NBA front offices are experiencing an unusually quiet information flow regarding draft prospects, with over half a dozen team sources telling The Athletic that intelligence feels limited compared to typical pre-draft periods.
League sources attribute the information drought to teams starting prospect workouts later than usual this season. Front offices are simultaneously dedicating significant resources to evaluating the summer trade market rather than focusing exclusively on draft preparation.
The expected active trade market has consumed team builders' attention as they work to understand potential player movement scenarios. Organizations are strategizing around possible outcomes and the cascading effects trades could create across the league.
Multiple franchises are questioning whether to retain their current draft positions. Teams ranging from the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic to the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are actively assessing their draft slot decisions.
The middle portion of the first round presents numerous potential outcomes, with no clear consensus emerging among teams. Draft boards vary significantly as organizations weigh different prospect evaluations and team needs.
Only two selections appear certain heading into the draft. Cooper Flagg is expected to go first overall to the Dallas Mavericks, while Dylan Harper projects as the second pick regardless of whether the Spurs retain their selection.
The combination of limited draft intelligence and trade market uncertainty has created an unusually unpredictable environment leading up to draft night.