Today’s a special day, it’s basically Christmas morning, draft day. Although this year’s draft class is far from admirable, teams are hot and heavy trying to get in the top 10. Since the trade market opened on Monday, it’s been suspiciously quiet. Besides the Bucks rushing to try and keep Giannis, movement is slim. I suspect this to change today. It’s going to be a busy, busy day on the trade front; and I’m here to deliver you some outrageous options.
Draft Day Trade 1: Pelicans Sell for the #1 Pick
I’m a sucker for a reunion, a wholesome family story. I’m also a sucker for the Ball’s. All I’ll say here is that the the Pelicans have far more picks than they need (thank you LA and Milwaukee), and plenty of young talent already. The Ball brothers have trained together their entire lives, and LaMelo thrives in small markets. He has already played on teams in Lithuania and Australia, and would fit great within the smallest market in the NBA.
LaMelo Ball says he would be a 'great fit' next to Lonzo Ball on New Orleans Pelicans https://t.co/PIyF2fK9QQ
— Lonzo Wire (@LonzoWire) November 18, 2020
Do the Pelicans actually pull this off? Realistically, they don’t need the #1 pick to make it happen. The Timberwolves aren’t sold on Ball, and he would be a truly awful fit in Golden State. The third pick belongs to Charlotte, and it would actually just be a race to trade at that point. Both Boston and Chicago have expressed interest in getting into the top 3. Can either do it? I have no idea. The gamble will be what Minnesota and Golden State decide to do; take the better roster fit or take the best talent on the board?
Recommendation: Pelicans dump the majority of their picks and grab LaMelo in the top 3.
Draft Day Trade 2: Wolves Take Win-Now Mentality
As I said, the Timberwolves aren’t sold on this draft class. That’s fine, many people aren’t. Honestly, it sucks for them that this is the year they get the lottery pick. But 2020 strikes again, and we work with what we have. There are plenty of teams chomping at the bit to get a higher pick, and Minnesota actually has plenty of ammunition here. In addition, they have a starting roster that doesn’t have much chemistry. Want to compete in the West? BLOW IT UP. Package that first overall with one of your big names and watch the rest of the league FIGHT for it. you’ll get whatever you want in return.
It’s dangerous to break up D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns, they’re best friends. If they want to be conservative, trade Jarrett Culver instead. But would a trade be obnoxious if I were being conservative?
Recommendation: Trade the first overall and D’Lo to the Hawks for their sixth pick and Trae Young.
Draft Day Trade 3: Houston Hits the Draft Hard
Continuing on with my rampage of obscene recommendations, it’s time for Houston to get their shit together and rebuild. Harden and Westbrook want out, so what shall we get in return? The Rockets haven’t picked in the first round since 2015, and they have finally begun stockpiling picks for this year. Today is now or never for them in terms of getting these trades out the door for picks.
Rockets “feel no pressure” to trade Russell Westbrook or James Harden, per @espn_macmahon
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 18, 2020
– They want a young star and massive amount of picks for Harden
– HOU wants young talent or first-round picks for Russ pic.twitter.com/unxiOblBWi
Well well well Houston, don’t I have the solution for you. How about TWO lottery picks and a young star? It should be stated that I do not like Harden, and I do NOT like the Nets; so I am never going to support his dream trade to New York. But, what would the Rockets do with a top-three pick? Follow me on this. The Rockets send Harden to Charlotte (haha) for the third pick, and then the world is their oyster. Not like any of the players on the board? No problem! Everyone wants that pick, just sit and wait for the offers to roll in.
Now we have the good return. Russell Westrbook has been rumored to go to Charlotte because MJ is big on him, I don’t care. Mr. Westbrook is going to the Nation’s Capital to play with Bradley Beal and John Wall, showing Washington some basketball success for the first time in a decade. In return? The Rockets get the ninth overall pick, which I recommend keeping, and a young player of their choice in return. Can they poach Rui Hachimura? It’s ambitious, but these trades are obnoxious right? Why the hell not. More realistically they’re probably taking one or two of their unnamable bench players.
Recommendation: Harden goes to suffer with the Hornets, Westbrook goes to ball at the Verizon Center, and the Rockets stockpile picks for a long draft night.
Am I Insane?
Yes. Absolutely I am. However, all of the above teams and players have been the subject of trade rumors, so I won’t be shocked when a less extreme variation of these trades occur sometime in the next 24-48 hours. I hope that I have stewed you all up enough to make it until draft night!
Do you actually love these trades? Let me know on Twitter @swalshy63 and check out my other great Belly Up Sports content!
