NBA Notes: Cavs, Pacers, Jaden Ivey, Thunder

Cavaliers

• The Cavs are looking to move up, down and around in Thursday’s NBA Draft. Per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, yes, president of basketball operations Koby Altman has explored the possibility of moving up in the lottery.
• As of this writing, the Cavs own the No. 14 overall pick. They also own three second-rounders — Nos. 39, 49 and 56. They landed No. 49 in a trade with the Kings, which we relayed here and the Cavs have announced.
• At this point, it seems unlikely that the Cavs will keep all three second-round picks. They very well could use them to move up and nab another first. The Warriors’ pick at No. 28 is potentially among their targets, sources told Hoops Wire.

Pacers

The Pacers are high on Purdue guard Jaden Ivey, though it seems doubtful he will still be available when they select at No. 6 overall.

“His speed, I think, is what sets him apart,” VP of player personnel Carr said, per James Boyd of The Indianapolis Star. “There’s just not many players with that kind of speed, the ability to put the pressure on the rim and score. And then he’s really improved over the past couple years his shooting and has shown the ability to hit 3s. … Somebody that fast, if he can hit a jumper and go by you, I don’t know how you guard him.”

This is the Pacers’ highest pick since they selected Rik Smits at No. 2 overall in 1988. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that move up to No. 4, via trade with the Kings, to get Ivey.

“It’s been a long time, and obviously you want every player you pick, no matter what number, to succeed,” Carr said, via Boyd. “But the sixth pick, this guy, we want him to be a foundational piece for us, and (we’re) looking forward to adding that piece.”

Thunder

• While the Thunder are seemingly staying put at No. 2, with which they could take Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren, they are still looking to move up, sources said. They also own the No. 12 pick and may also be eyeing the Kings’ selection at No. 4.
• If the Thunder do move up, they have their sets on Ivey and Kentucky guard Shaedon Sharpe, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
• One other thing to keep an eye on: The Thunder have been linked to the Trail Blazers at No. 7, perhaps utilizing the No. 12 pick and Luguentz Dort to try to move up, per Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.