Brooklyn Nets: 3 potential 2019 NBA Draft trades

2. Trade for a future first round pick from the New York Knicks

The No. 31 slot has been a hotbed for trades in recent years. In fact, in four of the past five drafts, the selection has been part of a draft-day deal. The Nets should look to continue that trend in 2019 if the right offer is thrown their way.

Oftentimes, second round picks are moved for cash, a future protected second round pick or a fringe rotation player. However, on draft night in 2016, the Boston Celtics were able move pick No. 31 as part of a package with the Memphis Grizzlies and got back a future first-rounder in return.

If a high-upside prospect (think someone like Bruno Fernando) falls out of the first round, then Brooklyn should look to make a similar trade to the one the Celtics pulled off in 2016.

A team like the New York Knicks, who expect to make major additions in free agency and own a plethora of future picks thanks to the Kristaps Porzingis trade, may be willing to part with one to acquire pick No. 31 on Thursday.

A possible full trade would look like the Nets sending pick No. 31 this year and the 2020 second rounder they own (via the Indiana Pacers) to the Knicks for a lottery-protected first-rounder in 2021.

This is almost identical to the trade Memphis and Boston made in 2016, when, coincidentally enough, current Knicks head coach David Fizdale was manning the bench for the Grizzlies.

Adding a future first round pick to the war chest would be huge for Brooklyn, as it would give the team another asset to deploy in future years as it continues to look to add star power.