This year appears to be no different, as several teams have been very aggressive, and numerous trade speculations have recently surfaced.
So, once they're on the clock, who will spice things up? Which players might be on their way out? Four names stick out as probable trade chips when looking around the league.
Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
What will the Pacers do with Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner, the Pacers' big men? I recently wrote about Indiana's enormous big man combination and if they can coexist. The analytics show that they shouldn't play Sabonis and Turner simultaneously (and Rick Carlisle has mentioned spacing them out); thus, Indiana should target one of them on draught night.
Golden State's players are reportedly pushing for a win-now move, and the franchise has been attempting to trade their two lottery picks (Nos. 7 and 14) for a player who can help them reclaim their place among the Western Conference's top. That's precisely what bringing Turner in with Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green would do. Indiana may get the job done with a trade package centered on Andrew Wiggins and multiple draught picks, as well as Jeremy Lamb for salary-matching considerations.
Kemba Walker, Oklahoma City Thunder
Right now, Kemba Walker is in an unusual situation. Walker and the No. 16 pick were traded to Oklahoma City in exchange for Al Horford, Moses Brown, and a second-round pick after leaving Charlotte for Boston and failing to fit in with the Celtics' young core on the court.
How about Kemba eventually playing full-time for the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden? Before making a decision, New York will most likely wait to see what happens with Damian Lillard in Portland, but Walker's fit next to their young core is rather intriguing. The Knicks' ability to field a starting lineup including Walker, Julius Randle, and R.J. Barrett strengthens their position as a formidable playoff club in 2021-22.
Walker's value is low, as evidenced by the Celtics-Thunder deal. New York may complete the trade by sending one of their first-round picks and a player in exchange for a portion of their payroll.
Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors
Golden State seemed sure to make a move on draught night, regardless of the trade size. The Warriors are attempting to make one more push for another championship in the Curry era, with two lottery picks at No. 7 and No. 14 overall.
The Warriors are in any discussion for star-caliber players because of Andrew Wiggins' $31.6 million salaries for the 2021-22 season. Wiggins, who was previously mentioned in a prospective Myles Turner deal, also makes sense in another scenario.
A deal with Golden State makes much too much sense if Toronto decides to blow it apart, leaving only OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet, and their top-five choice. Wiggins, last year's No. 2 overall selection, James Wiseman, and the Warriors' two lottery picks are an appealing package that's difficult to pass up. This agreement also permits both teams to continue in their existing paths (with Golden State in win-now mode and Toronto rebuilding).
Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers
Collin Sexton appears to be on his way out shortly, as Darius Garland is the Cavaliers' young backcourt's priority. Cleveland does not want to pay a large sum of money for Sexton's approaching the second contract, so getting the best possible deal on draught night could be the way to go.
The New York Knicks are one team that has already expressed interest in Sexton. Sexton is a good fit for the mentality that head coach Tom Thibodeau is attempting to establish in New York, and he's another intriguing addition to the team's young core, which already includes R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Sexton may also be utilized as a trade component for the next unhappy superstar who approaches the team.
In this scenario, sending Cleveland Obi Toppin, Kevin Knox, the No. 19 overall picks, and a top second-round pick (No. 32 overall) appear fair for all parties.
Stay tuned to BasketballNews.com for all the latest news and speculations as the NBA Draft approaches in two days.