The NBA playoffs are currently in the second round, but those lotto teams have already started to go on vacation early. Considering that this is a small year for the draft, and there are not many options in the free market, even if there is enough salary space, it may not be possible to bring in strong reinforcements, and it seems that other ways need to be found.
Basketball expert Andy Bailey listed trade options for major lottery teams, including Lakers veteran Brandon Ingram or Journey East, who was sent to the underdog Detroit Pistons. Derrick Rose could return to the Chicago Bulls, and if he could return to the Windy City in the twilight of his career and retire as a Bulls player, it would seem like a perfect ending for Derrick Rose and his supporters.
The Pelicans, on their part, are sending away Brandon Ingram in exchange for Evan Fournier, Isaiah Stewart, Quentin Grimes and a first-round pick from the Detroit Pistons. The Pelicans got expiring contracts, young role players and signings, while the Pistons were looking to improve their immediate power, although Brandon Ingram had a poor playoff performance, he only averaged 14.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1 steal per game, and his shooting percentage was even more miserable. But the Pistons have the lowest record in the league, and if Brandon Ingram arrives, he can at least improve the team's regular season performance, and his combination with Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Osar Thompson and Jalen Duren will also be somewhat competitive in the East.
Derrick Rose has fallen at an astonishing rate since becoming the youngest MVP in history, and in terms of trade proposals, the Bulls get Luke Kennard, Derrick Rose and a lotto-protected first-round pick to send center Nikola Vucevic to the Grizzlies. Due to the impact of serious injuries, especially the core Ja Morant was suspended, and he underwent surgery after his return, which seriously affected the Grizzlies' record. But with the full force back next season, the Grizzlies should not be underestimated, and with Steven Adams sent away, Nikola Vucevic could be a replacement and form a new interior partner with Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Thunder, Spurs and Hawks, on the other hand, could make a three-way trade, with the Thunder getting Zach Collins, Garrison Matthews and a first-round pick from 2030 with the primary purpose of filling the interior; The Spurs got Trae Young and Josh Giddey, two strong guards who could make Victor Wembanyama grow faster; The Hawks get Keldon Johnson, Kenrich Williams and up to three first-round picks, just in time to accelerate the rebuild. Other notable trades, including the Wizards sending away Kyle Kuzma and getting Tre Lyles, Chris Duarte and a 2029 first-round pick from the Kings; The Jazz sent away John Collins in exchange for Grant Williams, Davis Bertans and future first-round swap rights from the Hornets; The Trail Blazers sent away Anfernee Simmons in exchange for Jett Howard and two future first-round picks from the Magic.