ESPN's Chad Ford reported the Thunder have been "proactive" in trying to trade up to get the No. 1 pick in Thursday's draft, but Oklahoma City likely would have to give up Serge Ibaka in such a deal.
Cleveland holds the top pick. The Cavaliers have not announced which player they will draft.
Oklahoma City holds the Nos. 12, 29 and 32 picks. Ford also said Portland and Minnesota have been trying to trade up for the top pick.
"Cleveland wants a veteran," Ford said in a conference call. "They're not really interested in anything but that. It's pretty clear it would take Serge Ibaka to get the No. 1 pick, I don't think that is likely the Thunder would do that.
"We'll see Thursday if someone caves. But I just don’t see a team giving up the talent Cleveland is looking for, for the No. 1 pick in the draft.”
Ford went on to say Cleveland is "shopping" the No. 1 pick because it feels like it has the pieces to make the playoffs next season. Ford said the Cavaliers have inquired about Minnesota’s Kevin Love and Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge.
