2021 NBA Mock Draft With Trades

1. Detroit Pistons- Cade Cunningham (PG, Oklahoma State, Freshman)

According to Jonathon Givony, the Pistons are not fully locked on Cade Cunningham yet as they are fans of prospects such as Evan Mobley and Jalen Green and will do their homework on them, as they should, and could even look to deal the pick for the right package. But at the end of the day, the first pick has only been traded six times in draft history and it is hard for me to imagine the pick being traded in a year with Cade Cunningham in it. Cade Cunningham will give Detroit someone with true franchise changing and offensive engine potential as a 6’8″ point guard who can score from all three levels, defend, find the open teammate, and operate in the pick and roll. Cade will be the glue that makes the Pistons offense stick that consists of a pleather of good complimentary pieces including, Jerami Grant, Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart, and Hamidou Diallo.

Comparison- Grant Hill/Pass-First Jayson Tatum

2. Houston Rockets- Jalen Green (SG, G-League Ignite, 19 years old)

The Rockets have a very difficult dilemma as they will need to decide who is the better option between Jalen Green and Evan Mobley, both are #1 type talents. My inference is they would go with Jalen Green, who is my #2 prospect, as they have been very pro perimeter creation in the last decade and with their President of Basketball Operations, Gretchen Sheirr, being someone that worked for Daryl Morey, I imagine that philosophy being similar. Jalen Green is a lengthy, twitchy athletic wing that is able to put the ball in the basket better than everyone in the draft, with his finishing ability at the rim and scoring package from the perimeter. He also showed promise as both a passer and defender. The Rockets would be getting someone with a chance to be a true foundation of a great offense and a very exciting pairing with Kevin Porter Jr. in the back court. It is maybe unfair to put James Harden expectations on Green, but he is certainly a strong replacement.

Comparison: Zach LaVine/Explosive Bradley Beal

3. Cleveland Caveliers- Evan Mobley (C/PF, USC, Freshman)

The Cavaliers are currently at a weird spot because nobody knows what they are going to do with their young star in Colin Sexton, perhaps they look to deal him if Evan Mobley is taken by Houston since the two best players available after Evan Mobley are Jalen Suggs and Jalen Green, both guards. But if they don’t decide to deal him, they wouldn’t need to worry about that if Evan Mobley falls to them. Evan Mobley is regarded by many as the second best talent in the draft; a long, agile seven footer who is the best defender in the draft with his rim protection as well as his ability to switch on guards. Offensively, he has a unique skillset as he can handle the ball, he is a really good passer in the post and in transition, he can stretch the floor, and his soft hands and natural touch make him a really good finisher around the rim. Evan Mobley could fit nicely with Jarrett Allen in the front court due to his versatility in the perimeter, as well. If the Cavaliers choose to keep Sexton, a young core of Darius Garland, Colin Sexton, and Evan Mobley is worth being excited about.

Comparison: Anthony Davis/Chris Bosh

4. Toronto Raptors- Scottie Barnes (PF/SF, Florida State, Freshman)

Jalen Suggs, stud point guard out of Gonzaga, is often punctured in at this spot in most mock drafts, but I speculate it isn’t as much of a lock as people think. Scottie Barnes is someone I am really high on for a long time and it seems like he has boosted his stock after team interviews and the combine. Barnes is a 6’8″ combo wing with a 7’3″ wingspan and fantastic athleticism, he compliments his physical tools with an awesome motor that makes him one of the best and most versatile defenders in the class. His offensive upside is also underrated, he is the best transition player in this class, his length, strides, handle, finishing around the rim, and ability to read the floor makes him a potential terror in the open floor, he shows shades of Giannis Antetokounmpo in the fast break. He does need to work on his half court creation and jumper, but he has good touch around the rim and a solid stroke, which makes me believe he could be a good enough as a shooter to allow the rest of his game to pop. The idea of having long, versatile, switchable defenders in Barnes, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby is very intriguing.

