Adam Silver Targets Draft Lottery to End Tanking

Merlin sees Adam Silver summoning a special Board of Governors meeting in May to vote on draft lottery reforms that would take effect for the 2026-27 season and before this summer’s draft and free agency. Silver told reporters "We are going to fix it, full stop," said owners were "unanimous," and warned that "behavior... is worse this year," as multiple clubs jockey for top picks. Merlin senses the league has tried spells before and tanking keeps returning. Expect a mix of tightened participation rules, shuffled lottery odds, and stiffer penalties rather than a single silver bullet. The governors want action fast, so the May session will reveal whether they choose subtle tweaks or bolder change.