NBA
NBA trade deadline: What is a draft pick swap?
Swap picks are becoming essential when reconstructing NBA franchises and adding depth to their squad.
Long ago were the days of simple trade deals that were easy to follow, one guy for another guy and done. The NBA is always trying to revamp and change things around, adapting to the times, a philosophy that has given us the Play-In tournament, for example.
In order to avoid creating monopolies around the league that have given fans teams like the 1996 Bulls, the NBA has agreed to new rules around picks and trades, providing a fighting chance to those lesser-known franchises. Teams like the Bucks, who won the championship a couple of years ago.
But what is a pick swap? And why are they important in the NBA?
When two teams agree to a swap, the receiving club gets to choose between the two teams’ best picks for that year.
Swaps are often disregarded in high-profile negotiations, despite their critical nature.
Only once every two years do trades involving draft selections take place. This is because the NBA’s “Stepien rule” forbids teams from trading away their first-round pick in consecutive years.
What does all of this mean for NBA teams and their picks?
This means that teams have options. It will allow them to pick between a draft pick that could end up being the 14th pick to switch it to the 6th pick. This is the reason why teams want swap picks. Franchises will be able to avoid a lousy lottery pick.