2016 NBA draft lottery (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers could be looking at trading their picks in this year's draft for talented veterans.
The Lakers and 76ers hit the jackpot in the 2016 NBA draft after acquiring the No. 1 and No. 2 picks respectively in last week's draft lottery. However, there are rumors around the league that both teams could possibly trade their top picks for proven and talented stars, according to Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding.
Ding claimed that Lakers still have an eye on the trade market at the expense of the team's No. 2 pick, while the 76ers are the team "more likely" to pull off a transaction involving their top pick.
"Still, the Lakers will actively explore trading the pick. They want to get better as soon as possible-in part to make sure Philadelphia doesn't get too good of a pick next year when the Lakers' first-rounder conveys to the 76ers if it's outside the top three," Ding wrote.
"The 76ers, despite suggesting they don't anticipate trading the No. 1 pick that already had club officials dancing the night away in New York, actually may be the team more likely to get a draft deal done."
The Lakers have been linked to multiple trade speculations since securing the No. 2 pick, which could either be LSU's Ben Simmons or Duke's Brandon Ingram. Creating a package consisting of the No. 2 pick, and one of the Lakers' young talents should probably do the trick to entice teams into trading their veteran stars.
But while few only expect the Purple and Gold to trade the pick, such move makes sense for a team keen to get back in their glorious days. A talented player like DeMarcus Cousins, Jimmy Butler or Paul George would instantly turn the LA into title contenders and would certainly factor in luring top free agents in the summer.
On the other hand, the 76ers, much like the Lakers, are also planning to get back on their winning ways after Bryan Colangelo as the team's new general manager.
Certainly, Philadelphia has more leverage to devise a trade that would help the franchise, with the team holding the right to draft the best available talent in this year's class of rookies. According to Andrew Kulp of CSN Philly, Jahlil Okafor is the 76ers' best trade asset aside from the No. 1 pick.
The 76ers could trade the top pick and one of their young big men to acquire the likes of Butler or someone who could fit well playing alongside Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid.
It is undetermined whether the Lakers and 76ers really intend to trade their top picks, but with the two franchises eager to be contenders again, there is a chance such moves could happen.
