Huge NBA Draft rumor provides Wizards with golden opportunity

The Washington Wizards have a bunch of different directions they could go in this summer. With no real pathway to making the playoffs next year, all eyes should be on the future.

The NBA Draft Lottery helped them out in that regard, as the Wizards landed the second pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft, meaning they will have plenty of different players to choose from.

Unfortunately, there are no generational talents in this year’s draft, according to most experts, but Washington will still be able to choose from plenty of promising youngsters.

However, a recent NBA Draft rumor could provide the Wizards with a golden opportunity to add to their young core even more than just with the second pick.

Jonathan Givony of ESPN recently ranked the top 100 prospects in this year’s draft, and he placed UConn center Donovan Clingan third overall. But what was more interesting was the rumor he included in his blurb about the big man.

He noted that a bunch of teams could attempt to trade up in the draft in an attempt to take Clingan. Givony mentioned the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, and Utah Jazz as squads that may be interested.

"Clingan isn't expected to drop past the Portland Trail Blazers at No. 7, whom he just visited for a private workout as well. He is being discussed among teams as a possible target for the likes of Chicago, Memphis, Oklahoma City or Utah, who all might explore trading up for a player in his mold."

- Jonathan Givony, ESPN

The UConn center just won two straight National Championships with the Huskies and is considered one of the most NBA-ready top prospects in this year’s draft.

Washington should take advantage of this opportunity as a way to add more draft capital. They could trade the second pick, allow one of those teams to take Clingan, and walk away with more assets than they went into the night with.

The Grizzlies have the ninth pick and future firsts, the Bulls have the 11th pick and future firsts, the Thunder have the 12th pick and future firsts, and the Jazz have the 10th pick, the 29th pick, and future firsts.

If Washington isn’t dead set on taking a certain player with the second pick, it could be worth it for them to trade back, grab someone they like, and add a future first in a draft that may have more talent than this one.