NBA Draft Rumors: Trade Possibilities, Nets, Sixers, Lottery Conspiracy Theories

Flagg is widely expected to land in Dallas after the Mavericks defied the odds and leapt to the top spot. From there, though, the fit becomes murkier.

At No. 2, the Spurs could take Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, long viewed as the consensus next-best player. But multiple analysts, including ESPN’s duo and Vecenie, have pointed out that Harper’s skill set doesn’t exactly mesh with San Antonio’s existing backcourt of Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox. Could a trade be in play?

The Sixers face a similar dilemma at No. 3. Adding another guard like Airious “Ace” Bailey would inject even more talent into a backcourt that already includes Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and (possibly) Quentin Grimes, a restricted free agent. But Bailey is seen as more of a long-term upside swing, and Philadelphia is firmly in win-now mode.

That disconnect between draft position and team needs has already sparked speculation from The Athletic’s John Hollinger, who writes that the lottery results may have opened the door for blockbuster trades. Could Dallas or San Antonio package their pick for a star — say, Giannis Antetokounmpo, should he become available? Might Philly attach No. 3 to Paul George (if they land him in free agency) to go after a bigger fish?

Further down the board, teams like the Pelicans (No. 7) and Rockets (No. 10) are also seen as more likely to deal their picks than add another rookie. Hollinger notes that Portland –sitting at No. 11 — may explore a trade package involving Jerami Grant or Deandre Ayton to move off salary and reset.

Nets Holding the Cards?

Brooklyn, with picks at No. 8, 19, 26, and 27 — plus an excess of future firsts — is viewed by multiple rival teams as a prime trade-up candidate, per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. The Nets don’t have a franchise cornerstone and could use their draft capital to make a move for one, or to jump into the top five if a targeted player starts to slip.

Behind the Scenes in Chicago

Several lottery-night insiders — including Mike Vorkunov (The Athletic), Sarah Todd (Deseret News), Rod Boone (Charlotte Observer), and Sean Highkin (Rose Garden Report) — offered behind-the-scenes perspective from the lottery drawing room.

Per Boone, although Charlotte fell one spot to No. 4, Hornets governor Rick Schnall sounded more relieved than upset:

“We are obviously disappointed we didn’t get the No. 1, but it could be a lot worse,” Schnall said. “I thought (for a minute) we were going to be seventh. But we are going to get a good player.”

Still Not Buying the Lottery?

If Monday night’s results reignited your lottery skepticism, you’re not alone. Sportico’s Michael McCann examined the pros and cons of the lottery system — and why, despite the conspiracy theories, alternatives like a pure reverse standings draft wouldn’t necessarily fix anything.

Bottom line: the lottery may not be perfect, but it still adds drama. And this year, it may have added just enough uncertainty to spark a wild month of draft rumors, trades, and front office movement.