2026 NBA draft thread

[khaled1987]

Regarding the #30 pick...

Since it's a FRP, there is 3 years of guaranteed money attached, correct? It was ~$2.75M last year (120% of scale), and will likely stay about the same this year, based on recent cap information.

So my question is whether or not it is worth it to take on 3 years of guaranteed money, at just under vet minimum $$, or trade back into the 2nd round where you have more flexibility in contract negotiations? Something like #30 for two SRPs, or a young developing player with a year or two experience?

I'm asking because NIL money will make some players go back to school if they think they'll draft higher next year, so late FRPs may be just selecting from the SRP pool anyway. So why tie up salary, even if it is relatively minor in the scheme of things? Instead, you still get rights and can put them on a "make me love you" deal. Just don't screw it up like they did with Brunson's contract and lose the RFA leverage at the end.

Someone more educated in this regard could correct me, but there are few advantages for 30th pick over 2nd round pick, beside picking earlier (remember Desmond Bane and Tyrell Terry?)
First, it is just 2 years contract, not 3. So for example, Cooper Flagg has only next year guaranted money, but we will have to decide before next season starts. So, it is very rare that teams don't pick 3rd year unless they are sure he is total bust. Still, if the player is bad, you can cut your loss so early, money is only attached for 2 years.

OTOH, if the players turns out good? he is on 4 years contract and then RFA, unlike 2nd round picks, who you can have them on 3 years contract and then RFA, or 4 years contract and URFA (Brunson). 

I don't see the money being an issue in that regard, you shouldn't be thinking about it at that point of the draft, there is easier ways to save money.

OTOH