According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there’s a belief around the NBA that Orlando is open to trading its No. 6 and No. 11 picks if the Magic can move up to between No. 3 and No. 5 overall.
That could be of relevance in Houston, where the Rockets currently hold the No. 4 pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft. Houston also has a second first-round selection at No. 20 overall, which might further tempt the Magic to consider a swap, since they could still end up with the same quantity of first-round picks.
It’s not a given that Rockets general manager Rafael Stone would want to move down, of course. After generational French talent Victor Wembanyama goes to San Antonio at No. 1, there are several intriguing talents — including Scoot Henderson of the G League Ignite; Amen and Ausar Thompson of the Overtime Elite; Alabama’s Brandon Miller; and Villanova’s Cam Whitmore — still on the board.
Most recent mock drafts have Amen Thompson as the most likely candidate to be selected by Houston at the fourth spot.
But what if the Rockets don’t see a big gap within that next tier, or they believe their preferred prospect will still be on the board at sixth? If so, a deal with Orlando like the one Scotto referenced might be intriguing, since it would net Houston a second lottery pick.
Granted, the Rockets are second in the order among teams in Scotto’s listed range of No. 3 through No. 5 overall. Thus, if Portland was open to making the same deal at No. 3, the Rockets might be out of luck.
Then again, in contrast to Houston, Portland doesn’t have a second first-round pick to potentially use in negotiations. Recent reporting has also suggested if the Trail Blazers trade their pick, it would be for an established player to surround veteran star Damian Lillard, as opposed to moving up or down in the draft order. If that’s the case, Houston’s pick might be Orlando’s best attainable target.
It would be a surprise for either the Rockets or Magic to try and finalize a deal far in advance of the June 22 draft, since the rationale for both will likely depend on how each team finalizes its draft board and who is likely to then be available at their respective slots.
But it’s certainly an option worth keeping in mind.
[lawrence-related id=114134,113992
Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire