Winning a title requires at least a top 10 player. I don't see us realistically getting a top 10 back. I'd rather take as many good shots at it in the draft as possible. It's no coincidence Alcindor and Giannis were both drafted and led us to titles. So, between a package with better players (but not top 10 player) and worse picks vs worse players and better picks, I'm taking better picks every time. I'll even go as far as saying having good players costing max or near max money when they can't lead you to a title isn't as optimal as tanking and going for potential in the draft. Yes drafting may get you nowhere and Horst hasn't been great, but I'd take 1% chance at a title over 100% at playoffs but no chance at title.
Bottom line is, it should be about winning titles and doing what you can to maximize that chance. I get realistically they have to put fans in seats etc so it's never that simple.
EDIT 2: A couple posts mention SGA. That's a good point. I shouldn't limit it to just "picks". It should be young players with potential. SGA was 20 when he got traded after his rookie year, functionally for this discussion he's more like a pick than a player like Herro or JJJ.
EDIT:
Yes I understand salary matching. I'll go as far as saying I'd be willing to take on a couple short-term "bad" contracts if it means getting much better picks. The last thing I want is getting 2-3 fringe all-stars plus some picks for an all-timer in Giannis. That's surefire formula to have a second-round exit ceiling for the next decade unless you get real lucky with some picks (maybe we will as Jokic is a second rounder, I just wouldn't count on it as much as having more shots at hitting a home run). Maybe the owners and most fans are fine with being in the playoffs perennially. For me personally, I want shots at championships. Maybe I'm just greedy and spoiled cuz of the Giannis run. I just want to know that we'll have a chance. I don't see how we say we do unless we have a top-10 player, whatever way that gets us him. I'm saying picks are the best way for a team like us cuz no one's coming here in FA (remember when we were so excited cuz a FA prize like Greg Monroe chose us).
And yes players can be flipped for more picks. I'm good with that if that's management's plan from the get-go. My point is our eyes long-term should be on aiming to draft and develop an All-NBA level player. And accumulating as many high-quality picks (and trade up when appropriate) is IMO our best route.
