What is a protected first round pick and how does it impact a team's ability to trade or acquire players in the NBA?

Answer 1

A protected first round pick in the NBA is a draft pick that a team can use to select a player in the first round of the NBA draft, but with certain conditions attached. These conditions typically involve the pick being transferred to another team if it falls within a certain range of draft positions.

The impact of a protected first round pick on a team's ability to trade or acquire players in the NBA is that it can limit the team's flexibility in making trades. If a team has a protected first round pick that is owed to another team, they may be hesitant to include it in a trade because they would lose the pick if it falls within the protected range. This can make it more difficult for the team to make trades that involve first round picks, as they may need to find other assets to include in the deal instead.