Comparison: Giannis Antetokounmpo lite/Ben Simmons

5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Via. Magic)- Jalen Suggs (PG/SG, Gonzaga, Freshman)

Mock Trade:

Thunder receive: #5 pick, #33 pick

Magic Receive: #6 pick, #18 pick

The Thunder were a team that was evidently hopeful for the opportunity to pick at the top of the draft this year, or at least stay in the top five, but that unfortunately didn’t work out for them. With Barnes going four in this scenario, an elite prospect in Jalen Suggs would just be chilling at the fifth spot, so Oklahoma City should decide to use their otherworldly amount of draft capital to just move up one spot to take Jalen Suggs. Suggs was one of the most impressive freshman we have seen in the last few years, as a freshman, he was Gonzaga’s best player and led them to the National Championship. With his frame, motor, elite defense, ability to find others on the offensive end, and underrated ability to hit shots, he would be a great back court pairing with Shai-Gilgeous Alexander. There are questions if Suggs can be a true #1, but getting him as a co-star in SGA would be a big step in the right direction for OKC.

6. Orlando Magic- Jonathon Kuminga (SF, G-League Ignite, 18 years old)

Mock Trade:

Thunder receive: #5 pick, #33 pick

Magic Receive: #6 pick, #18 pick

If Jalen Suggs fell to the Magic, they would be in a tough spot as they already have a handful of young point guards in Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, and RJ Hampton. The nice thing is, there would probably be a lot of teams calling Orlando hoping to land Suggs, so they could get good assets in return by trading down. With this mock trade, Orlando only drops one spot, they get a third first round pick in a loaded draft, and they still are able take a premier talent in Jonathon Kuminga, who fits well with them. Kuminga is very raw, that was shown by his horrific inefficiency in the G-League as he shot 37/24/63 splits. But with his big time athleticism, NBA frame, defensive tools, and flashes as a slasher and playmaker, Kuminga has as much upside as anybody in this draft. Kuminga will need some time to sharpen his skills, but Orlando has the time to develop a talent like Kuminga, and if they succeed in his development, they have a franchise player.

Comparison: Young Jaylen Brown

7. Indiana Pacers (Via. Timberwolves)- James Bouknight (SG, UConn, Sophomore)

Mock Trade:

Warriors: Ben Simmons, Myles Turner 

76ers: Malcolm Brogdon, Eric Paschall, #14 pick (Warriors)

Pacers: James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins, #7 pick (Warriors), 2022 second (Warriors), 2025 1st (Warriors)

The Indiana Pacers are at a very weird spot where they have a good amount talent, enough to be in the conversation in the Eastern Conference, but perhaps not quote the talent that can take you to the promised land. That mediocre status is one of the worst places to be in the NBA. In this scenario, Indiana decides to take a big part in a massive blockbuster trade to hopefully elevate their long-term potential by getting a young big in James Wiseman, who oozes with upside, and a couple first rounders, including this pick. By drafting James Bouknight, they would grab another talent who has a strong amount of upside… as a springy 6’5″ guard that can create from all three levels. His defense and vision are questions, but his upside to be a legit 20 PPG scorer is too enticing to ignore. Bouknight would be an exciting addition to the Pacers’ new young core.

Comparison: Zach Lavine lite

8. Orlando Magic (Via. Bulls) – Moses Moody (SF/SG, Arkansas, Freshman)

Out of the money holes the Magic need to address, I would really like for them to get someone with sniper potential with one of their lottery picks to help their spacing. They would definitely fill that need by landing the best 3 and D player in the draft. Even though Moses Moody shot only 36% from three, he has a gorgeous and consistent form, I expect him to shoot better form three in the NBA than in college and function as a major floor spacer in the NBA. With his length, IQ, and discipline, he also has a chance to be a really high end defender in the league. In a league where you can’t have too many versatile defensive wings, adding Jonathon Kuminga and Moses Moody to the Magic’s treasure chest of wings along with Jonathon Isaac and Chuma Okeke would make Orlando’s long-term potential quite enticing.

