In the modern NBA, draft capital is the currency. More than ever, trades are based on first-round picks.

At this year’s trade deadline, even second-round picks were relevant. Draft picks are flexible assets. You can use them to select players. Alternatively, you can also use them to make trades.

With that in mind, some teams treat them differently than others. For example, don’t be surprised if the Indiana Pacers aren’t looking to build through the draft for much longer.

The Pacers have three first-round picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, and it’s difficult to envision them using all of them to bring in rookies. They are positioned to be buyers.

This small market team usually likes to be competitive. Often, rookies don’t help with that endeavor. 

Could they trade for OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors this summer?