Will multiple NBA lottery teams look to trade picks?

The No. 3 pick will likely be used on Scoot Henderson or Alabama’s Brandon Miller, which makes it a tempting trade asset for a non-contender like Brooklyn if they want to sell high on Mikal Bridges.

The Blazers got lucky by moving up to No. 3. Houston got unlucky in dropping to No. 4, and even unluckier to be behind Portland since indications are that they also want to deal their pick.

But that’s not all! Orlando has the No. 6 and No. 11 picks. After adding four lottery picks in the last three years, including Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, the Magic are ready to make the playoffs. It’s doubtful Orlando wants two more rookies.

Indiana is in a similar position. Tyrese Haliburton is an All-Star, Bennedict Mathurin looks like a future All-Star and it has seven potential rotation players 25 and younger. Do they need an eighth?

The list goes on. Dallas is picking at No. 10 after missing the playoffs with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Whoever is available in the later lottery probably isn’t the help Doncic wants to make the Mavs a contender. Oklahoma City at No. 12 doesn’t need more rookies and has plenty of future picks.

Toronto could be re-making its whole roster and New Orleans is in win-now mode. Even Charlotte could trade No. 2 if some team really wants Scoot Henderson since it needs players everywhere except point guard.

With so many teams going all-in, or at least trying to go in at all, there’s a huge opportunity for a team that’s willing to trade veterans to scoop up high picks. Our guess? The Nets and Raptors recognize they aren’t contenders and seize the opportunity. Meanwhile, Portland might never get more value for Lillard, but we expect it will make a big move - and still finish in the play-in tournament.