Getty Image / Alika Jenner
The NBA Draft Lottery was a highly anticipated event, as everyone was on pins and needles to see who would win the number one pick overall.
In the end, the San Antonio Spurs walked away as big winners, as they’re now in line to acquire Victor Wembanyama.
However, they weren’t the only lottery winners on Tuesday night. The Portland Trail Blazers secured a top three pick for the upcoming draft. Giving them the versatility they need to acquire superstar talent.
Whether that’s within the draft itself, or a possible trade, is yet to be determined.
However, it sounds like the Trail Blazers plans with the No. 3 pick in the draft may have already been revealed.
According to Bleacher Report, “Portland, in an effort to continue building a contending roster around its star Damian Lillard, is expected to make the pick available for a trade.”
General manager Joe Cronin claims that “[The third pick] is significant.” He goes on to explain the thought process for the Trail Blazers with the 2023 NBA Draft looming.
“There’s going to be some really good players at three that could be great for us or somebody else, depending on how we approach this draft.”
Bleacher Report also suggests that Damian Lillard would love for the team to acquire a veteran star to get back into championship contention.
Reports claim he “has communicated to the front office of his desire to bring in veteran players to facilitate a fleet turnaround from the two previous seasons of underachieving.”
The NBA Draft takes place on June 22. So Portland has plenty of time to weight their options.
But based on these rumors, we could witness a massive trade come draft day.
With that said, keep a watchful eye on the Trail Blazers, as the No. 3 pick could be on the move.