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The Golden State Warriors must survive NBA lottery before fielding trade down offers

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 11: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts to a play during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Chase Center on November 11, 2019 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 11: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts to a play during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Chase Center on November 11, 2019 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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Many are already mocking up drafts and trades for the Golden State Warriors and the NBA, but they could be drastically changed by the NBA Draft Lottery.

While the Golden State Warriors reigned atop the Western Conference, teams like the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks failed to hit 20 wins.

None of those three teams were gifted the rights to the No. 1 pick, a selection that would’ve forever changed any of the three franchises. The 33-win New Orleans Pelicans won the lottery while the Memphis Grizzlies, also having a 33-win season, came in second.

Before the lottery, all the excitement was that the New York Knicks were going to be able to have the next NBA superstar. Zion Williamson was destined to be a Knick before the lottery, and after it, he was set to play his first few seasons in New Orleans.

That’s the feeling right now, and it will impact the Warriors even if they don’t want to retain the top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. However, like the Knicks, Cavs, and Suns — the Warriors, Knicks, and Cavaliers will have the top odds for the 2020 draft, at least that’s the expectations as of now.

All three may take a different player with the top selection. New York may look at LaMelo Ball while the Cavaliers either go for Ball, James Wiseman or Anthony Edwards. It’s assumed the Warriors take either Anthony Edwards or Obi Toppin.

This will depend on the draft, and more importantly, the value of the Warriors pick will depend on the draft. Being able to have the top-overall selection could return a solid up-and-coming star and multiple potential lottery picks for Golden State.

Assuming they don’t necessarily want to retain the pick, the Warriors could use the leverage that allows a team to pick whoever they want would bring.

Edwards, Ball, Wiseman, Toppin — they could offer a team whoever they want to draft in exchange for assets to help them return to championship favorites in the coming season.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

But, before we get all excited, we need to understand that things may change, and the NBA Draft Lottery could mold the Warriors’ immediate future quite a bit.

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