2022 NBA Draft: #37 Jaden Hardy (6' 3", 6' 9" WS) to DAL | two 2nds to SAC

[Chicagojk]

It does get the team out of a guaranteed contract though, doesn't it? If you don't see the talent at 26 you feel like investing in for 3-4 years, then move into the second and draft multiple prospects in the hope that one of them turns into something. Sort of substituting quantity for quality.

You may be right, but didn't Jalen and Terry get guaranteed deals.  Maybe shorter?   I tend to just focus on the talent acquisition and not the $.  I know $ is a big factor but I have always focused on finding the talent first.