1 Trade Idea for Every NBA Lottery Team If It Wins No. 1 Draft Pick
Hitting the jackpot at the NBA draft lottery can be truly transformational.
Yes, even in a year when scouts, executives and analysts seem less than enamored with the draft class.
Landing the No. 1 pick presents a great opportunity. For most lottery participants, it's about adding another potential building block. For those who didn't plan on being here, it's an attractive trade chip that could be used to find the missing piece who helps ensure they won't wind up back here next year.
Before the 13 lottery participants officially learn their fate on Sunday—the Houston Rockets own the Brooklyn Nets' pick and have top-four protection on their own first-rounder—we're imagining what could happen if each one strikes gold and hits the trade market shortly thereafter.
Since payrolls and rosters are about to change this offseason, we'll focus on building trade concepts as opposed to fully fleshed-out, collective bargaining agreement-approved deals.
Atlanta Hawks
1 of 13
The trade: Dejounte Murray to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and two future first-round picks
While there is a "growing belief in many corners of the league" that the Hawks would rather move Trae Young than Murray, per NBA insider Marc Stein, maybe landing the No. 1 pick would change their minds.
If Atlanta feels Alexandre Sarr is the top prospect on the board and agrees with B/R's Jonathan Wasserman that the French 7-footer has Jaren Jackson Jr.-like potential, perhaps the Hawks would see him as the ideal fit for Young.
Keeping Murray might be safer, since he is easier to build around. But keeping Young, arguably, offers the highest ceiling, as his blend of scoring and table-setting is more potent than anything Murray provides.
Young just leaks like an old faucet on defense, but perhaps a frontcourt rotation featuring Sarr, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu could cover that.
Finney-Smith would give Atlanta another three-and-D option on the wing, and it would gain two first-round picks to help cover any other problem areas. Package those with Clint Capela's sizable (and expiring) salary, and the Hawks should have enough to find Young a better-fitting backcourt partner.
Charlotte Hornets
2 of 13
The trade: Grant Williams to the San Antonio Spurs for Devonte' Graham and Charlotte's 2025 first-round pick (lottery protected)
With the Hornets knee-deep in an organizational overhaul, they should be fully focused on the future and landing the No. 1 pick would only further cement that stance.
While Williams is young enough (25) to fit that future, he'd also be immediately expendable if Charlotte planned on taking stretch big man Alexandre Sarr first overall. And Williams' plug-and-play ability might be coveted by San Antonio, as Victor Wembanyama already sounds eager to start winning.
Moving Williams would give Charlotte more flexibility moving forward. He's owed $40.9 million over the next three seasons, which isn't outrageous but is a significant salary, especially if the Hornets wouldn't keep him in the starting lineup. Graham, who spent his first three seasons in Buzz City, has just a partially guaranteed $12.7 million salary left on his deal.
While the Hornets' lottery protection will likely keep their 2025 first-rounder from changing hands, the pick would then convert to their second-rounders in 2026 and 2027. Those would be helpful for Charlotte if this ongoing rebuilding projection takes a while to finish.
Chicago Bulls
3 of 13
The trade: Zach LaVine to the Los Angeles Lakers for D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt
It might pain the Bulls' brass to let go of LaVine and not get a draft pick in return, but if draft picks were available for the oft-injured and overpaid scorer, a deal surely would have been done by now.
Chicago could instead view a lottery win as enough of a draft reward to just be done with the LaVine era and allow its next ballyhooed prospect to start their career without that cloud of uncertainty hanging above the Windy City.
This return isn't much, but it does deliver three usable rotation players who are all on more reasonable contracts than LaVine. Even if the Bulls don't plan on keeping all of them, each would be far easier to trade than LaVine is now. And if they decide to finally blow up this roster, any one of the three might help deliver assets for an overdue rebuild.
Detroit Pistons
4 of 13
The trade: Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart and two lightly protected future firsts to the New Orleans Pelicans for Brandon Ingram
The Pistons "need to do something" this summer, as multiple executives told B/R's Eric Pincus, and this would clearly qualify.
But if Detroit wanted a big man at No. 1—probably Alexandre Sarr, but maybe the rapidly rising Donovan Clingan—it might feel like it could be without both Duren and Stewart.
Especially if it meant landing a talent like Ingram, whose future in New Orleans feels tenuous at best following a rocky (and injury-impacted) finish to the campaign. The Pistons, which had this season's fourth-least efficient offense, could use more scoring, creation and shooting, and Ingram helps check every box.
He's also young enough—27 in September—that Detroit has a little time to properly align the roster around him. And while he can serve as a primary offensive hub, he's also not so ball-dominant that he'd get in the way of the ongoing development of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
Golden State Warriors
5 of 13
The trade: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and two first-round picks (including No. 1) to the Phoenix Suns for Kevin Durant
If the Warriors have a chance to add a difference-maker of Durant's caliber without totally depleting their asset collection, it almost certainly involves landing the No. 1 pick.
