The Golden State Warriors may have some contenders vying for the No. 2 in the NBA draft should they choose to trade.
According to the latest draft by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons are “among the candidates” to enter the No. 2. If the Warriors were to keep the pick, they should select James Wiseman, the Memphis center.
It is unclear what Bulls, Knicks or Pistons would do if they went up, but each team is at a different stage in the rebuilding process.
Chicago is just starting to figure out what to do with its roster as senior executive Arturas Karnisovas, general manager Marc Eversley and head coach Billy Donovan all enter their first season with the franchise. The Bulls hold pick number 4, with ESPN casting guard Deni Avdija into the Windy City, though trade talks remain ongoing.
The Knicks are in a slightly similar position with new team president Leon Rose and manager Tom Thibodeau both entering their inaugural season with the club, but they may have more foundations to work with. Forwards Kevin Knox and RJ Barrett, along with center-back Mitchell Robinson and plenty of rooftop space, provide a measure of flexibility.
This could work in the Knicks’ favor, regardless of whether they are able to trade from point no. 8, where Givony believes they will likely take Iowa state guard Tyrese Haliburton.