As the countdown until the 2018 NBA Draft reaches the final hours, a clearer picture of what will take place tonight is beginning to emerge.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reports the Dallas Mavericks are expected to take Mo Bamba with the No. 5 overall selection if they keep the pick and the Texas center is available.
Givony added the organization remains in active talks with teams, including the Chicago Bulls, about a potential trade on draft day. If Dallas could slide down to Chicago’s No. 7 pick, the Mavs could find a more comfortable spot to draft forward Michael Porter Jr. from Missouri.
Chicago’s efforts to move up could be in a direct attempt to land Bamba, who the team is reportedly targeting.
The New York Knicks are also looking to trade up for Bamba, which would give Dallas another team to negotiate with.
Since three teams are reportedly targeting Bamba in the top five, it appears the 20-year-old will not have to wait long to hear his name called Thursday night.