Now, the Suns may still decide this is not enough for the 16-time All-Star, but the Warriors can expand this offer with more prospects and/or pick swaps if needed.
That would be a steep price, but Golden State's need for a Stephen Curry co-star is substantial. And while the Warriors could consider alternatives, maybe those players wouldn't fit this system as snugly as Durant already has. During his three seasons in Golden State, the team made three Finals appearances and won two titles, both of which saw the 35-year-old crowned as Finals MVP.
"The Warriors are now chasing several teams in the West, and they can't catch up by conventional means," B/R's Grant Hughes wrote. "Better to circle back, return to something familiar that worked (until it didn't) and see if what was once labeled unfair could, in a diminished state eight years later, be something close to 'good enough.'"
Houston Rockets
6 of 13
The trade: Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, the No. 1 pick and two future firsts for Mikal Bridges
While the Rockets fell short of the Play-In Tournament, phase 2 of their rebuild was nevertheless successful. Their win total jumped by 19 (from 22 to 41), the defense went from atrocious (29th in 2022-23) to above-average (10th), and they saw substantial progress made by building-block prospects Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green.
Is that convincing enough for the front office to feel it's time to start phase 3? Well, Houston already attempted to acquire Bridges, so clearly there is interest in expanding the talent base. And while those initial efforts proved futile, maybe the addition of the No. 1 pick to its offer could change that.
Remember, the Rockets are uniquely positioned to give the Nets control of their own picks, as they also own Brooklyn's 2026 selection and have swap rights for 2027. That feels like a hefty haul for Bridges, a 27-year-old who may have peaked a tier or two shy of stardom.
However, if Houston feels it has enough rising stars on the roster, it could covet Bridges as a do-it-all defender who would bring consistency, efficiency and a pinch of creation as a tertiary offensive option.
Memphis Grizzlies
7 of 13
The trade: The No. 1 pick to the Detroit Pistons for Jalen Duren and a 2024 first-round pick
While a clean bill of health could get the Grizzlies back in championship contention, they could use more physical force along the frontcourt.
Remember, their February deal with Houston left a Steven Adams-sized hole in the center rotation, and while the 250-pound Duren isn't quite as bulky as the 265-pound Adams, he could be just as active on the glass while adding a different dimension as a lob-finisher.
There would be an argument for Memphis standing pat and taking a young big at No. 1, but there might be a better argument for moving down the board and adding a rotation-ready player like Duren in the process. If the draft order breaks right, the Grizzlies could even double-down at center by taking UConn's Donovan Clingan.
For as young as Memphis is, this is not a cheap roster. Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane all inked massive deals already, and last summer's addition of Marcus Smart put another $20 million-plus salary on the books.
It would be wise for the Grizzlies to find more cost-controlled talent, and they'd get from both the prospect and Duren, who has another two years left on his rookie deal.
Portland Trail Blazers
8 of 13
The trade: Jerami Grant to the Memphis Grizzlies for Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke and a lightly protected future first
While the Blazers have now missed the playoffs in three consecutive campaigns, there have been rumblings about them trying to rejoin the postseason race as soon as next season.
Hopefully, they'd see striking lottery gold as a sign from the basketball gods that it's all about the future for this Damian Lillard-less franchise.
Portland has more than a few useful veterans to flip for long-term assets, and Grant sits at the top of that list. Sure, he's overpaid and over his skis as a first option, but as a potential finishing piece for a team like Memphis, he could still have significant value.
Even if the Grizzlies didn't plan on keeping one (or both) of Kennard and Clarke, they'd do well to nab a lightly protected future first and get Grant's contract off their books.
While some might argue for a trade involving Anfernee Simons, given the overlap between him, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, Simons' value shouldn't be at risk of declining any time soon, so Portland could delay that deal until it's more obvious what it needs to eventually start winning again.
However, that could change if the Blazers opted to spend the No. 1 pick on other guard such as UConn's Stephon Castle or Serbian shot-creator Nikola Topić.
Sacramento Kings
9 of 13
The trade: Harrison Barnes, Keon Ellis and three first-round picks (including No. 1) to the Brooklyn Nets for Mikal Bridges
Because the Kings are such a recent addition to the playoff race—last year's appearance was the franchise's first since 2006—they have an up-and-coming feel to them. In reality, though, there is a ticking clock hanging above this team.
Domantas Sabonis just turned 28, and De'Aaron Fox will be 27 in December. If there's a chance to win big with that tandem, the time is right now.
