Why can't you trade consecutive draft picks?

[Malinhion]

Is this to keep franchises from burying themselves, or to keep win-now teams from amassing veterans?

If it's the former, the owners are basically willing to recognize that they need to protect themselves from themselves. There's an argument that more of these provisions should be written into the new CBA. For example, a lower max salary cap.

If it's the latter, the owners are willing to recognize that there's a talent discrepancy in the league. There's an argument that correcting this imbalance should be addressed in the new CBA. For example, a hard cap.

[Wavy Q]

you can blame this man

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Stepien

[Malinhion]

you can blame this man

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Stepien

The overall first that would be James Worthy for Don Ford. Wow.

[Wavy Q]

played 3 seasons for Cleveland, meanwhile Worthy goes on to be a hall of famer, wonder if he regretted that trade.

[DexterMorgan]

Why can't it be both?

[OooSplendiforous]

Its to prevent franchises with absolutely no idea of how to build a winning team from completely destroying themselves and their futures. No joke. It's essentially a safeguard, saving a self destructive team from themselves... aka the Knicks.

[No Offense]

Blame Cleveland. We have to get into the history books one way or another.

[hourockman]

played 3 seasons for Cleveland, meanwhile Worthy goes on to be a hall of famer, wonder if he regretted that trade.

The trade for the pick took place in 79, before Stepien became owner, so that blood is not on his hands, at least.