Welcome to the definitive **Draft Pick Trade Value Calculator**. Use the universally accepted Jimmy Johnson/Dallas Cowboys trade chart methodology to instantly determine the fairness of any potential draft pick exchange involving up to two assets per team. Input the picks being traded to assess the balance of value.
Draft Pick Trade Value Calculator
Enter the official draft position (1-256) for each pick being exchanged. Leave unused fields blank. At least three picks are required for a valid trade evaluation.
Draft Pick Trade Calculator Formula
The value of any draft pick (V) is determined by its slot number (S) using a predefined, non-linear function derived from empirical data and historical analysis (e.g., the Dallas Cowboys/Jimmy Johnson Chart).
V = f(S)
Trade Value Assessment:
Value(Team A) = V(A1) + V(A2)
Value(Team B) = V(B1) + V(B2)
A trade is considered fair if |Value(Team A) – Value(Team B)| < Tolerance ($\pm$ 100 points).
Formula Source: DraftTek Trade Chart | WalterFootball Trade Chart
Variables
- Team A Trades Pick 1 (Slot): The primary draft position number (1-256) that Team A is giving up. This is mandatory for Team A.
- Team A Trades Pick 2 (Optional Slot): An additional pick, if any, that Team A is including in the trade package.
- Team B Trades Pick 1 (Slot): The primary draft position number (1-256) that Team B is giving up. This is mandatory for Team B.
- Team B Trades Pick 2 (Optional Slot): An additional pick, if any, that Team B is including in the trade package.
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What is Draft Pick Trade Value?
Draft pick trade value is the numerical currency assigned to each selection in a professional sports draft (like the NFL or NBA) to standardize trade discussions. The most famous and commonly used system, often referred to as the Jimmy Johnson/Dallas Cowboys chart, assigns a descending point value to each pick. The 1st overall pick is worth the most points, and the value decreases rapidly as the picks get later.
This system allows front offices to quickly assess whether two proposed trade packages are equitable. For instance, trading a single high pick (e.g., Pick #10) might require receiving multiple later picks (e.g., Pick #40 and Pick #65) to match the total point value. This approach helps reduce the emotional bias in negotiations and provides a quantitative basis for the decision-making process.
While various modified charts exist (such as the Fitzgerald-Spielberger chart which uses a curved regression model), the core principle remains consistent: establishing a relative scale where the value premium is heavily weighted towards the top of the draft.
How to Calculate Draft Pick Trade Value (Example)
- Determine Pick Values: Look up the assigned point value for every draft slot involved in the trade using the standard chart.
*Example: Pick 12 is worth 1,200 points. Pick 40 is worth 480 points. Pick 75 is worth 220 points.*
- Calculate Team A’s Total Value: Sum the points of all picks Team A is giving up.
*Example: A trades Pick 12 (1,200 pts) and Pick 75 (220 pts). Total Value A = 1,420 points.*
- Calculate Team B’s Total Value: Sum the points of all picks Team B is giving up.
*Example: B trades Pick 40 (480 pts) and Pick 65 (280 pts). Total Value B = 760 points.*
- Assess the Difference: Subtract the smaller total from the larger total to find the value difference.
*Example: 1,420 pts – 760 pts = 660 points difference.*
- Evaluate Fairness: Determine which team is receiving surplus value. In this example, Team A is giving up 660 more points than they are receiving, making the trade heavily favored for Team B. Team A should demand additional assets (e.g., another draft pick or a player) to balance the 660-point deficit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Jimmy Johnson chart is the original, static model that assigns fixed, whole-number points. The Fitzgerald-Spielberger chart is a more modern, regression-based model that often shows a steeper drop-off in value for top picks and a flatter value curve for later picks, arguably better reflecting current draft market efficiency.
Can I use this calculator for conditional trades?This calculator is designed for defined draft slots only. For conditional trades (e.g., ‘a 3rd round pick that could become a 2nd’), you must enter the *most likely* slot, or run the calculation for both possibilities to understand the range of value involved.
Why do later round picks (4th round and later) have such low value?The value system reflects the win probability associated with each pick. Since the success rate for later-round picks is low, their incremental value is minimal. The premium is heavily concentrated in the top 100 picks where the probability of drafting a quality starter is highest.
Is a trade fair if the point difference is under 100?Yes, professional analysts generally consider a trade balanced if the total point difference is within a small margin (typically $\pm$ 50 to $\pm$ 100 points). This small variance accounts for rounding and the inherent flexibility in trade negotiations.