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NBA Draft 2021: 5 trades that could potentially happen on draft night

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Ethan Thompson #5 of the Oregon State Beavers drives against Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Oregon State Beavers won 80-70. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Ethan Thompson #5 of the Oregon State Beavers drives against Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Oregon State Beavers won 80-70. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft Eric Gordon Houston Rockets (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
NBA Draft Eric Gordon Houston Rockets (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Just to clarify the Lakers would have to make technically make the selection for Houston and then trade him. This is due to the Stepien rule which does not allow teams to trade first-round picks in consecutive years.

How This Helps the Lakers

Los Angeles was awful last year from the three-point line. As the Lakers had no shooting, which put immense pressure on LeBron James and Anthony Davis to score every time down the court. Gordon who on his career averages 16 points a game and a decent 32% from three.

Will be able to come in and be a third option for a Lakers team who desperately needs a third scorer. This is an ideal trade for the Lakers who give the aging LeBron James some more help.

How This Helps the Rockets

Houston is in an obvious rebuilding situation and will take all the draft picks and young players they can get. With already owning three first-round picks they will be able to add on to their collection and be picking at 4,22,23, and 24.

Then the Rockets could be able to then in turn ship Caldwell-Pope for more young assets and picks. Also, Gasol and McKinnie will not be too big of a cap hit if the team decides to waive them. Overall, this is an excellent trade that helps both teams.