The Art of Trading Up: When Teams Go All-In for a Player

17 October 2025

Have you ever watched a sports draft and seen a team give up what feels like half their future just to move up a few spots? You sit back in your chair and ask yourself: "Is this guy really worth all that?" Welcome to the rollercoaster world of trading up in sports drafts—where front offices gamble their tomorrows for the promise of a game-changing superstar today.

What Does “Trading Up” Really Mean?

Let’s start with the basics. Trading up is when a team gives up assets—usually draft picks, sometimes players—to move to a higher draft position. It might be jumping from pick No. 12 to pick No. 3, or even from No. 4 to No. 1. The goal? Land a specific player who they believe can change the trajectory of their franchise.

It's like being in a long line at your favorite burger joint and spotting someone about to grab the last double bacon cheeseburger. You sprint ahead, throw down a few extra bucks, and claim the prize before someone else does. Risky? Sure. But it might just be worth it.

Why Teams Go All-In

Let’s be honest—sports are all about winning. And in most cases, winning big. When a franchise sees a can't-miss prospect, they’ll sometimes toss logic aside and swing for the fences. But why?

1. Transformational Talent

Sometimes there's a player who doesn’t just fill a need—they redefine your franchise. Think Patrick Mahomes in the NFL, Luka Dončić in the NBA, or Connor McDavid in the NHL. These are players you build around, who elevate everyone else on the roster. If a GM believes they’ve found “the one,” trading up seems like a small price to pay.

2. Pressure from Ownership or Fans

Let’s face it—front office execs aren’t always operating in a vacuum. If a team has been stuck in a rebuild or is struggling to sell tickets, there's pressure to make a splash. Trading up for a big-name prospect can reignite a fan base, create headlines, and bring hope to a tired franchise.

3. Fit and System Match

A player might not be the consensus top prospect overall, but they could be the perfect fit for a team’s system. In this case, trading up isn’t just about talent—it’s about synergy. A sharp GM spots the puzzle piece that completes the picture and makes a calculated leap for it.

The High Stakes: What’s at Risk?

Okay, let’s pump the brakes for a second. Trading up sounds exciting—like a blockbuster movie move—but it’s not without its perils. Here's what makes it so risky.

1. Lost Draft Capital

Future 1st-rounders, 2nd-rounders, or even multiple picks in the same draft—these are the price tags for moving up. Those picks represent potential steals, role players, or trade pieces. When a team trades them away, they're putting all their chips into one bet.

2. Bust Potential

Even with all the scouting, analytics, and interviews, prospects can flop. Injuries happen. Players don’t develop. The mental side of the game is tough. If the player you traded up for busts, you’ve not only lost that player—you’ve lost the picks that might’ve brought in other contributors.

3. Depth Takes a Hit

Giving up multiple assets for one player can lead to roster imbalance. You might end up with a stud QB but no offensive line. Or a star point guard with no bench help. Sometimes, spreading the wealth across multiple picks builds a stronger team in the long run.

Famous Trade-Ups That Paid Off

Let’s switch gears and look at some home run trade-ups. These moves had fans holding their breath when they happened—but they paid off big time.

Patrick Mahomes – 2017 NFL Draft (Kansas City Chiefs)

In 2017, the Chiefs were already a solid team with Alex Smith under center. But they saw something special in Mahomes and traded up from No. 27 to No. 10, surrendering three picks to do so. Fast forward a few years—Mahomes has a Super Bowl ring, an MVP, and is arguably the face of the league.

Luka Dončić – 2018 NBA Draft (Dallas Mavericks)

Dallas traded the rights to Trae Young and a future pick to move up two spots for Luka. At the time, it was a gamble—Luka was dominating in Europe but was still an unknown to many NBA fans. Now? He’s one of the league’s biggest stars and the centerpiece of the Mavs’ future.

Julio Jones – 2011 NFL Draft (Atlanta Falcons)

Atlanta moved up from the 27th pick to No. 6, giving up five picks in total. The reward? Julio Jones, who became one of the most dominant wide receivers of the decade. It was risky—but for a while, it was genius.

When It Goes Sideways: Trade-Ups That Flopped

Not every bold move ends in glory. These trade-ups had fans lighting up the comment sections for all the wrong reasons.

Mitch Trubisky – 2017 NFL Draft (Chicago Bears)

Yep, the Bears traded up from No. 3 to No. 2… to draft Trubisky over both Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Let that sink in. Chicago gave up valuable picks for a player who never lived up to expectations, while Mahomes became a generational star.

Markelle Fultz – 2017 NBA Draft (Philadelphia 76ers)

Philly traded up to No. 1 to nab Fultz—but injuries and a strange shooting issue derailed his development. Meanwhile, Boston took Jayson Tatum at No. 3 and ended up with an All-Star forward who became the face of their franchise.

RG3 – 2012 NFL Draft (Washington)

Washington gave up a king’s ransom—three first-round picks and a second—to move up and select Robert Griffin III. While RG3 had a spectacular rookie season, injuries and inconsistent play cut his career short. The Rams used those picks to build out a strong roster.

The Psychology Behind Going All-In

Let’s get a little deeper for a second. What makes GMs and execs pull the trigger on a massive trade-up? It's not just analysis—it's psychology.

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

In a sports draft, timing is everything. Having a guy you love on the board but sitting too far down in the order? That's like watching your crush at a party and never making a move. Suddenly, other GMs start picking up the phone, and the pressure builds. Boom—FOMO strikes, and the trade offer goes out.

Legacy Building

GMs want their names tied to greatness. Hitting on a bold trade-up can cement a legacy. It’s the kind of move that gets you talked about on sports talk shows—and even earns you statues if it ends in championships.

Overconfidence Bias

Every exec thinks they see what others don’t. When you fall in love with a prospect, it’s easy to overestimate their upside and underestimate the risks. It’s human nature—and it plays out on draft night again and again.

How Data Is Changing the Game

We’re not in the stone age anymore. Teams have entire departments dedicated to analytics, predictive modeling, and simulated draft scenarios. Smart organizations are using data to find hidden gems later in the draft or to calculate whether trading up is statistically worth it.

But here’s the kicker—drafting will always be part art, part science. You can break down a player's stats all day, but nothing replaces heart, drive, and that intangible “it” factor.

When Should a Team Actually Trade Up?

Let’s play GM for a second. When is pulling the trigger on a trade-up actually the right move?

- You’re one piece away: Like the Rams trading for Stafford in 2021—it makes sense when your roster is ready to win now.
- There’s a rare talent available: Think LeBron-level talents. These don’t come around often.
- You have a surplus of picks: Some teams stockpile picks like doomsday preppers. If you've got the ammo, use it smartly.
- You trust your scouting: If your front office has consistently nailed draft picks, their track record may justify a bold move.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Risk?

At the end of the day, trading up is a high-wire act—no net. It’s bold. It can be beautiful. But it can also backfire in spectacular fashion.

Teams that go all-in for a player are making a statement: "We believe this guy can change everything." Sometimes, they’re right. Other times, well… fans are still ranting about it years later.

But that’s what makes sports so thrilling, right? The drama. The unpredictability. The gutsy calls that either make champions or cautionary tales.

So next time you see your team trade up on draft night, don’t panic. Trust the process—or at least enjoy the chaos.