Other than a truly elite player such as LeBron James or Kevin Durant, draft picks have become the NBA's most valued commodity.

Teams were reluctant to even trade second round picks at the deadline due to their increased value. Not only do picks represent an opportunity for teams to improve with young talent, but they also give teams the ability to do so on a cheap salary.

"Firsts are so valuable with the new rules and tax," an Eastern Conference GM texted Sunday. "For the better teams who are picking late as well as teams close to the tax, they are so valuable because you can get players on cheap contracts and control them for four years."