The 2024 NBA Draft is fast approaching, with less than a week until the event will bring a new wave of rookies into the league. Bronny James is arguably one of the biggest names in the class despite being a second-round prospect. While interest in Bronny seemed to be between the Lakers and the Suns, agent Rich Paul has claimed three new teams are also in the mix for Bronny.
“There are other teams that love Bronny. For example, Minnesota, Dallas, and Toronto. If it’s not the Lakers, it will be someone else.”
Paul explained how the Timberwolves, Mavericks, and Raptors could approach their Draft based on Bronny’s availability.
Minnesota would love to get Bronny in, but I don’t know who their owner is going to be. [Mavs GM] Nico Harrison is like an uncle to Bronny. If the Lakers don’t take him at 55, Dallas would take him at 58 and give him a guaranteed deal. Masai [Ujiri, Raptors President] loves him. They could take him without even seeing him at 31. Workouts aren’t everything for these teams.”
This could be a calculated move from Paul to get more interest in Bronny, though there really is no incentive to lie. It seems they’re trying to control the situation Bronny ends up in regardless of team interest. They’re actively avoiding workouts with teams they don’t want to play for, with only the Lakers and the Suns getting a chance to watch Bronny work out in person so far.
The other three options that Paul has named are interesting, but the agent didn’t say if Bronny intended on working out for any of the three teams he claims are interested.
Could Bronny James End Up On The Wolves, Mavs, Or Raptors?
Bronny’s profile as a short guard with a focus on defense does make it hard for teams to decide his value in the NBA, as on-ball defenders are extremely valuable but at his size, Bronny will often be fighting losing battles against guards who are getting taller and more skilled.
The Wolves do need more guard play on the roster behind Mike Conley, with Bronny fitting into their style of play. His aggressive defense and ability to stretch the floor could help the Wolves but there’s no reason why a win-now team like the Wolves would feel they can use a 6’1″ point guard with limited playmaking skills, especially at the NBA level, while trying to win a title.
The Mavericks have been a long-rumored destination for Bronny, primarily because many expect the franchise to try and make a play at LeBron James, with drafting Bronny the first step of that process. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem realistic that Bronny will fall to the final pick in the Draft or that the Mavs could have any use for him given their guard depth of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Jaden Hardy.
The Raptors are interesting as they’re a clear rebuilding project that could have the minutes and development time required to maximize Bronny. The Raptors also have a proven track record of developing players, so this could be a genuine option for both player and franchise.
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