Owed Draft Picks Influence Trade Deadline Plans for Raptors, Warriors, Rockets, Clippers and Thunder
• The Raptors owe a top-6 protected first round pick to the Spurs that could influence their plans at the trade deadline. They may try to bottom out to keep it.
• The Warriors owe a top-4 protected first round pick to the Grizzlies that they are unlikely to keep. It may incentivize them to make minor upgrades rather than bigger trades.
• The Rockets owe a top-4 protected first round pick to the Thunder that factored into their decision to compete now. They can be aggressive buyers with other picks owed to them.
• The Clippers owe an unprotected first round pick to the Thunder that could end up being valuable if they continue to struggle.
• The Thunder have extra first round picks they could use as trade chips to move up or trade for veteran help.