Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the popularity of Jonas Valanciunas is causing drama in the top 10 of Thursday's 2011 NBA Draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who hold the No. 1 and No. 4 picks, want Valanciunas, but would also like to pick up an extra asset so that the team can introduce two impact rookies given that Valanciunas is likely to remain in Lithuania for at least one more season. That apparently led to a tentative deal with the Charlotte Bobcats, who would take Valanciunas at No. 9 and send the Lithuanian and the No. 19 pick to Cleveland for Tristan Thompson, taken at No. 4.
NBA Draft Rumors: Jonas Valanciunas’ Popularity Creating Drama In Top 10
Why does Charlotte do that? Because the Detroit Pistons are reportedly interested in Thompson at No. 8. But the Pistons have screwed up the game by apparently liking Valanciunas enough to take him at No. 8 if Thompson is off of the board. Further, Woj reports that the San Antonio Spurs are still trying to trade up to No. 7 to take Valanciunas; Tony Parker would go to the Sacramento Kings in such a deal.
Things are getting nuts.
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