"The team that got the fifth pick this year is... the New York Knicks!" announced the NBA vice president at the lottery event. The Knicks' Zen Master, Phil Jackson, wasn't there in person, sending an assistant instead. The assistant smiled awkwardly as he collected the high pick, and the moment was met with a mix of applause and muffled laughter from those watching. In the end, the top three teams mirrored history: the Timberwolves took the first pick, the Lakers the second, and the 76ers the third.
Notably, the Timberwolves were now set to have three consecutive No. 1 overall picks on their roster: Andrew Wiggins (2014), Anthony Bennett (2013), and now whoever they'd draft in 2015.
Jake watched the lottery at home, then switched off the TV. His apartment was bustling with activity as his team gathered around: Coach Malone, Divac, and Peja crowded onto Jake's small couch.
"You really ought to move to a bigger place," Divac grumbled, his massive frame hunched awkwardly in the corner. "You're a general manager, yet you live in this tiny apartment?"
Jake laughed. "I like it cozy! I live alone and travel a lot, so why would I need more space?"
The group chuckled for a moment before getting down to business.
"So, what do we do with the No. 5 pick?" Jake asked.
"We definitely need to strengthen our forward line," said Malone. "Casspi's a free agent, and we only have Crowder. We need depth."
Malone paused as if something had crossed his mind. "Weren't you negotiating a trade for Cousins? Got any leads?"
Jake sighed, rubbing his temples. "No. My first target was Jimmy Butler from the Bulls, but he's not interested."
Butler would've been the perfect fit for the Kings, but the Bulls weren't willing to part with him, especially not after Derrick Rose's injury. The Bulls' GM, Gar Forman, demanded far more than Jake was willing to offer.
"I'll keep working on finding a forward after the free agency market opens, but we need a backup plan," Jake continued. "Maybe we should draft a forward with the fifth pick to build up our bench."
Peja nodded in agreement. "Sounds good. If that's the plan, we might want to trade down to get more value."
"I think our backcourt needs reinforcement, too," Malone chimed in. "CJ McCollum's our main ball-handler, but he's undersized and struggles defensively. You saw how he couldn't handle Harden in the playoffs. LaVine's still raw, Ben's a spot-up shooter, and Ray's not contributing much anymore. We could use another guard."
Jake leaned forward, intrigued. "You're right. This year's draft doesn't have many sure things, but if we're going to trade down, we need to get the best possible deal."
"Exactly," Peja agreed. "Trade down, get some future assets, and maybe pick up a second-rounder this year to add some depth."
Jake nodded just as his phone rang. "Hold on a sec, guys."
"Hello, this is Jake."
"Jake, congrats on the No. 5 pick. I heard you're looking to move it," said Connelly, the Nuggets' GM, on the other end of the line.
"Yeah, everything's for sale at the right price," Jake replied, stepping out to the balcony to continue the call.
"How about this—I'll give you our No. 7 pick and a second-rounder for your No. 5?" Connelly's voice lacked confidence.
Jake snorted. "You're trying to get my No. 5 pick for peanuts? Think carefully before you waste my time."
"Hey, it's a weak draft year. You should be happy with a trade down!" Connelly protested. "But fine, I'll throw in another second-rounder. That's three picks for one—pretty fair, don't you think?"
"Not enough," Jake retorted. "I want a protected first-rounder too. You're not getting this pick without offering something substantial."
They haggled for a few more minutes before Jake hung up, unsatisfied. Connelly's offer could be a backup, but Jake knew he could get a better deal. He was about to rejoin the group when his phone rang again.
"Hello? This is Jake," he answered.
"Jake, it's Pat Riley. I want to talk about your No. 5 pick."
Jake's heart skipped a beat. It was the first time he'd dealt with the legendary Pat Riley. "Mr. Riley, are you interested in trading for it?"
"Yes," Riley's calm, methodical voice replied. "I'll offer you our No. 10 pick, plus James Ennis."
Jake immediately recognized the trap. A swap of five for ten wasn't bad, but James Ennis? He'd seen enough of Ennis to know he wasn't worth much.
"Sorry, Pat, but we're looking for future draft assets, not a journeyman player."
"How about our No. 40 pick this year?" Riley countered.
Jake stayed calm. "Not enough. The Nuggets just offered me No. 7 and multiple second-rounders."
Riley chuckled, but it was the kind of laugh that made Jake's skin crawl. "How about this—I'll throw in a protected first-rounder for 2017."
Jake thought for a moment. "Lottery protection?"
"Yes," Riley answered, still unhurried. "2017, 2018, and top ten protection for 2019. That's as generous as it gets."
"You drive a hard bargain, Pat," Jake said, though he knew he'd gotten a solid offer. "But if I'm giving you this pick, I need something in return too."
Riley paused before replying. "Fine. You'll get my 2017 first-rounder, and I'll take a second-rounder in return."
"Deal!"