Latest Draft Buzz from Katz and Ford

Andy Katz of ESPN wrote:June 25 -- 2:13 p.m. ET

• Memphis and Minnesota talked again about trading the No. 2 pick (Memphis) to Minnesota for the Nos. 5 and 6 picks or the No. 5 or 6 and Kevin Love. But the price was too high for Minnesota, so Memphis plans on keeping the pick. According to multiple sources, Memphis would pick Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet.

• Minnesota is hoping to land a specific player at No. 18 -- who could be Earl Clark (Louisville) or James Johnson (Wake Forest), among others. If that player isn't available, then the Wolves are expected to trade the pick, according to a source.

• Cleveland held on to the No. 30 pick in the trade with Phoenix for Shaquille O'Neal and wants to get a point guard with the selection. The Cavs are hoping a point guard projected to go higher drops down to them, according to a source.

• Oklahoma City, Detroit and Chicago made assurances early on Thursday that they weren't dealing their top 16 picks.

• Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon received a number of calls earlier this week, and as late as Thursday, about DeJuan Blair's knees. Dixon, who is en route to New Zealand to coach the USA under-19 national team playing in the world championships, said he told the teams, including Indiana at No. 13, that Blair never missed a practice or game in his two years. Blair's knees have been questioned because he had ACL surgery on each knee in high school.

Chad Ford of ESPN wrote:June 25 -- 3:03 p.m. ET

-- Sources say the Bucks are now leaning strongly toward Brandon Jennings at No. 10. So much for that green-room drama he was facing. Over the past 48 hours the Bucks have really fallen in love with Jennings, and it's possible they would take him even if Jonny Flynn were still on the board.

• The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to work the phones as we approach the draft. One interesting scenario that's arisen is a Knicks proposal that would send Wilson Chandler and the No. 8 pick to Minnesota for either the No. 5 or No. 6 pick.

Why would the Knicks do it? They believe this is a seven-player draft and they're stuck at 8. If they get to No. 6 they'll have a shot at Jordan Hill, Stephen Curry or Tyreke Evans there.

Why would the Wolves do it? If they can't get their hands on Ricky Rubio, most likely they'll select Jonny Flynn with one of their picks. Since the Warriors aren't seriously considering Flynn, they can move down two spots, get their guy and pick up a very nice asset in Chandler.

• The Raptors have been debating all week between DeMar DeRozan and Jrue Holiday. James Johnson has been a dark horse there lately too, but it sounds like DeRozan has the slight edge.