NBA Notes: Nets, Kyrie Irving, Magic, Kings

Nets

Magic

President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman told reporters that the Magic have yet to decide who they will select with the No. 1 overall pick — though that has been met with a bit of skepticism.

Either way, Weltman added that the Magic have options and are keeping them open.

 “Dialogue is always ongoing,” Weltman said, via Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press. “But, most importantly, we get to do what we want. That’s the real benefit of having the No. 1 pick.”

While the Magic are said to be leaning toward Auburn power forward Jabari Smith Jr., there is also talk they could switch things up and go with either Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren or Duke forward/center Paolo Banchero. Weltman gave offered no clues.

“It’s confirmed that there are a lot of talented players at the top of this draft, that’s for sure,” Weltman said.

Kings

  • As we’ve relayed, GM Monte McNair and the Kings are open to moving the No. 4 overall pick and it has generated plenty of interest, Fischer wrote.
  • The Pacers, Spurs, Wizards and Knicks would all like to move up in the lottery, per Fischer, making perhaps each a natural trade partner for Sacramento.
  • We may not know what the Kings decide to do until draft night. Per Fischer, they are expected to explore deals for the pick all they up until they are on the clock (and perhaps even after they draft someone).
  • If the Kings do keep the pick, several rival teams expect them to take Iowa small forward Keegan Murray, Fischer added. With De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell already on the roster, they would likely take a pass on Purdue guard Jaden Ivey, listed as the fourth-best prospect by some.

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