The 2017-18 season saw two Southeast Division teams (Miami and Washington) advance to compete in the postseason. It was a down year across the board, as the Heat were crowned division champions with a record of 44-38.
Atlanta (No. 3), Orlando (No. 6) and Charlotte (No. 11) all look to make big steps forward with their lottery selections on Thursday. Washington's selection falls right outside of the lottery at No. 15. Miami is the lone team in the division without a selection in this year's draft…for now.
Each team has been linked to a number of potential transactions that could come on draft night. Here's more on what to expect from the Southeast Division on June 21…
Atlanta Hawks
Picks: 3, 19, 30, 34
In addition to having four valuable picks, Atlanta has been rumoured to gain a fifth in a move for Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried.
This rebuilding Hawks team could amass enough assets to obtain another lottery pick on Thursday and disgruntled guard Dennis Schröder could also be on the move. Expect an extremely busy night for Atlanta as it works to build around the young duo of Taurean Prince (24) and John Collins (20).
Charlotte Hornets
Picks: 11, 55
Most questions involving the Hornets surround whether or not Kemba Walker will be with the team come next season. According to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers could make an offer for the All-Star guard, who has one year remaining on his contract.
If Charlotte is to part ways with its franchise all-time scoring leader, expect large returns. The Hornets could look to acquire another lottery pick or a package consisting of an established impact player along with a later pick.
Miami Heat
Picks: None
As Miami is one of just two teams without a pick in this year's draft, it will certainly make inquiries about getting back into the draft.
In order to get back in, however, the team must pay a cost. If unable to make a draft-day trade, Miami could look to purchase the rights to a draft pick in July, per Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel.
Orlando Magic
Picks: 6, 35, 41
Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports that Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman has inquired about moving – up or down – from selecting sixth on Thursday.
While such conversations are the norm ahead of the draft, the Magic select directly behind two teams (Memphis and Dallas) that could engage in a pick swap. The Clippers, who have two late lottery picks (12 and 13), could look to trade up to six.
Washington Wizards
Picks: 15, 44
Washington, the eighth seed in this year's playoffs, has a lot riding on this offseason. The Wizards dealt with injuries throughout the 2017-18 season, but should have done more with the All-Star backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal.
Ben Standig of The Sports Capitol has reported that Washington could be willing to move its 15th pick along with a larger expiring contract.
If the Wizards do retain their pick, expect the team to bring in the best player available to make an immediate impact, rather than a potential-based selection.