Trading draft picks

[Betzza]

How come in the NBA we don't see trades like those that happen in the NFL? The Patriots always seem to get picks for next years draft.

Granted there are less picks and so deals are, I assume, generally harder to work out. But for example this year in what is arguably a poor draft talent-wise, we, Utah have the (likely) 6th and 12th picks. Minnesota has the 20th pick they acquired from Memphis and obviously their own pick and one for next year. Is a hypothetical deal such as Utah sending the 6th and the 12th picks to the T-wolves for the 20th pick this year and their first rounder next year so farfetched? Is it just not the done thing or is it really bad value for one of the teams or what? How come they don't happen?

 

[Chad Feldheimer]

I think a lot of it is because of the guaranteed contracts for first rounders. Especially the mid to late first rounders. They are a crap shoot most the time and you are stuck with paying them no matter what. Early 2nd round picks would seem to have more value just because if the guy you pick sucks you can dump him right as soon as needed. Outside the lotto or early 2nd round draft picks aren't THAT valuable.

 

[Justys]

I think that I could see Minny trading that 20th pick. I could also see the Bobcats doing somthing with both there picks, maybe a package of both picks for the Kings pick. Or there loto pick plus Matt Carol or Diop for cap space? And Im kind of excited to see how Toronto and the Cavs use there exceptions. I truelly think that this will be a pretty hecktic draft with all the trades that our going down.

 

[Justys]

I think a lot of it is because of the guaranteed contracts for first rounders. Especially the mid to late first rounders. They are a crap shoot most the time and you are stuck with paying them no matter what. Early 2nd round picks would seem to have more value just because if the guy you pick sucks you can dump him right as soon as needed. Outside the lotto or early 2nd round draft picks aren't THAT valuable.

And you bring up some pretty great points about the later 1st round picks and the early 2nd rounders with the differences in money.

 

[vslice02]

In the NFL - you have a 53-man roster and expect to get starter-quality players through the first 3 rounds. In the NBA - you have a 12-man active roster and if a 2nd-round pick makes your team - it's considered a "great pick."

Guaranteed contracts play a large role - but ultimately one sport has a bigger demand for draftable players than the other.

 

[billyshelby]

Two other problems make it difficult. The lottery system, of course, which adds all the protection stuff. Also, by rule every team has to have a 1st round pick every other year.