2025 NBA Draft: Predicting Five Trades That Could Shake Up The Lottery

David

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Post on Jun 22, 2025

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2025 NBA Draft: Predicting Five Trades That Could Shake Up the Lottery

The 2025 NBA Draft is still over a year away, but the rumor mill is already churning. With several teams poised for potential rebuilds and others looking to capitalize on championship windows, the upcoming draft is shaping up to be a major player movement event. Expect a flurry of trades before the lottery even takes place, altering the landscape of the league and potentially changing the destiny of several franchise players. Let's dive into five potential blockbuster trades that could shake up the 2025 NBA Draft lottery.

H2: The Victor Wembanyama Effect: Contenders Gamble for Immediate Impact

The unprecedented success of Victor Wembanyama in his rookie season has already shifted the NBA's power dynamic. Teams previously content to build through the draft might be tempted to mortgage their future for a chance at immediate contention. This could lead to some bold moves, particularly involving teams with valuable young assets.

H3: Trade Prediction 1: The Toronto Raptors go all-in

• The Trade: The Toronto Raptors, currently possessing a promising young core but lacking a true superstar, trade OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, and a future first-round pick to a team needing young talent (e.g., the Los Angeles Lakers or the Houston Rockets) in exchange for established stars and a favorable position in the 2025 lottery.

• Why it could happen: Toronto needs that next-level star to compete with Boston and Milwaukee. Trading away valuable assets for a shot at a top pick—and potentially another star player—is a risk they might be willing to take. Teams looking to shed salary or gain young talent would be interested.

H2: Building for the Future: Teams Embrace the Rebuild

Conversely, some teams might decide to fully embrace a rebuild, making their young stars available for the right price. This could lead to some surprising deals, with teams prioritizing long-term potential over short-term success.

H3: Trade Prediction 2: The Washington Wizards Retool

• The Trade: The Washington Wizards, needing a significant overhaul, trade Bradley Beal (if he's still on the team) and a future first-round pick to a team needing scoring punch (e.g., the Detroit Pistons or the Orlando Magic) for multiple young players and draft picks, improving their lottery position.

• Why it could happen: The Wizards have struggled to find consistency. A full-scale rebuild focusing on acquiring assets via trade and the draft makes sense. This trade allows them to offload salary and acquire future building blocks.

H3: Trade Prediction 3: The Portland Trail Blazers Shake Things Up

• The Trade: After another playoff miss, the Portland Trail Blazers, potentially dissatisfied with their current roster construction, trade Anfernee Simons and a future first-round pick to a contender looking for a scoring guard (e.g., the Phoenix Suns or the Denver Nuggets) for a package including multiple second-round picks and a protected first-round pick, bolstering their draft position.

• Why it could happen: The Blazers' success depends heavily on Damian Lillard's longevity. If they decide to pivot to a full rebuild around their promising young talent, trading Simons for assets is a logical move.

H2: The Wild Card: Unexpected Moves and Surprises

The NBA is notorious for its unpredictable nature. Unexpected injuries, surprising team performances, and unforeseen changes in coaching staff can dramatically alter trade landscapes.

H3: Trade Prediction 4: The Golden State Warriors' Gamble

• The Trade: Facing the reality of aging stars, the Golden State Warriors trade Jordan Poole and a future first-round pick to a team seeking a young, explosive guard (e.g., the Charlotte Hornets or the Sacramento Kings) for a pick that could improve their lottery position.

• Why it could happen: The Warriors' championship window is closing. While painful, a move like this could reset their timeline and give them another shot at a top pick.

H3: Trade Prediction 5: The New Orleans Pelicans' Strategic Move

• The Trade: The New Orleans Pelicans, already possessing a strong young core and with Zion Williamson’s future uncertain, might trade Jonas Valančiūnas and other assets to a team needing a strong center (e.g., the Utah Jazz or the Milwaukee Bucks) to acquire additional young talent and improve their draft position for a potential wing player.

• Why it could happen: This would depend heavily on Zion Williamson's long-term health and performance. If the Pelicans decide to adjust their strategy, this move could offer them a chance to rebuild depth and improve their future draft prospects.

H2: Conclusion: Buckle Up for a Wild Ride

The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With so many talented players potentially changing teams and teams strategically positioning themselves for success, the next few seasons promise plenty of dramatic trades. Keep your eyes peeled for these and other potential deals that could redefine the league. What trades do you think will shake up the lottery? Let us know in the comments below!