Comparison: De’Andre Hunter/Khris Middleton

9. Sacramento Kings- Alperen Sengun (C, Beşiktaş J.K.,18 years old)

With Richaun Holmes and Hassan Whiteside being free agents this summer, the Sacramento Kings have real questions about their center rotation going forward. Alperen Sengun had an historic season for a teenager as the Turkish League MVP. He isn’t the most athletic big or the most modern due to his questions as a shooter and defender, but he is the best post scorer in the draft with incredible footwork and touch around the rim. He also is a gifted passer with intrigue as a shooter despite shooting 18% from deep. With his natural gifts offensively, he is someone that would give Sacramento the upside in the front court they haven’t had in a few years.

Comparison: Domantas Sabonis

10. New Orleans Pelicans- Davion Mitchell (SG/PG, Baylor, Junior)

The Pelicans really need to acquire talent that is able to contribute right now, defend, and potentially space the floor. Mitchell could help in all three departments. Davion Mitchell is one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft, despite not being the biggest, he showed to be fully capable of giving players much bigger than him trouble. He also is a capable scorer with his quick first step, shiftiness, step back, and much improved jumper. Even though he is 22 years old, I think his upside is still quite high because what he thrives in are skills that translate to the NBA at a high level. The Pelicans would get a day one difference maker from the perimeter, someone that would especially provide a positive impact for Zion.

Comparison: Patrick Beverley/Kemba Walker

11. Charlotte Hornets- Kai Jones (C, Texas, Sophomore)

The Charlotte Hornets had one of the worst center rotations in the league last year, if they could get a talented young big at this spot, that would be a massive win. Like many recent Texas bigs, Kai Jones is raw, he started playing basketball at 15 years old, but his traits as a freakishly athletic big that can potentially guard four positions, be a lob threat, handle the ball, and space the floor make him a true lottery talent. Jones will need some time for his perimeter and defensive potential to pop, but his ability as a big to run up and down the court and be threat around the rim makes him a fantastic fit with LaMelo Ball, who Charlotte should think about with every move they make.

Comparison: James Wiseman/Jaren Jackson Jr.

12. San Antonio Spurs- Keon Johnson (SG, Tennessee, Freshman)

The San Antonio Spurs need to focus on getting general upside with this pick and if Keon Johnson fell to them, that would be huge. Keon Johnson really showed off his athleticism at the combine, breaking the max vertical record with his 48 inch vertical. He is more than a leaper and athlete though, he is a gritty defender, he is a very good slasher at the rim, he can pass well, and he has an impressive scoring package from the mid range. He will need to improve his shooting and get bigger, but he has the star potential the Spurs don’t really have in their young core right now.

Comparison: Jimmy Butler/Isaac Okoro

13. Indiana Pacers- Josh Giddey (PG, Adelaide 36ers, 18 years old)

Mock Trade:

Warriors: Ben Simmons, Myles Turner 

76ers: Malcolm Brogdon, Eric Paschall, #14 pick (Warriors)

Pacers: James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins, #7 pick (Warriors), 2022 second (Warriors), 2025 1st (Warriors)

By trading Malcolm Brogdon in this mock trade, the Pacers could suddenly use a point guard with long-term starting potential, Josh Giddey would make a lot of sense. Josh Giddey is a big point guard as he is pushing 6’9″, he is a crafty and brilliant basketball mind that passes as well as anyone in this draft. He also is a fantastic rebounding guard with an improving stroke. I have questions if Giddey can be an elite playmaker as I have questions about his ability to create separation off the bounce, but there is a lot of upside here.

