Los Angeles Lakers – Chris Duarte
The Los Angeles Lakers are always a team to keep an eye on when it comes to trades. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the roster, the Lakers are in win-now mode and not many prospects fit their plans.
If Los Angeles does hold onto their first-round pick, finding a perimeter shooter that can work well with James and Davis would be a wise plan. Chris Duarte out of Oregon has seen his stock increase in the pre-draft process and he could sneak into the lottery now.
However, if Duarte falls to the Lakers at pick No. 22, then it would be remiss for them to pass on the talented scorer. Over the course of his two years at Oregon, Duarte posted 14.9 points and 1.8 steals per game while converting 38 percent of his outside shots.
READ MORE: 7 bold predictions for the 2021 NBA Draft
Los Angeles Clippers – Jared Butler
Reggie Jackson did a remarkable job of stepping up for the Los Angeles Clippers in the playoffs when Kawhi Leonard went down with a season-ending injury. There’s no doubt that Jackson could have earned himself a decent contract in free agency this offseason.
Regardless of whether or not the Clippers bring back Jackson, adding a point guard is key for Los Angeles. In light of that, Jared Butler out of Baylor could give them a much-needed boost at point guard.
After being medically cleared to enter the draft, Butler could be coveted by a few point-guard needy teams, including the Clippers. With Leonard expected to miss time to begin next season, Butler could help run the offense as a rookie alongside Paul George.
Denver Nuggets – Jared Butler
The Denver Nuggets looked poised for a deep playoff run this season until Jamal Murray went down with a season-ending knee injury. Nikola Jokic would win MVP for the Nuggets, but the team is preparing to not have Murray available for a decent portion of next season as well.
With a glaring need at point guard until Murray gets back into form, Butler would be a fantastic pick for Denver. Monte Morris and Facundo Campazzo are fine role players, but Butler could have the potential to turn into a marquee player for the Nuggets sooner rather than later.
Throughout his three seasons at Baylor, Butler recorded 14.1 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while nailing 38.4 percent of his shots from deep.
READ MORE: 7 bold predictions for the 2021 NBA Draft
Brooklyn Nets – Cameron Thomas
Given the current construction of the roster, the Brooklyn Nets have to address needs on their roster through the draft and with bargain players in free agency. Having Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving puts Brooklyn in a spot where they have to convince veteran players to take a discount in exchange for the opportunity to secure a ring.
That being said, the Nets could add a player like Cameron Thomas near the end of the first round. Thomas was remarkable in his lone season at LSU, registering 23 points per game while making 32.5 percent of his threes. Considering Brooklyn’s need for depth on the perimeter, Thomas would be a viable selection for the Nets.
