2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Hornets get perfect piece, Lakers shock the league
By Jack Simone
9. TRADE | Trail Blazers get No. 9 pick, Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke, Ziaire Williams | Grizzlies get Deandre Ayton, No. 34 pick
Trail Blazers select Matas Buzelis
The Memphis Grizzlies are going to push for a deep playoff run next year. Injuries got in the way this past season, but they have the talent to be a great team moving forward.
Adding Deandre Ayton to the mix would give them a massive frontcourt with him and Jaren Jackson Jr. Both are plus defenders, with the former having won Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
In return, the Portland Trail Blazers would land another top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. With the pick, they would take Matas Buzelis, who is one of the most intriguing wing prospects in this year’s class.
10. Devin Carter, Providence | Utah Jazz
Devin Carter is one of the best defensive players in this draft, and the Utah Jazz could create a very intriguing backcourt of the future with him and Keyonte George leading the way.
11. Dalton Knecht, Tennessee | Chicago Bulls
As the Chicago Bulls look to reset a bit, getting younger and prepping for the future, adding a talented wing player like Dalton Knecht would help them ride the line between competing now while also adding young talent.
12. TRADE | Nets get No. 12 pick, Future protected first-round pick | Thunder get Cam Johnson
Nets select Nikola Topic
The Oklahoma City Thunder already proved their willingness to spend to improve with their trade for Alex Caruso. Bringing in Cam Johnson as a 3-and-D forward to play alongside their current lineup would be incredible.
The Brooklyn Nets don’t have a pick in this year’s draft. Here, they would get the No. 12 pick and a future protected first in exchange for a 28-year-old Johnson.
With the selection, they would take Nikola Topic. The pick would be a risk, as Topic is dealing with an ACL injury, but he’s one of the most talented playmakers in this draft. It would be worth the risk.