ESPN’s NBA insiders have suggested five trade scenarios that could shake up the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. One of the boldest proposals involves a three-team deal between the Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers. In this trade, Portland — one of the league’s worst three-point shooting teams — aims to fix that issue by acquiring sharpshooter Dalton Knecht.
Full breakdown of the proposed deal:
- The Lakers secure a center,
- The Nets continue to build for the future with more assets,
- The Blazers add much-needed perimeter shooting.
According to Bobby Marks, this scenario sees the Lakers trading up to the No. 8 pick to select Duke’s Khaman Maluach, addressing their pressing need for a lob-finishing big to complement Luka Doncic. Their early playoff exit highlighted the lack of such a presence on the roster.
However, the trade’s logic hinges on Maluach still being available at No. 8. If he’s already taken, the Lakers giving up Knecht and a 2031 unprotected first-round pick becomes questionable. There’s a major drop-off in center talent after Maluach, and Derik Queen — due to underwhelming combine results and stylistic concerns — isn’t seen as a fit alongside Doncic.
Brooklyn’s angle is also contingent on draft outcomes. NBA insider Jake Fischer has reported the Nets’ interest in Jeremiah Fears. But if Fears is gone before their pick (ESPN’s latest mock sends him to New Orleans at No. 7), they could look to trade back and continue amassing future draft capital.
As Marks notes, the Nets would still end up with three first-rounders in this draft and would bolster their long-term strategy, giving them 12 first-round picks over the next seven years. Meanwhile, the Lakers could finally secure their center of the future — on a cost-effective rookie deal — offering them flexibility to build around Doncic once LeBron James retires.
Portland’s Perspective:
The Trail Blazers address their biggest need, but the trade may not be in their best interest.
Marks likens this move to Portland’s acquisition of Deni Avdija last offseason — another deal where GM Joe Cronin parted with draft assets for fit. However, Knecht isn’t on the same level talent-wise. He struggled to stay in JJ Redick’s playoff rotation and, at 24, his ceiling may already be capped. He was also selected 17th overall in what was considered a weak draft class, raising questions about why Portland would trade a higher pick in a deeper draft for him now.
Knecht’s 37.6% three-point shooting as a rookie would mesh nicely with Portland’s young talent, but the team could likely find a cheaper alternative, such as Cedric Coward, without giving up valuable assets.
Additionally, the 2027 first-rounder from the Knicks isn’t all that appealing. New York projects to remain a top-tier team in the East through that season, especially with most of their core (except Mikal Bridges) under contract.
Ultimately, the trade gives Portland more role players but sacrifices the upside they should be chasing. Holding onto the No. 11 pick in this strong draft class would give them a better shot at landing a potential star — something they desperately need.
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