Comparison: Taller Ricky Rubio

14. Philadelphia 76ers- Corey Kisbert (SF, Gonzaga, Senior)

Mock Trade:

Warriors: Ben Simmons, Myles Turner 

76ers: Malcolm Brogdon, Eric Paschall, #14 pick (Warriors)

Pacers: James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins, #7 pick (Warriors), 2022 second (Warriors), 2025 1st (Warriors)

With the Joel Embiid’s championship window opening up, the 76ers need to find as many players who can contribute day one and space the floor as possible. Adding Malcolm Brogdon and Eric Paschall alone should help Embiid. Even though the draft isn’t a common route for finding day one guys, Corey Kisbert is an exception. Kisbert is one of the best shooters in the class, he is a fantastic shooter off the catch, off screens, and he is a pretty good team defender. He is limited as a playmaker and as a one on one defender, but low maintenance sharpshooters like Kisbert are assets on teams that are contending. He would be a major asset in Philadelphia as he would open the paint for Embiid.

Comparison: Joe Harris

15. Washington Wizards- Usman Garuba (PF, Real Madrid, 19 years old)

Who knows what direction the Wizards will go this offseason? Will they keep Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook or will they have to start a rebuild? Either way, Usman Garuba would be a reasonable fit. Usman Garuba is one of the best defenders in the draft, he is lengthy, athletic smart, and intense, and he can guard at least four positions. His defensive versatility would be help for a Wizards team win now as they can’t defend at all. Garuba also would fit a rebuild as well because he is still a project offensively, he has a lot of upside and room to grow as a shooter and decision maker.

Comparison: Jarred Vanderbilt

16. Oklahoma City Thunder (Via. Boston Celtics)- Isaiah Jackson (C/PF, Kentucky, Freshman)

With The Oklahoma City Thunder trading Moses Brown (pretty much for this pick), they don’t have any young and intriguing bigs. Isaiah Jackson does have his limitations offensively as he is exclusively a lob and dunker spot threat, but his length and ability to protect the rim at an elite level presents value. Who knows what Jackson’s ceiling is? It depends on how much he can grow on the offensive end, but OKC would be getting someone with a chance to be an impactful role player for a long time.

Comparison: Smaller Mitchell Robinson/Nicolas Claxton

17. Memphis Grizzlies– Jalen Johnson (PF/SF, Duke, Freshman)

The Grizzlies have one of the deeper young cores in the league of super high-end role players, outside of Ja Morant, of course. The problem with Memphis is; they don’t really have talent outside of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. (who is usually hurt) that have star potential. It is rare to find someone that has star potential outside of the lottery, but Jalen Johnson does. He is a physical, athletic combo forward that puts pressure on the glass, he can handle the ball and facilitate in transition, and he is a gifted finisher. There are character questions with Johnson, which is why he could be available at 17, but this could be a great match as Memphis has a strong culture that could benefit Johnson, he also gives the Grizzlies the high-end talent they still need to add.

Comparison: Ben Simmons lite/Deni Avdija

18. Orlando Magic- Day‘Ron Sharpe (C, UNC, Freshman)

The Magic could go a million different directions at this spot, they already have a lot of young guards, wings, and bigs. But with Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. approaching the end of their rookie deals, I think it makes the most sense to look for a young big on a rookie deal at this point. There may be some people that think Day’Ron Sharpe is a reach at this point, but I am a fan of his, I do not have a problem with him going at this spot. Sharpe is an athletic big that can be a presence in the paint defensively, he is a beast on the glass, he is a lob threat in the paint, he can really pass, and he has shown he could become a solid shooter in his draft workouts. Sharpe will still need to prove he can space the floor at a respectable level, but he has a chance to be a very positive player in the league. Plus, the athleticism in the front court of this young Magic young core would be insane.

Comparison: Robert Williams

19. New York Knicks- Tre Mann (PG, Florida, Sophomore)

The Knicks could still use more floor spacers and shot makers on their roster. Fortunately, they are able to land one of my favorite prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft in Tre Mann. If it was up to me, Mann would be a top 10 pick, he is a 6’5″ point guard who has a fluid handle, he is an elite, effortless shooter, especially off the bounce and has 30 foot range. There are questions about his ability to get others involved and his defense, but he has shown flashes as a facilitator. The Knicks would have the rare opportunity of getting a shot making combo guard with All-Star potential in the late teens.