So, if Sacramento strikes gold at the lottery, it would be better off flipping that pick (and more) for an immediate difference-maker. Bridges might not be a star, but he still fits that label with how well he'd fit this team.
Give him a forward spot alongside Keegan Murray, and the Kings would have two defensively versatile, fire-balling wings alongside their centerpieces. Throw in a starting-level 2-guard—a re-signed Malik Monk might do the trick—and you should have a first five that's light on obvious weak spots and loaded with interlocking strengths.
San Antonio Spurs
10 of 13
The trade: Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, Devonte' Graham and two first-round picks (including No. 1) to the Atlanta Hawks for Trae Young
If the Spurs land the No. 1 pick for the second consecutive year, there will be some temptation to expand their young core around Victor Wembanyama. Yet, the 20-year-old face of the franchise may not want to wait around for that prospect to develop.
"I don't want next season to stop so early," he told reporters in April. "I want to keep going, go to the playoffs."
If San Antonio wants to gain entry into the West's crowded playoff race, it needs to find some top-tier talent. Trae Young certainly fits the bill (and he's on the radar, too).
The 25-year-old has already booked three All-Star trips and is one of only two players to post career averages of 25 points and nine assists. For context, the other is Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson.
The challenge with a Young-led team is fielding a competent defense around him, but Wembanyama's cheat-code abilities on that end might make it happen. And Young, in turn, would simplify things greatly on the offensive end for the Frenchman with his scoring punch, passing vision and gravitational pull on opposing defenses.
Toronto Raptors
11 of 13
The trade: Jakob Poeltl to the New Orleans Pelicans for Jordan Hawkins and a 2025 first-round pick (lottery-protected)
While the Raptors largely looked toward the future with their trades of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, they also parted with a first-round pick to add a big man at each of the last two deadlines: first Poeltl, then Kelly Olynyk.
It's hard to tell why Toronto felt it needed both bigs, but it wouldn't need two veteran centers if it landed the No. 1 pick and wanted to spend it on a big man such as Alexandre Sarr or Donovan Clingan.
The Pelicans could part with free agent Jonas Valančiūnas this offseason and might view Poeltl as a better fit since he's lighter on his feet and stingier around the rim. If they see him as enough of an upgrade to give up both Hawkins (last year's No. 14 pick) and a lottery-protected future first, the Raptors should be all over it.
As long as they're building around Scottie Barnes—and, to a lesser extent, RJ Barrett—they'll need all the shooting they can get. Hawkins flashed plenty of flame-throwing potential as a freshman, converting 109 long-range looks at a 36.6 percent clip.
Utah Jazz
12 of 13
The trade: Lauri Markkanen to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey and three future first-round picks
Serious consideration was given to having Utah use the top pick to put impact talent around Markkanen, a player the Jazz "fully intend to build around," per The Athletic's Tony Jones. That's a scenario that feels almost certain to be explored, with Jazz CEO Danny Ainge declaring his club is "ready to go big-game hunting."
In the end, though, Utah might realize that its timeframe and Markkanen's just don't align. He is ready to compete right now. His Jazz teammates look like they might be ready three or four years from now. Between that divide and the fact that the Finn needs a massive pay raise between now and next summer, both sides might be better off apart.
If the Jazz are ready to plan for life after Markkanen, who will turn 27 on May 22, they could add (at least) three more first-rounders to the pile, plus Giddey, whose shaky jumper is a worry but doesn't change that he's a 21-year-old, 6'8" playmaker and nightly triple-double threat.
Putting Giddey in the same backcourt as Keyonte George would give Utah plenty of offensive creativity to shape its roster around.
Washington Wizards
13 of 13
The trade: Kyle Kuzma to the Sacramento Kings for Harrison Barnes, Colby Jones and two protected future first-round picks
Honestly, this is a trade worth Washington's consideration regardless where it lands at the lottery.
The Wizards just had their worst winning percentage in franchise history (.183) and have about as bleak of a long-term outlook as any bottom-feeder you'll find. Bilal Coulibaly and Deni Avdija look like potential keepers, but that might be it.
Washington needs assets, and this trade delivers more than enough to justify sacrificing Kuzma, a seven-year veteran with a career net differential of minus-2.2 points per 100 possessions. Even with protection, if the incoming picks landed at least near the middle of the first round, they would have value.
Beyond that, there isn't a lot here for the Wizards, though Barnes would be good for the locker room (and hopefully movable when his contract gets closer to completion) and Jones, last year's 34th pick, had some fans leading into the draft.
If Barnes netted an asset or two down the line or Jones developed into a rotation regular, that might change the trade's evaluation from solid to good for Washington.
Unless otherwise noted, statistics courtesy of Basketball Reference and NBA.com.
Zach Buckley covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on X, @ZachBuckleyNBA.
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