2022 NBA Mock Draft: Pistons trade shakes up the lottery

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Forward Luguentz Dort (5) ties up Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham. Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

2022 NBA Mock Draft: Pick #4

There are reportedly a lot of teams looking to trade up to take Ivey here, including the Detroit Pistons.

Another one of those teams is the OKC Thunder, who are reportedly being “aggressive” in their pursuit of Ivey. If that is true, they have more assets than the Detroit Pistons and could screw Detroit over by trading up (if the Pistons are really that high on Ivey, which I am skeptical of).

The Kings reportedly want a talent to help them win now but can also pick up some draft assets for the 4th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

player. 149. Scouting Report. Jaden Ivey. Pick Analysis. Guard. OKC Thunder / Purdue. 4

Would this be enough for OKC to move up? Dort is on the final year of his deal and about to get paid, though he is a nice fit with the Kings considering the guards they have, and he is still just 23-years-old, giving them a guy who can help now, but who also might get better.

The Kings still get a lottery pick (#12) plus a future first-round pick from OKC’s hoard. The Kings are reportedly playing hardball and asking for the moon, so this still might not be enough, but if they really have no interest in Ivey, this would be a deal that would get them multiple first-round picks and a young player. The second pick could end up being another high one, as the Thunder aren’t going to be good next year either way.

The Thunder get to walk away from this draft with both Chet Holmgren and Jaden Ivey and might feel like they got the two best players in the draft. With the young talent they already have, they would be well on their way towards respectability.