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3 Teams the Golden State Warriors could trade with if they land the number one pick

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Chase Center on February 13, 2023 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Chase Center on February 13, 2023 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery will take place on Tuesday in Chicago, with one franchise-altering prize available to one of the 14 teams that failed to make this season’s playoffs.

While the top draft prospect has often remained up for debate at this time in previous years, there’s no conversation this time around with French phenom Victor Wembanyama the unanimous number one pick. Although the 2023 NBA Draft won’t take place for another five weeks on June 22, we’ll essentially find out Wembanyama’s destination on Tuesday night.

While the Golden State Warriors will have no vested interest in the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, they may have a preference on where the number one pick lands.

Firstly, given Wembanyama is one of the best draft prospects this century, the Warriors will be hoping an Eastern Conference team wins the lottery. If the 19-year-old is going to come in an eventually wreak havoc on the league like many expect, then Golden State would prefer to face him just twice each regular season.

French phenom Victor Wembanyama is the consensus number one overall pick in 2023. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
French phenom Victor Wembanyama is the consensus number one overall pick in 2023. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images) /

Unfortunately from that perspective, three of the five most likely teams are from the Western Conference. The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs join the Detroit Pistons with a 14% chance, the Charlotte Hornets hold a 12.5% probability, and the Portland Trail Blazers a 10.5% likelihood. The Warriors can hold out hope if there’s a slight surprise, with the following three teams all being from the East.

It’s in these three teams where Golden State’s preference may lie, and not just because they belong in the opposing conference. The Warriors aren’t about to make any major trade for a lottery pick even if they could — they’re still in the business of trying to win championships. However, they could be in the business of trading for established talent that may be impacted by the enormous presence of Wembanyama.

Let’s check out three teams that Golden State may hope wins the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery:

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