Let's say if we miss out the first two picks, get #3 and Ainge secretly decides he will not keep it instead trade it for a young (under 30 years old as he said) borderline or an all star player as our future star.

The question is what type of player could that #3 pick get us in return if we trade it straight solely for that player? The rule of the game is that you can't involve any other picks and any players (let's say I'm trying to get Net Worth of that pick).

So, what do you think?

Nik

PS. Sorry if something like this has already been discussed.

I wish I knew the answer to this. It is certainly an interesting question. However, these kinds of trades are pretty rare in the NBA and it is hard to predict without knowing if there is a player available at 3 that some other team really really wants badly. Maybe a GM is in love with Hield or Brown?

Noel or Okafor.

If Philly doesn't get the Lakers pick and we can't combine it with some other assets to trade it for a current All Star, i.e. Cousins, Butler, etc., then I think one of those two in a straight up trade for the number three pick makes too much sense for both sides not to consider, especially Noel.

Imagine a more active, more athletic Amir with a much higher ceiling, and that's what we'd have with Noel. Philly could also then take the wing of their choice in Simmons or Ingram and then take a guard in Hield or Dunn.

This would also have the advantage of trending Philly upwards making them less likely to finish below Brookllyn the next two years.