Cleveland Cavaliers: Evaluating the 3-team trade with Rockets and Kings
By Tony Pesta
2019 First round draft pick
Lastly, it’s time to break down the 2019 lottery-protected draft pick that the Houston Rockets included in this deal as a sweetener. The important thing to note about this pick is that the Rockets have put a lottery protection on it. This means that if their selection ends up somewhere within the lottery (the first 14 picks) then the Rockets will retain possession of the pick.
This is a huge thing to note as a Cavaliers fan. The Cavs will only be able to use this draft selection if it falls outside of the lottery. Luckily, it is unlikely that the Rockets will lose enough games to miss the playoffs and land in the lottery.
The Rockets are sitting at a 32-22 record, making them the fifth-best team in the Western Conference. While they are only four games ahead of the ninth-place Sacramento Kings, there is no reason to think the Rockets will fall out of the playoff picture.
Houston has been riding the back of James Harden since the month of November, but with Chris Paul back in the lineup, it will be a lot easier to win games. This trade that has brought them another key rotational player in Iman Shumpert should help as well.
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It’s safe to say that the Cavaliers will be able to use this draft pick — currently slated for No. 21 — in the upcoming 2019 NBA Draft. Hopefully, Cleveland selects a player with the ability to help turn the franchise around. Either way, getting an extra shot at the draft is always a good move.