LISTEN: Could Rockets Trade Up in NBA Draft?

The Houston Rockets are picking up the pieces after losing the NBA Draft Lottery to the San Antonio Spurs and retaining the No. 4 pick.

Ahead of them in the draft at the moment are the Spurs, Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers, who hold the top three selections.

On the latest episode of the Kiss of Death podcast, host Michael Brown spoke with guest Parker Ainsworth about the possibility of trading up in the draft, and the latter mentions the Hornets as a potential trade partner.

"I'm calling Charlotte about two," Ainsworth said on the Kiss of Death Podcast. "I think they're more likely to get off at two because they have a point guard... In the same way that the second pick boosts their value ... a pair of picks in the first round would also."

The Hornets have LaMelo Ball, and a fit with him and Scoot Henderson could be tricky. The Rockets could give the Hornets an extra asset or two if they wanted to trade back for a player like Brandon Miller or Amen Thompson, while also grabbing an additional first-round pick. The Rockets currently hold the No. 20 pick in this year's draft, which could be included in a potential deal.

It may be tricky for the Rockets to move up, but if there's a player they want that won't be guaranteed to be on the board at No. 4, it's a gamble Houston should be willing to take.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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