NBA rumors: Thunder linked to Morez Johnson Jr., but could Bulls trade up to steal him?

With the NBA Draft just a few days away, the buzz surrounding Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. has gotten louder in recent weeks. He is widely projected to be selected in the top 15.

Johnson has impressed scouts with his tenacity, physique, and motor. He was instrumental in the Wolverines’ run to the national title, averaging 13.1 points on 62.3% shooting, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in his lone stint in Ann Arbor.

In the latest edition of his mock draft, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel has Johnson going to the Charlotte Hornets at No. 14, calling it “a match made in heaven.”

Siegel also noted that the Chicago Bulls, who are picking at No. 15, could trade up to get Johnson.

Meanwhile, NBA insider Jake Fischer said the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are picking at No. 12, are interested in the athletic forward. He also echoed Siegel’s report that the Bulls might make a move on draft day.

“Teams picking just outside the lottery are increasingly operating under the belief that Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr. won’t be on the board past Chicago at No. 15, if he even makes it that far,” wrote Fischer on Substack.

“Several teams told The Stein Line that they think Johnson’s floor might actually be Charlotte one slot earlier at No. 14, which has led to some thought around the league that the Bulls will try to trade up a couple slots to leapfrog the Hornets.”

The Thunder would get another diamond in the rough if they land Johnson. He could add firepower and toughness in the frontcourt, something Oklahoma City might be searching for since the roster is loaded with wingmen.

The Bulls, meanwhile, are hungry for any talent. Their frontcourt is pretty bare, with Jalen Smith, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, and Leonard Miller in the rotation. Johnson, who was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team, has a chance to start in Chicago, especially with a new system under coach Tiago Splitter.

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