Rumor Mill: Lottery Edition

It’s not like rumors don’t circulate during the year. The NBA Draft doesn’t introduce could-be scenarios, but it does spark some interesting conversations.

There’s a reason why the lottery teams are in the lottery. They were awful and need to improve their rosters. Whether it’s through the draft or free agency is irrelevant, but the bottom line is they need to make changes.

And just like in Hollywood, someone snaps his or her fingers, purges a comment and a rumor is born. Let’s take a look at some ongoing NBA rumors for lottery teams and explore them.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers trading the No.1 pick?

The Cavaliers have made some pretty bad decisions in the first round the last few years. Okay, they got Kyrie Irving, but that was a slam dunk. No one would have messed that up — not even Michael Jordan. Arguably the best pick Cleveland has made (other than Irving) has to be Tristan Thompson. He’s made great strides and looks to be a solid starter. Dion Waiters has really progressed as well, but there is the possibility he’s moved if he and Irving can’t coexist. I think the Cavaliers are really close to contending because Irving is the key. Maybe trading for a Kevin Love or Al Horford can push them over the hump. The problem is I can’t buy Love signing an extension to stay in Cleveland over him donning purple and gold in Los Angeles. I think Cleveland would love to trade down and get a proven veteran to make a playoff run. Dan Gilbert has made it clear he wants to win next season. Instead of taking a shot on Joel Embiid’s back, I think they’ll look to trade the pick. However, I’d probably take Andrew Wiggins or Jabari Parker, but hey, that’s just one reasonably logical man’s opinion.

2. Charlotte Hornets adding a big-time free agent(s)?

Michael Jordan has already publicly stated the Hornets intend on improving the roster tremendously during the offseason. The Hornets might have gotten steamrolled by the Miami Heat, but at least they made it to the playoffs. The problem for Jordan’s Hornets is the lack of shooting. Names like Chandler Parsons and Gordon Hayward have been batted around, and honestly, I think Parsons is much more likely. Utah is dedicated to bringing Hayward back, but the Rockets just declined Parsons’ option and might not match an offer sheet if Carmelo Anthony entertains the idea of joining Dwight Howard and James Harden. I think Greg Monroe would be a good fit with Al Jefferson, but perimeter scoring is the Hornets’ priority.

3. Phoenix Suns keeping all of their first-round picks?

The Suns own three picks: Nos. 14, 18 and 27. There’s a chance Phoenix could bring three first-round picks into training camp, but I don’t think it’s likely. Eric Bledsode and Goran Dragic are valuable assets, and Markieff Morris has made a statement as an up-and-coming player in the league. The Suns were an eyelash away from playing in the playoffs this season. They’ll probably package at least two of them for a big-time player. Maybe Horford is that guy. I’m sure Atlanta would be willing to take on a couple of first-round picks in exchange for a guy who didn’t contribute at all to their most recent playoff run. Plus, the chances of Atlanta re-signing Horford are slim anyway. Look for Phoenix to wheel and deal.

4. Milwaukee Bucks honing in on Jabari?

Parker is obviously a premiere talent in the draft, and no one can blame the Bucks for taking a polished scorer. But the big factor may be Embiid’s lack of desire to take the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar route. Apparently Embiid’s agent has been withholding his client’s medical records to keep the Bucks from analyzing Embiid. Embiid might go first overall anyway, but if it’s Wiggins, many think the Bucks will take Parker over Embiid to play it safe. I think Milwaukee is so far off from competing that it makes sense to take Embiid. Game-changing centers rarely come around and building around him — assuming he’s healthy — would be the smart move. Parker and Wiggins both look like can’t-miss prospects, but height cannot be taught.

5. Jazz considering Marcus Smart at No. 5?

No. Just no. I don’t see any scenario in which the Jazz take Smart with the No. 5 pick. Trey Burke really came on last year, and there’s no reason to take a ball-dominating Smart. The Jazz need scoring, and I think the ideal draft pick is either Noah Vonleh or Aaron Gordon. With Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors already in place, the Jazz need an athletic forward to put beside them. Assuming the Jazz retain Hayward, Gordon or Vonleh would be ideal fits with their athleticism. I think Smart ends up sliding to No. 7 for the Los Angeles Lakers.