Where does Victor Wembanyama Sweepstakes Power Rankings stand now after NBA Donovan Mitchell Trade

After various speculations on the NBA trade, according to several sources on Thursday, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired guard Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz for three players and three first-round selections. This gave jazz, Wembanyama! It’s time to review which teams could tank for the 7-foot-3 Frenchman this season after entering a new team into the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes.

The NBA’s non-contenders will do whatever to finish with one of the three worst records in the league and ensure a 14% shot at Wembanyama, who is seen as a generational potential, halfway between LeBron James and Zion Williamson with the skill set of Giannis Antetokounmpo. When a franchise-altering player is on the horizon, everything is on the table—mysterious hamstring pulls, odd fourth-quarter lineups, late-season absences, undrafted rookie starters.

Although there is a ton of potential in this draft class, it pales in comparison to what the 7-foot-3 French point-forward Victor Wembanyama and G League Ignite point guard Scoot Henderson will bring to the table in 2019. Wembanyama is anticipated to be the newest generational star to emerge from Europe, and Henderson, who was only 17 years old last season, dominated the G League.

According to Henderson’s statement, the fact that I recently completed a full season in the G League sets me apart from the other players in my draft class. “I’d say I’m a pro. I’ve experienced professional environments and development, and that has definitely helped me get ready for the upcoming year.”

Which Teams Have Amassed The Most Resources To Increase Their Chances Of Signing Wembanyama In The Upcoming Offseason After The NBA Trade?

Here is a closer look at the four front-runners for winning the grand prize in 2023 without getting too bogged down in the minutiae of protections.

1) Oklahoma City Thunder

Future first-round picks:

  • 2023: 1 — Own or swap with LAC
  • 2024: 4 — Own, HOU (5-30), LAC, UTAH (11-30)
  • 2025: 4 — Own or swap with LAC/HOU, PHI (7-30), MIA (15-30)
  • 2026: 3* — Own, HOU (5-30), LAC; *Unprotect MIA pick if 2025 doesn’t convey
  • 2027: 2 — Own, DEN (6-30; Top-5 protections in 2027, 2028, 2029
  • 2028: 1 — Own
  • 2029: 1 — Own

2) Utah Jazz

Future first-round picks: 

  • 2023: 3 — Own, MIN, HOU/BKN/PHI (least favourable)
  • 2024: 1 — Own (top 10 protected)
  • 2025: 3 — Own (top 10 protected), CLE, MIN
  • 2026: 1 — Own (top 8 protected) or swap with MIN/CLE
  • 2027: 3 — Own, MIN, CLE
  • 2028: 1 — Own or swap with CLE
  • 2029: 3 — Own, MIN, CLE

After moving off of Gobert and Mitchell, the Jazz has officially thrown their name in the hat for the Wembanyama sweepstakes.

3) Houston Rockets

Future first-round picks: 

  • 2023: 2 — Own or swap with BRK, MIL
  • 2024: 2 — Own (1-4), BRK
  • 2025: 1 — Own or swap with OKC/BRK
  • 2026: 2 — Own (1-4), BRK
  • 2027: 1 — Own or swap with BRK
  • 2028: 1 — Own
  • 2029: 1 — Own

4) San Antonio Spurs

Future first-round picks: 

  • 2023: 2 — Own, CHA (17-30)
  • 2024: 1* — Own, CHA (15-30) if it doesn’t convey in 2023
  • 2025: 3* — Own, ATL, CHI (11-30), CHA if doesn’t convey in 2024
  • 2026: 1 — Own or swap with ATL
  • 2027: 2 — Own, ATL
  • 2028: 1 — Own or swap with BOS
  • 2029: 1 — Own

The Spurs traded Dejounte Murray to the Hawks this offseason in return for three future first-round picks and a first-round pick swap.

 

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NBA Trade: Cavaliers or Jazz, who won Donovan Mitchell?