The Future of the NBA: Teams with the Most Potential in the Draft
The 2025 NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, have set a blueprint for teams looking to accumulate draft picks and develop young talent. The 2019 trade, which brought Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and multiple draft picks to Oklahoma City in exchange for Paul George, has proven to be a successful strategy. As a result, five teams, including the Thunder, possess a total of 55 first-round picks in the coming years: Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets. Here’s a look at which of these teams are best positioned to dominate the NBA draft in the coming years and how they could use these assets to achieve their goals.The 5 Teams with the Most First-Round Draft Picks
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Brooklyn Nets
- Utah Jazz
- Houston Rockets
- Memphis Grizzlies
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Future first-round picks: 13Future second-round picks: 16
Most valuable selection: 2026 first-round pick protected (top-4) from the Philadelphia 76ers and 2027 swap rights with the LA Clippers. The Thunder appear to be in a privileged position for long-term success. Despite investing heavily in key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the team has a treasure trove of draft picks to balance their growing roster. With 13 first-round picks and 16 second-round picks over the next seven years, the Thunder could be in the draft lottery for the next two years, even if they end up with a good record.
2. Brooklyn Nets
Future first-round picks: 13Future second-round picks: 19
Most valuable pick: Their own first round in 2026 and the unprotected first round from the Denver Nuggets in 2032. The 2026 draft is crucial for Brooklyn, as the available talent could transform the franchise. However, the Nets owe a 2027 pick swap to the Houston Rockets, presenting a turning point in their rebuilding. Under the direction of general manager Sean Marks, the Nets are focused on player development and positioning themselves to obtain the best options in next year’s lottery. The team prioritized versatility and playmaking in this year’s draft, seeking to turn their rookies into important contributors.
3. Utah Jazz
Future first-round picks: 11Future second-round picks: 7
Outgoing first-round picks: Top-8 protected to Oklahoma City (2026, otherwise a 2028 second-round pick)
Most valuable first round: Their own first round in 2026 (if 1-8) and the unprotected first round from the Phoenix Suns in 2031. The Jazz have been in a rebuilding phase that has yet to yield results. The hiring of Austin Ainge to lead the front office indicates a change. However, Utah’s first-round pick is protected for Oklahoma City, and the lack of veteran additions could indicate the team’s direction. Utah selected Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. in the draft, and this season is critical for internal development. The distribution of minutes at the point guard position will be interesting, with Clayton joining Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier.
Although the Jazz have several veterans, the priority should be the development of young talent. Bailey, a talented shooter, offers the greatest untapped potential. The Jazz’s patience could pay off in the long run, with the 2026 draft class having the potential to reshape their trajectory.
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4. Houston Rockets
Future first-round picks: 9Future second-round picks: 4
Outgoing first-round picks: Protected first round (top-4) to Oklahoma City (2026)
Most valuable first round: Phoenix’s unprotected first round in 2027 and two of the most favorable own first rounds, from Dallas and Phoenix (2029). The Rockets continue to invest in their short and long-term plans. With the addition of Kevin Durant, the team has the potential to make an impact in the Western Conference. Houston’s unprotected 2027 selection from Phoenix is a potential lottery pick. However, the 2027 draft class could be weak, which could affect how teams, including the Rockets, handle their selections.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
Future first-round picks: 9Future second-round picks: 6
Most valuable first round: Phoenix’s unprotected first round in 2026. The Grizzlies made the decision to focus on long-term growth, trading Desmond Bane. Memphis is not expected to plummet, with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. as pillars of a competitive team. A positive aspect for the Grizzlies is that they could obtain a lottery pick in 2026, as they have the rights to the Suns’ first round pick if the swap rights with the Washington Wizards are eliminated.
What is the Most Valuable First Round Pick Next June?
The most surprising trade on draft night was the New Orleans Pelicans’ decision to send a valuable pick (the most favorable between theirs and the Milwaukee Bucks’ of 2026) to the Atlanta Hawks for the number 13 pick, which became Derik Queen. This selection stands out as the most attractive draft asset of 2026, as it gives the Hawks control over the picks of two teams that could be in the lottery. The Pelicans’ selection seems like a good bet, considering the circumstances needed for a team to succeed. From Atlanta’s perspective, the best-case scenario is that this selection represents two lottery opportunities in May.Hornets, Wizards, and Trail Blazers Among Upcoming Teams
The Charlotte Hornets and the Wizards continue with their long-term strategy. Both teams have a total of 15 players with first-round rookie contracts, an unprecedented number of 47 draft picks in the next seven years, and over $100 million in expiring contracts. The Hornets have their own first-round pick in the next seven years and four additional first-round picks they acquired in previous trades. The most valuable is a protected (top-14) first-round pick from the Miami Heat in 2027, which becomes unprotected in 2028, and a protected (top-2) first-round pick from the Mavericks in 2027.
On the other hand, the Wizards are in a unique position. Their 2026 first-round pick goes to the New York Knicks if they are outside the top-8, and they also have the right to swap picks with the Suns if the pick to the Knicks doesn’t convey. If they keep their own first-round pick, they will send a second-round pick to New York in 2026 and 2027.
The Portland Trail Blazers took an aggressive approach this summer, first trading for Jrue Holiday and then signing the injured Damian Lillard. These transactions improved the roster without the cost of draft picks. Ironically, of the trades that sent Lillard to Milwaukee and Holiday to the Boston Celtics in the 2023 offseason, the Trail Blazers have the most and least favorable first-round picks from 2029, from Boston and Milwaukee. They also have the right to swap picks with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030. They will send their own 2026 first-round pick to the Chicago Bulls only if they are outside the top 14.Can the Warriors, Lakers, and Spurs Make Another Big Move?
Golden State traded its 2025 first-round pick for Jimmy Butler, but can still trade up to four first-round picks (2026, 2028, 2030, 2032) and swap picks in each season.Although the Warriors have the draft assets to acquire another impact player, an obstacle could be the lack of large contracts to send in a trade. The trio of Butler, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green combine to earn 78% of Golden State’s salary this season.
The Lakers are on the opposite side of that spectrum. Even with LeBron James and Luka Doncic earning close to $100 million this season, Los Angeles still has over $60 million in expiring contracts available to use in a trade. However, they lack available first-round picks, owing Utah a protected (top-4) first-round pick in 2027 and an unprotected first-round pick to Dallas in 2029; the only first-round pick allowed to be traded is in 2031 or 2032. They can swap picks in five seasons (2026, 2028, 2030, 2031, and 2032). The Warriors and Lakers also only have a second round available to trade. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs shouldn’t be overlooked to acquire another All-Star level player to pair with Victor Wembanyama, despite having traded four first-round picks for De’Aaron Fox. The Spurs have the right to swap picks with Atlanta this year and the Hawks’ unprotected first-round pick in 2027. They also have the right to swap picks with Boston (top-1 protected in 2028), the more favorable of Dallas and the Minnesota Timberwolves (top-1 protected in 2030) and the Sacramento Kings (2031). San Antonio can also trade two of its own first-round picks in 2029 and 2031 or 2032. San Antonio has 15 second-round picks available, the third-most of any team.