Comparison: D’Angelo Russell

20. Atlanta Hawks- Franz Wagner (SF, Michigan, Sophomore)

Franz Wagner is widely regarded as a potential lottery pick, but there is always somebody that slips, it isn’t impossible it ends up being Wagner. Wagner is a modern NBA wing, he is a 6’9″ Swiss army knife, he can play SG-PF, he can defend multiple positions, he can function as a ball mover offensively while being able to hit shots from the outside when he is feeling it. I do have questions about his ceiling, he isn’t the most athletic, he doesn’t have the skillset to take a big role, and he doesn’t excel at one thing, but wings that can do everything in the modern NBA have more value than they ever have. The Atlanta Hawks already have a lot of wings, but with Wagner available, it would make sense to select him as a luxury pick. He could become a really effective role player in this league for years to come.

Comparison: Mike Dunleavy Jr. lite/Nicholas Batum

21. New York Knicks- Chris Duarte (SG/SF, Oregon, Senior)

With the Knicks shocking everyone and getting their fourth seed, if they keep their picks, I would speculate they would target getting at least one day one contributor. At 24 years old, Chris Duarte may not have the highest ceiling, but his maturity combined with his ability to space the floor, function as a secondary playmaker, and defend at a respectable level could very well make him a day one contributor. The Knicks need shooters and this would be a cheap and convenient way to get one who can help now.

Comparison: Kevin Huerter Jr.

22. Minnesota Timberwolves (Via. Lakers)- Trey Murphy III (SF, Virginia, Junior)

Ethan Hyman/The News & Observer via AP, Pool

Mock Trade:

Lakers receive: Ricky Rubio, 2022 2nd round pick

Timberwolves receive: #22 pick, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The Timberwolves had an up and down experience with Ricky Rubio last season, using him as a trade chip to get a first round pick this year would be beneficial. The Lakers need a second floor general to take weight off of Lebron James’s shoulders, so adding a Ricky Rubio, a veteran playmaker, who also is on an expiring contract (which raises his value), would be a big deal for a Lakers team that probably wouldn’t want to ask late-round rookies to contribute to a championship hopeful.

Trey Murphy is exactly what the Timberwolves need, a super efficient 3 and D wing who is a knockdown shooter when open. Murphy also has a chance to be a lockdown wing in the league, which a defense needy Timberwolves team should crave.

Comparison: Mikal Bridges

23. Houston Rockets Sharife Cooper- (PG, Auburn, Freshman)

The Rockets have a trio of first round picks in a draft that is loaded with long-term upside and their priority should be to swing at high-end talent to add to their core. Shariefe Cooper is special with the ball in his hands, he has a super tight handle, he is an elite passer, and he simply knows how to control the pace of the game. His ability as a floor general reminds me a lot of Chris Paul. The reason why he probably won’t go in the lottery despite having Chris Paul qualities is because he didn’t shoot it well. Cooper shot under 25% from three in college and with his awkward looking stroke, I have questions if that shot will translate early on. As a 6’0″ point guard, especially as a pass first guard, you need to be able to shoot it respectively to open up the rest of your game because you’re not going to be able to see over defenders like a Josh Giddy. Even with Cooper’s questions, his special qualities and high upside are worth betting on at this point of the draft.

Comparison: Chris Paul without a jumper

24. Houston Rockets- Zhaire Williams (SF/SG, Stanford, Freshman)

After taking multiple high-upside guys with Houston’s first two first round picks, they could go a lot of different directions. It would be nice to add a high-floor prospect that can play in the front court here, but there is no perfect match for that at this point, so they go upside here again with Zhaire Williams. Williams did struggle heavily his freshman year, he is not strong or an efficient scorer, but his NBA frame, natural fluidity, and smooth stroke gives him the upside to perhaps eventually become a stud. If Williams doesn’t pan out, most will forget about this pick because we are outside of the lottery, but Houston also has a chance to land a star if he hits.

