NBA Rumors: Teams Predict 'a Stronger Trade Market' Due to New 2-Day Draft Format

NBA executives reportedly see a more robust trade market for draft picks in the 20s and 30s under the league's new two-day draft format.

"The increased pressure we face to trade picks from the end of the lottery through pick 60 requires more time to process in the moment," one Western Conference executive told ESPN's Jeremy Woo. "Two days allows for the possibility of a longer transaction cycle around the draft and celebrates a signature moment in the league's calendar."

The NBA announced plans to hold a two-day draft in February. The first night will take place June 26 and consist of the first round, and the second round will be held a day later.

Executives said they believe the extended wait between the first and second rounds could lead to teams being aggressive in trading up for top players who slip into the 30s. There is also a school of thought saying teams could even move up into the first round in hopes of landing a player before other teams have a chance to fully evaluate the draft board.

The NBA is hoping the two-night draft adds a spark of excitement to the event, which typically receives its most significant attention in the lottery before things taper off later in the night.

The 2024 NBA draft is an interesting choice to make this change, given it's considered one of the weakest in recent memory. Veteran basketball reporter Jeff Goodman spoke to multiple executives who called this class the "worst draft they have ever seen."

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman currently has French big man Alexandre Sarr being taken with the No. 1 overall pick.

Still, even in a down year for prospects, the two-night draft will create a wrinkle fans have never seen before.