NBA rumors: Cavs, draft, Celtics, Sam Hauser, Lakers, Andrew Wiggins

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers were active in trade conversations ahead of the NBA Draft’s first round on Wednesday, but ultimately stayed on the sidelines.

According to Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor, the Cavs explored options to trade into the first round, targeting several picks they believed might be available. Nothing materialized. For now, Cleveland is holding onto the No. 49 and No. 58 overall selections entering Thursday’s second round.

Sources say the Cavs were willing to be opportunistic but not aggressive, signaling they’re more interested in targeted upgrades than major shakeups.

There’s a chance they could still package their picks, though I’m starting to get the sense they’ll hang onto them.

— In case you missed it, Cavaliers legend Mark Price says he’s in favor of keeping the core of the team together. You can check out his full comments here.

Celtics

The Celtics made a few exploratory calls of their own, including to the Spurs regarding the No. 14 pick, per Ian Begley of SNY.tv. 

While much of the speculation has centered on bigger names like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, league chatter suggests sharpshooter Sam Hauser is the most likely candidate to be moved next.

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix said on The Bill Simmons Podcast that interest in Hauser has been “robust,” and the Celtics could use him as a key trade chip to bolster their depth or shed salary.

Lakers

The Lakers remain one of the league’s most active teams in trade talks. According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, L.A. has continued conversations with Miami regarding Andrew Wiggins, acquired by the Heat in the Jimmy Butler blockbuster with Golden State. While a deal isn’t imminent, talks remain alive.

Rui Hachimura and his expiring contract would likely be the starting point in any Wiggins deal, with additional matching salary needed — potentially Gabe Vincent or Maxi Kleber.

The Heat, meanwhile, appear open to parting with Wiggins, with Miami Herald reporters Anthony Chiang and Barry Jackson describing the team as “very open” to a move that could create cap flexibility for 2026.

The Lakers are also in the market for a center but are said to be balking at current asking prices. Instead, they could turn to the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception to address the frontcourt while reserving trade assets for a scoring wing or backcourt upgrade.

In other words, there’s nothing concrete yet. But the groundwork is being laid, and the second round could still bring fireworks.