sending Malcolm Brogdon to the Wizards for the No. 10 pick. Brogdon has been injured but is still an excellent two-way backcourt player who should make an excellent partner for Bradley Beal, hopefully helping convince him to stay in Washington. As part of the deal, the Wizards also send Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Bucks, who get an improve their 3-and-D depth around their stars.

With those picks changing hands, let’s see how the draft could actually shake out.