East Notes: Wizards, Bradley Beal, Knicks, Cavs

Wizards

Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard said he won’t hesitate to pull the trigger on a trade during Thursday’s NBA Draft. In fact, Sheppard went as far as to say this year’s draft could have more wheeling and dealing than usual.

“It just seems like this is that kind of draft where some teams may say ‘you know what, let’s just put what we have on the table,'” Sheppard said, via Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. “I also think a lot of teams recognize they are great things to have, first-round picks, but not necessarily having three or four of them in one draft. So, that allows you to get involved in other deals, certainly.”

The Wizards currently own the No. 10 overall pick. But many seem to believe selecting at No. 10 this year may not be that much different than selecting at No. 20 in terms of talent.

“I think this draft has some really good options where we at. I think you can move back and still get something similar,” Sheppard said.

• Sheppard did not sound concerned about re-signing Bradley Beal, as relayed by Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Beal is eligible for a five-year, $250 million extension with Washington.
• As we relayed earlier, the Wizards are among the teams strongly linked to Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon, who reportedly is highly likely to be traded. Even if the Wizards don’t land Brogdon, it is believed that getting a point guard is their highest offseason priority.

Knicks

• The Knicks are looking to somehow shed the contracts of Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks and Kemba Walker, per Stein. Noel is perhaps the player they are shopping most aggressively, as we relayed.
• Along with that, the Knicks repeatedly have been linked to the Kings’ No. 4 overall pick as they search far and wide for a point guard. They also are reportedly all in on the Brogdon sweepstakes.
• Meanwhile, it appears that a significant multiyear deal for center Mitchell Robinson is “looming,” Stein wrote. Robinson is eligible for a contract extension before July 1, when he would become a free agent. He has also been linked to the Pistons.

Cavaliers

• The Cavs will open the Las Vegas Summer League against the Spurs on July 8. They will then play the Nuggets (July 10), the Hornets (July 13) and the Pistons (July 14). Neither Evan Mobley nor Isaac Okoro are expected to play for the summer squad, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
• Santa Clara guard/forward Jalen Williams could fill a major need for the Cavs and may be available when they are selecting with the No. 14 pick, per Fedor. Williams is set to become the first Santa Clara player drafted since current Nets coach Steve Nash.
• Several sources have told Hoops Wire the Cavs have Williams higher than Ohio State shooting guard Malaki Branham, a product of Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary. You can hear more of my opinions on the Cavs draft on the latest podcast right here.
• In case you missed it, Cavs guard Collin Sexton has been given clearance to return to full basketball activities. You can read that full post right here or visit our Cavs page here.