NBA Draft Rumors II: Hawks Eye Maluach in Trade-Up Scenario, Magic and Thunder May Look to Deal Picks

In Part 2 of the NBA Draft Rumors series, Rafael and James Barlowe return on the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast to break down the latest buzz surrounding several teams with multiple first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. They begin with the Orlando Magic, questioning whether it makes sense for them to bring in two more rookies given their recent struggles to develop young talent. The conversation then shifts to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are currently tied 2–2 in the NBA Finals and also hold two first-round picks. Rafael and James debate whether the Thunder should add more rookies after essentially redshirting 2024 lottery pick Nikola Topić and struggling to find minutes for Dillon Jones and Ajay Mitchell. The duo then dives into the Atlanta Hawks’ reported interest in trading up for Duke center Khaman Maluach, speculating on how high Atlanta would need to move to land him—likely before No. 9, where Toronto could snatch him up. They also discuss how this draft could be pivotal in shaping the Hawks' short-term direction, especially with a major decision looming around Trae Young’s $228 million contract extension. The episode wraps with a discussion on the emergence of Jalen Johnson as a 2021 draft steal and what the Brooklyn Nets might do with their four first-round picks in a draft loaded with trade possibilities.

1:36 – Draft Rumors Episode 1 Recap
2:22 – What Should Orlando Do with Their Two First-Round Picks? Should They Trade for Jordan Poole?
11:45 – Oklahoma City Thunder Facing a Roster Crunch: Should They Move Their Two Picks?
17:34 – Atlanta Hawks Reportedly Eyeing Duke’s Khaman Maluach: What Will It Take to Trade Up?
20:21 – Khaman Maluach’s Reported Draft Floor: Toronto Raptors at No. 9
24:44 – How Much Will This Draft Impact the Atlanta Hawks’ Future? What’s Next for Trae Young?
28:40 – The Hawks’ Draft Steal: Revisiting Jalen Johnson’s Selection in 2021
34:13 – Should the Brooklyn Nets Keep All Four of Their First-Round Picks?

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