Rockets get massive validation from Nets’ painful draft lottery result

The NBA Draft Lottery took place on Sunday, May 10. The Washington Wizards were the big winners of the night, landing the first overall pick. Although they will get much less recognition, the Houston Rockets also have to feel pretty good about the lottery results.

Houston did not need lottery luck to feel like a winner on Sunday night. They already had Brooklyn’s.

Houston pulled off a heist

Houston does not own a first-round pick in this year’s draft, but its previous trade with the Brooklyn Nets looks better and better.

Before Brooklyn traded Kevin Durant to Phoenix, the Nets wanted control of their future first-round picks so they would have the ability to tank. Houston owned those future picks from the infamous James Harden trade.

Taking advantage of Brooklyn’s desperation to blow up its failing core, Houston gave the Nets control of their 2025 and 2026 first-round picks in exchange for four first-rounders from other teams. Brooklyn’s picks landed at No. 8 last year and No. 6 this year.

Egor Demin, Brooklyn’s pick last year, looks like a quality NBA player, and the No. 6 pick in this draft should also produce a strong prospect. However, Brooklyn failing to move up in the lottery in back-to-back years has to feel like a slap in the face after it gave up a massive pick haul to Houston.

The Rockets still have valuable picks coming

The Rockets obtained a 2025 first-round pick, which ended up being the No. 10 overall selection before it was traded to Phoenix to land Kevin Durant. Houston also gained control of Phoenix’s 2027 first-round pick and the rights to the two most favorable of the Dallas, Phoenix, and Houston first-round picks in 2029.

The Suns’ direction remains unclear, and the Mavericks still need to prove they can build a sustainable contender around Cooper Flagg. That leaves Houston holding several picks that could become extremely valuable over the next few years.

Any trade involving multiple first-round selections is a big risk. Brooklyn could have just as easily won the lottery twice in a row and made Rockets fans grind their teeth. Houston’s draft picks still only hold theoretical value, but right now, the Rockets look like the clear winner of this trade.