**With just over a month before the 2024 NBA Draft, taking place on June 26-27 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, teams face the crucial decision of whether to retain their picks or trade them for immediate assets. Here’s the latest buzz around the league leading up to the draft:**
**Rockets Considering Trading No. 3 Pick for Mikal Bridges**
Reports indicate that the Houston Rockets are open to trading their No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft for Brooklyn Nets’ Mikal Bridges. After four years of struggle post-James Harden, the Rockets are seeking a player who can help them win now. With rising stars Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, and under the leadership of coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets narrowly missed the play-in tournament this season. Acquiring Bridges instead of using the third pick would enable the Rockets to push for immediate success while planning for future development.
**Pelicans Deferring This Year’s Pick to Lakers, Opt for 2025 Swap**
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the New Orleans Pelicans have decided to defer their 2024 pick to the Los Angeles Lakers, opting instead to swap their 2025 first-round pick. This decision is based on the expectation that the 2024 draft will be weaker compared to the potentially strong 2025 draft class. Consequently, the Pelicans will retain their 21st pick this year, and the Lakers will keep the 17th pick. Reports suggest the Lakers are also considering trading their pick to acquire a player who complements stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
**Kings Willing to Trade 13th Pick, Huerter, and Barnes**
In an effort to strengthen their team around stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Sacramento Kings are reportedly willing to trade their 13th pick in this year’s draft, along with Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter. The Kings aim to maximize Fox’s and Sabonis’ prime years by acquiring a win-now piece to enhance their competitiveness.
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