Comparison: Cam Reddish

25. Los Angeles Clippers- Jared Butler (PG, Baylor, Junior)

With Rajon Rondo aging and Reggie Jackson going into free agency, there are a lot of questions for the Clippers at the point guard position. Jared Butler is a prospect I am higher on than most. Point guards that can work in the pick and roll, hit threes, facilitate, and defend tend to translate well in the modern NBA and I don’t see why he won’t, if he stays healthy. Butler’s heart condition, which held him out of some pre draft workouts, will be a question for NBA teams, understandably so, but he has fortunately recently been cleared to play, this is great value at 25.

Comparison: Jalen Brunson/George Hill

26. Denver Nuggets- Josh Christopher (SG, ASU, Freshman)

Even though Josh Christopher had an up and down season at ASU, his natural feel for putting the ball in the basket as well as his physical tools make him a first round talent, and his impressive combine proved that. With Gary Harris gone, the Nuggets could add some for wing depth, Surrounding Nikola Jokic with athleticism and potential two-way talent is a smart plan. Christopher fits that mold and his upside is what makes taking him at this point of the draft a fantastic value pick.

Comparison: Demar Derozan lite

27. Brooklyn Nets- Ayo Dosunmu (PG, Illinois, Junior)

Ayo Dosunmu was one of the best players in college basketball last year, yet he isn’t getting the love he deserves, in my opinion. I understand he is 21 years old and doesn’t have freak burst or athleticism, but at 6’5″, he is incredibly coordinated and shifty, which makes him able to get to where he wants on the court, especially with his mid range game. Not to mention, his passing is very solid and he is a disciplined defender. The Nets’ future with Spencer Dinwiddie appears to be questionable at the moment, Dosunmu would be a reasonable replacement and could contribute right away on the bench for a contender, despite being a rookie.

Comparison: Shai-Gilgeous Alexander lite

28. Philadelphia 76ers- Cameron Thomas (SG, LSU, Freshman)

Doc Rivers isn’t known to be somebody that prefers to play rookies immediately, so for Philly, why not go for the upside? Cam Thomas does have flaws as a defender, passer, and decision maker, but his shot making talent is definitely top 10 pick caliber, even though he wasn’t the most efficient in college. Plus, Thomas is a better shooter than his numbers suggest. Along with Corey Kisbert, he would be another player who could potentially space the floor for Joel Embiid down the road.

Comparison: Bigger Lou Williams

29. Phoenix Suns- Miles McBride (PG/SG, West Virginia, Sophomore)

The Phoenix Suns have become a team with a handful of players that pride themselves on gritty, physical defense, Miles McBride fits that culture very well. To go along with his very good and physical defense, McBride is a very good shooter capable of hitting difficult shots off the bounce with flashes of being a good passer as well. Who knows the odds of McBride becoming a steady starter for a team, but learning from Chris Paul and Monty Williams would definitely be a huge benefit for his growth.

Comparison: Kyle Lowry lite/Jevon Carter

30. Utah Jazz- JT Thor (PF, Auburn, Freshman)

JT Thor’s stock has dramatically risen throughout the year, to the point where he could go in the first round, perhaps higher than where I have him right now, but Utah would be a fantastic fit for Thor. Thor’s intrigue doesn’t have much to do with what he can deliver a team right now, he lacks a consistent skill on the offensive end and needs to get stronger. What makes Thor excited is his tools as an athletic and agile 6’10” forward that is super versatile on the defensive end and could be a threat in transition and as a shooter, even though his three point percentage needs to be better. Utah would be a perfect destination for him… since he would have the time to grow into his talent on a team that doesn’t need him to contribute day one. Utah’s superb coaching would be a huge benefit for Thor, as well.

Comparison: Young Pascal Siakam