Knicks, Pacers among teams vying to trade up for Jaden Ivey at 4
Ahead of the NBA draft next week, several teams have expressed interest in trading up to acquire the fourth pick from the Sacramento Kings to take Purdue guard Jaden Ivey, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The Kings have been rumored to want to trade their pick in order to add players that can help them win now. The team views the fourth pick as a great asset that can help them land a strong package of players and picks in return.
They have no shortage of suitors for that pick, as it turns out.
Wojnarowski, speaking on “NBA Countdown” ahead of Game 6 of the NBA Finals, said the Kings have heard from at least four teams interested in landing Ivey.
That No. 4 pick that the Sacramento Kings hold is very much in play. There are a lot of teams trying to get deals done with Sacramento so they can move up to select Jaden Ivey. Those are teams close to them in the lottery — Detroit and Indiana, who are at 5 and 6, the New York Knicks at 11 and the Washington Wizards at 10. Sacramento’s asking price is going to be significant … Monte McNair, their GM, you can expect him to be on the phones this next week as we get closer to Thursday’s draft. If they are going to move that pick, they are expecting to get a lot in return.
The fourth pick will likely ensure either the Kings, or another team, have the opportunity to select Ivey. The first three players off the board are expected to be Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr. in some order. Ivey is widely projected to be the fourth pick.
He was a consensus All-American last season after averaging 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Given his overall skill set, Ivey is projected to be able to contribute now while also developing into a potential star, making him a prime target for teams.
The Kings will look to build around De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and Davion Mitchell, and add to that core this offseason. It is unclear what type of player the Kings could acquire with the fourth pick, but the front office has a key asset at its disposal.
While it remains to be seen which direction the Kings will go, it is becoming apparent the first shake-up on draft night could emanate from Sacramento.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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