The Brooklyn Nets have an unparalleled war chest of draft capital heading into Wednesday night, as they own the Nos. 8, 19, 22, 26, 27, and 36 picks. They acquired the No. 22 selection in Tuesday's three-team deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks.
The Nets are reportedly interested in trading up from No. 8, and possibly for Rutgers star Ace Bailey, via ClutchPoints' Erik Slater. The 18-year-old's camp views Brooklyn as a preferred destination, via ESPN's Jonathan Givonoy.
However, there's another team ahead of the Nets in the draft that insiders are predicting Bailey will go to hours ahead of the draft.
Former Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4).
Former Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4).
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
"I think you're [the Washington Wizards are] going to be staring at Ace Bailey at 6 and I think you're going to have to make a decision," ESPN's Bobby Marks told Monumental Sports Network's Grant Paulsen. "Went on to say 'I think you have to take him,'" Paulsen continued.
Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor also mocked Bailey to the Wizards at No. 6 on Wednesday afternoon.
Bailey averaged 17.6 points on 46 percent shooting (34.6 percent 3 PT) with 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 33.4 minutes as a freshman at Rutgers this past season. The Tennessee native received third-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman honors.
Bailey played alongside fellow five-star recruit Dylan Harper, who is projected to go No. 2 overall to the San Antonio Spurs. After that, the Philadelphia 76ers have the No. 3 pick, Charlotte Hornets No. 4, Utah Jazz No. 5, Wizards No. 6, and New Orleans Pelicans No. 7.