NBA Lottery Team Predicted to Make Big Trade Before Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 27, 2025 7:44 PM ET

The 2025 NBA Draft is generating significant buzz, with the Dallas Mavericks securing the No. 1 overall pick. They are widely expected to select Duke standout Cooper Flagg, who averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during his freshman season. Despite some skepticism from former players like Tony Allen, who questioned Flagg's potential to transform a franchise, the Mavericks appear poised to make him the cornerstone of their rebuild following the trade of Luka Doncic.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks are not the only team making major headlines ahead of the draft.

A new report suggests that the Brooklyn Nets, holding the eighth pick, are exploring options to move up in the draft. According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, the Nets are considering packaging veteran forward Cam Johnson, along with their other first-round picks (Nos. 19, 26, and 27) and future draft capital, to acquire a second lottery pick.

This strategy could greatly improve their rebuilding efforts by adding another top-tier talent to their roster.

The Brooklyn Nets could reportedly look to package Cam Johnson in a trade to acquire a second lottery pick, per @NYPost_Lewis

“There is a sentiment around the league the Nets could look to land a second lottery pick by consolidating and packaging some combination of Johnson,… pic.twitter.com/5KROUuhRk1
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 27, 2025

Acquiring an additional lottery pick would enhance the Nets' assets, potentially positioning them to pursue a trade for a superstar like Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo, whom the Nets have reportedly shown interest in. Such a move could transition a rebuilding Nets franchise to immediate contenders next season.

Johnson, who averaged career highs of 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game during the 2024-25 season, has attracted interest from multiple teams. However, the Nets have reportedly been underwhelmed by the offers received thus far.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: