In the draft lottery, the team with the worst record may feel snubbed if they receive the third pick rather than the top selection. Some years, just two spots can make the difference between an All-NBA potential talent and a solid contributing role player.

However, this year isn't like most years. There is a surplus of talent in this year's pool and multiple teams antsy to improve their position, meaning the Houston Rockets' front office can be confident after the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery awarded them with the third selection.

The Rockets have two general routes they can take. They can stay put at third and allow the top two teams to make the choice for them, selecting who remains of Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith and Paolo Banchero after picks 1 and 2. Otherwise, Houston can use the pick and other assets gathered in the process of its rebuild to gather more picks and prospects or bring in an already established player.

Houston GM Rafael Stone told the media he's open to moving the pick, so there is reason to believe a trade could become a reality. Here are the three best Rockets trades using the No. 3 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

1. Move back to Trailblazers pick, stock up on future assets

It's no secret that Portland Trailblazers have struggled in recent seasons, with 2022 being the worst in nearly two decades. After moving on from core pieces in C.J. McCollum, Robert Covington and Norman Powell this past trade deadline, Portland is essentially working with an empty slate to rebuild around star Damian Lillard.

That in mind, the Trailblazers won't go very far with the seventh overall pick, which they landed in the lottery Tuesday. Portland won't be able to select a franchise changing talent that far back. Houston might be able to entice the Blazers front office into moving up for a more valuable asset in exchange for future picks, and possibly the services of young talent Anfernee Simons.

The Rockets have veteran assets in Eric Gordon and Christian Wood to sweeten the deal, so it's possible the two teams could get a deal done before draft night.

2. Use No. 3 and No. 17 to move up to top spot

Similarly, the Rockets may have their eyes on an asset that's projected to go before the third choice. As of right now, its anticipated that Duke bigman Paolo Banchero will be the last man standing of the three top prospects. If Houston is particularly infatuated with Jabari Smith or Chet Holmgren, they could use their pool of assets to move up to the first pick in the draft.

Besides a top three and top twenty pick in this years' draft, Houston is also the rightful owner to nearly a decade of future first round picks from Brooklyn and a roster of veteran pieces mentioned above.  If Stone can throw the kitchen sink at the Orlando Magic, he may be able to come away with the top selection.

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3. Burn the assets and bring in a top talent

It's not totally plausible, but it's definitely possible Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta suddenly decides his franchise needs to pivot towards “win-now” mode. If Houston chooses to chase after a high-level talent, there are plenty of antsy stars to target and they have plenty of assets to do.

The Bradley Beal saga has lasted ages in Washington. Its possible the Wizards are eyeing to use Beal in order to move up this years' draft. Utah is in a similar situation with Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, who have reportedly had a falling out in recent weeks. Houston could even take a stab at the rumored displeasure from Zach LaVine or Zion Williamson.

Whoever it is, this trade will likely be the hardest to pull off. The Rockets would not only have to gather basically all of their assets to make the move, but they'd have to convince fans it's the right choice after finally settling into a rebuild.

There are plenty of options for Houston headed into the draft. This might be frightening for skeptic fans, but there is one factor that ultimately will relive the Rockets' possible anxiousness: the choice is 100% theirs to make.