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

Here’s how the lottery looks after trades in our latest NBA Mock Draft:

Branham is a two-way wing with creation upside who could eventually help share the load with Darius Garland and leave the Cavaliers more free to explore trade options with Collin Sexton.

The Hornets may have to choose between P.J. Washington and Miles Bridges and Eason would be a great replacement for Washington. He’s not as reliable a shooter right now, but he’s a high-energy, versatile defender who is a terror in transition and is figuring out how to make an impact on offense without the ball in his hands.

Is seen as a having a slightly lower ceiling due to his reliance on the mid-range game and the ways in high his limited speed and quickness may keep that from translating at the next level. But he’s an aggressive, engaged defender and can help in a variety of ways on offense. If the Thunder decide they don’t want to pay Lu Dort’s next deal, Davis could be an ideal replacement.

Mathurin might not be a future star but he’ll quickly become a fan favorite. He’s an explosive leaper and an excellent shooter, both spotting up and off movement. He won’t single-handedly change the fortunes of the Knicks but he’ll be an excellent complementary piece as R.J. Barrett, Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley continue to develop.

Here the Pacers use the extra first-round pick they nabbed to add a versatile, two-way forward who can fill a variety of roles. He’s still developing as a shooter but he does everything else well and he could be a fascinating fit with Ty Haliburton and Indiana’s other first-round pick.

Duran is a potentially transformational big-man defender, an elite rim protector with strength and the quickness to defend in space and eventually handle some switching matchups. His ceiling may be lower than the players the Rockets could have gotten at No. 3 but Duren is still a tremendous value and could help shape a young roster that already has a lot of offensive talent.

Daniels is a versatile, playmaking wing with plenty of defensive upside. He has the talent to command this draft slot but he’s also a great fit with the Pelicans’ young core, someone who can complement Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, making the team better without always needing the ball in his hands.

Murray is a second-tier big man in this group but his versatility at both ends makes him a great fit for the Pistons. His passing, shooting and face-up game will make him a great pick-and-roll partner for Cade Cunningham and he could eventually be a key piece in a strong defensive frontcourt.

Sharpe is a mystery but after adding an extra first-round pick, the Pacers can gamble on his upside. He’s a special athlete who competes on defense, and looks like he could eventually be an impressive shooter and off-the-dribble creator. The Pacers would head into next season with Sharpe, Sochan and Haliburton as a fantastic, two-way core to build around.

With Murray, the Pistons are adding some significant offensive firepower around Cunningham. Griffin has exceptional physical tools and is an absolutely incredible shooter, both as a spot-up threat and off movement. His floor-spacing ability immediately adds a new dimension to Detroit’s offense and he could eventually become a dynamic complement as a secondary creator.

Here the Raptors are turning OG Anunoby into the best guard prospect in the class, an explosive creator with incredible physical tools. He’s still developing as a shooter and primary ball-handler but he’s a fascinating long-term complement for Scottie Barnes and instantly makes the Raptors one of the most watchable teams in the league.

The Spurs get their man at No. 3, perhaps the best offensive big man in the class and someone who they should be able to largely run their offense through as soon as next season. He may not be the cleanest fit next to Dejounte Murray but he’s too good a prospect to pass up and the Spurs have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to put players with unique skill sets in the best position to succeed.

The Thunder have reportedly already focused in on Holmgren, a 7-foot-1 beanpole who blocks shots, drills 3s off the dribble, can run the offense in the halfcourt and is basically unstoppable in transition. Strength is a concern but he’s too skilled to be a complete bust. I can’t wait to see what he can do with the rest of this squad.

Like the Thunder, the Magic have reportedly already made their decision. Smith is an exceptional shooter at 6-foot-10, who also happens to be an elite defensive prospect capable of playing multiple roles. If he becomes a competent self-creator he’s a multi-time All-Star for sure.