Adam Silver Wants to End the NBA Draft but Faces Hurdle Caused by Lakers, Nuggets – Reports https://t.co/IfupP3It0T via @es_sportsnews— LakerTom (@LakerTom) February 18, 2026
Adam Silver Wants to End NBA Draft but Faces Hurdle from Lakers, Nuggets
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February 18, 2026 1 Comment
FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:
Adam Silver floated a wild idea to counter tanking. In a meeting, the league officials discussed abolishing the NBA draft as an extreme measure to prevent the unethical practice. It’s caused some panic among the fanbase, who feel the league is taking away a moment of a lifetime from upcoming basketball prospects. However, thanks to the Lakers, Nuggets, and a few other teams, this change will take time.
Tom Haberstroh broke down why that is. See, several teams like the Lakers and Nuggets have already committed their 2032 draft picks. The Nuggets don’t have a pick at all. The Lakers sent their second-round pick to the Hawks in exchange for Luke Kennard. Hence, even if Silver has to resort to the extreme, the commissioner will have to wait until all obligations are fulfilled.
“How many years out would that have to be with all the p the picks that are already outlaid in the NBA? The earliest it could happen if Adam Silver said, “All right, all 30 owners, we came to an agreement. We are going to kill the draft. We’re going to go to rookie signing free agency period.” And guess what? It won’t happen until 2033. That’s the earliest I’d imagine the NBA could pass… It likely wouldn’t happen until 2033 when all of the existing pick outlays are finished,” Haberstroh explained on the Big Number.
Since the request is for teams to be fair, the league will have to take that into consideration for those affected by such changes. Take even the Thunder, for example. Sam Presti has done an amazing job of creating a competitive roster and stacking picks together. Silver can’t just scratch his efforts and say there won’t be a draft going forward. That goes against teams who have done everything by the book and set themselves up for a positive future.
Such a drastic change will also need the league officials to map out the regulations that will replace the current regime. Here’s the problem. If they try to be fair, the timeline could keep increasing.