NBA Rumors: Thunder, Lu Dort, Celtics, Mitchell Robinson, Bulls

Thunder

The Thunder have so much depth that they may end up moving a very good player.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, rival executives expect Oklahoma City to exercise its team option on Lu Dort and then gauge the trade market.

That makes sense.

Dort remains one of the league’s better perimeter defenders, but the Thunder are loaded with young talent. Between Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso, there are only so many minutes to go around.

The Lakers have already been linked to Dort, per Scotto, and you can see why. Los Angeles could use another wing defender in the worst way.

The Nets are another team to watch. Brooklyn coach Jordi Fernandez worked with Dort on Canada’s national team and is obviously familiar with what he brings.

The bigger question may be whether Oklahoma City views Dort as expendable or simply too valuable to move despite the crowded rotation.

Celtics

If the Knicks decide they can’t afford to keep Mitchell Robinson, the Celtics could be waiting.

At least that’s one scenario outlined by Brian Robb of MassLive.

Robinson is among New York’s most notable free agents, and owner James Dolan’s reported desire to stay out of the second apron could complicate efforts to bring everyone back.

That’s where Boston enters the picture.

The Celtics remain in the market for another center and would likely have interest in Robinson if he reaches free agency.

You can see the appeal. Robinson rebounds, blocks shots and does plenty of the dirty work that contenders need.

Of course, the Celtics probably wouldn’t be alone. If Robinson hits the market, expect several teams to come calling.

Bulls

The first three picks in the draft continue to dominate most of the conversation.

But don’t overlook Caleb Wilson.

According to Adam Zagoria of Forbes, several evaluators believe Wilson has as much upside as anyone in the class.

“I think in a lot of other drafts, he could be No. 2,” ESPN recruiting director Paul Biancardi said. “And maybe in some drafts, he could be No. 1.”

The Bulls own the No. 4 pick and remain one of the teams most frequently connected to Wilson.

And if Chicago calls his name on draft night, don’t expect any complaints from the former North Carolina standout.

“I would be really excited to land there,” Wilson told Zagoria. “I feel like I would bring a lot to their team.”

That’s exactly the type of thing Bulls fans probably want to hear with the draft now just days away.

MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by team