Ranking NBA Teams With The Most Future First-Round Picks

In today's NBA, having a stockpile of future first-round picks can make or break a team’s rebuild or push them into title contention. Over the last few seasons, several franchises have been collecting picks like trading cards, setting themselves up for either a major trade or a full rebuild. Teams are thinking long-term, and accumulating draft capital has become the key to shaping the future. So, let’s dive into which teams are sitting on the biggest stash of future first-round picks right now.

1. Brooklyn Nets - 16 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (from Bucks, 5-30 protected, via Pelicans, Blazers, Pistons, Knicks)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (from Knicks)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (complex swap involving Suns, Rockets, Clippers, Thunder)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own, via Rockets)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own or Rockets, via swap)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (from Knicks)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (from 76ers, 9-30 protected if conveyed to Thunder in 2025)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (complex swap involving Suns, Knicks, and 76ers)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (least favorable of Mavericks, Suns, Rockets)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (from Knicks)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (from Knicks)

The Nets are embracing a complete rebuild after trading Mikal Bridges for a massive haul of first-rounders, positioning themselves to focus on the development of young players like Cam Thomas, who is set to take on a larger offensive role. Nic Claxton re-signed with the team and provides stability in the paint, while new head coach Jordi Fernández will lead the rebuild with an eye on long-term development. Veteran players like Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith might be moved, as the team looks to maximize value and aim for a top draft pick.

2. Utah Jazz - 15 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Minnesota, no protections)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Cleveland, no protections)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (via Minnesota or Cleveland)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (via Cleveland, no protections)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (via LA Lakers, protected 1-4)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (via Minnesota, no protections)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (via Cleveland)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (via Minnesota, protected 1-5)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (via Cleveland, no protections)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Jazz are in a strong position moving forward, holding 15 first-round picks. After trading away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, they’ve rebuilt around young talent like Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen, and their treasure trove of picks gives them a lot of flexibility. Whether they choose to continue drafting talent or make a major trade, the Jazz have the assets to stay competitive for years.

T3. Oklahoma City Thunder - 13 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Philadelphia, protected 1-6)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Miami, protected 1-14)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Houston or LA Clippers)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Utah, protected 1-10)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (via swap with LA Clippers)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (via Denver, protected 1-5)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (via Dallas)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Thunder are coming off a monster 57-win campaign that saw them clinch the top seed in the Western Conference. The team made some bold moves this offseason, including trading Josh Giddey to the Bulls for defensive specialist Alex Caruso and signing Isaiah Hartenstein to give them extra muscle in the paint. The Thunder are not just about the present—they’ve got a treasure trove of draft picks. With 13 first-rounders locked up, they have plenty of room to either develop young players or make a trade for another star if needed.

T3. San Antonio Spurs - 13 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Chicago, protected 1-10)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Charlotte, protected 1-14)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Atlanta, no protections)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (via Atlanta, swap rights)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (via Atlanta, no protections)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (via Boston, swap rights)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Spurs have built a promising future around Victor Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, while accumulating 13 first-round picks. This gives them plenty of flexibility to either draft talent or make significant trades as they move forward. With the addition of veterans like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, the Spurs are focused on developing their young core, including Stephon Castle, their recent No. 4 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The next few seasons are all about progression, especially as Wembanyama continues to develop.

5. Washington Wizards - 11 First-Round Picks

• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (via Phoenix)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (via Phoenix, Brooklyn, or Philadelphia)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (via Portland)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (via Golden State, protected 1-20)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (via Phoenix, swap rights)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Wizards hold 11 first-round picks, giving them significant flexibility for the future. After trading Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis, they’ve entered a rebuilding phase focused on developing younger players like Jordan Poole and Alex Sarr. These picks will help the team either draft more young talent or package them for future trades as they try to rebuild around a younger core. With several picks from Phoenix and other teams, Washington is in a good spot to stay competitive long-term.

6. Houston Rockets - 10 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (via swap with OKC or PHX)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (via Brooklyn, swap rights)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (via PHI, no protections)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (via OKC, no protections)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (via Dallas and/or Phoenix)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Houston Rockets are entering the 2024-25 season with high hopes as they continue building around their young core, which includes standout players like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Alongside veteran leadership from Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, the team is eyeing progress in a tough Western Conference. New head coach Ime Udoka is expected to prioritize defense, an area where the Rockets have struggled in the past.

With 10 first-round picks in their future, the Rockets are well-positioned to make moves, either by drafting young talent or leveraging their assets in trades as they look to establish themselves as serious playoff contenders.

T7. Portland Trail Blazers - 9 First-Round Picks

• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (via Milwaukee, swap possibility)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (via Milwaukee, no protections)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (via Boston, no protections)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (via Milwaukee, swap rights)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Trail Blazers are in the midst of a full rebuild after trading away Damian Lillard to the Bucks, which brought in valuable draft assets. They now hold 9 first-round picks over the next several years, including the rights to swap picks with Milwaukee in 2028 and 2030. While they are focused on developing their young core of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, these picks will allow them to either bring in new talent or potentially use them in trades for more established players.

T7. Memphis Grizzlies - 9 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (from PHX, WAS, or ORL)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (from PHX or WAS)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Grizzlies are preparing for the 2024-25 season with Ja Morant returning from injury and eager to reestablish himself alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. They’ve made roster changes, adding veterans while keeping a strong young core. With nine first-round picks secured, Memphis has the flexibility to either keep building or make big moves to stay competitive.

T7. New Orleans Pelicans - 9 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Bucks, 5-30 protected)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (via Bucks, swap rights)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (via Bucks, no protections)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Pelicans have stacked up a solid set of future draft picks, with nine first-rounders lined up, giving them a lot of flexibility for the coming seasons. Their biggest move came this past offseason when they traded for Dejounte Murray, sending Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and two first-round picks to the Hawks. This was a bold move to pair Murray with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, aiming to make a deeper playoff push after getting knocked out by the Thunder in the first round last season.

T7. Orlando Magic - 9 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Denver, protected 1-5)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (via Phoenix or Washington)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Magic are coming off a strong 2024 season where they won 47 games and earned the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Their core of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner has become one of the most exciting young duos in the league. They’ve also bolstered their roster by adding veterans like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to provide shooting and defense.

The team hasn’t made any huge splashes in trades yet but still holds plenty of draft capital with nine first-round picks in their future. The Magic’s strategy is focused on continuing to develop their young core while holding onto these picks for either drafting or a big trade down the line. With their solid defense and a need to improve their offensive consistency, they remain a playoff threat in the East.

T11. Philadelphia 76ers - 8 First-Round Picks

• 2026 First-Round Pick (via OKC, HOU, or LAC)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (via LAC, no protections)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (via LAC, swap possibility)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The 76ers are heading into the 2024-25 season with a fresh sense of optimism after signing Paul George in the offseason. With George joining forces with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the team is in full championship mode. While the 76ers still hold 8 first-round picks, their strategy seems focused on maximizing their current core rather than building through the draft. These picks give the team flexibility, whether to bring in more young talent or trade for immediate impact players down the line.

T11. Toronto Raptors - 8 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (via Indiana, protected 5-30)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Raptors are in rebuild mode after parting ways with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. Scottie Barnes is now the face of the franchise, and he’ll be surrounded by other young talents like Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. After a rough 25-57 season, they’ve got 8 first-round picks lined up, giving them flexibility to either draft more young talent or make moves to speed up the rebuild.

T11. Atlanta Hawks - 8 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (from Lakers via Pelicans)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (from Kings, top-12 protected)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own or Spurs' pick, via swap rights)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (less favorable of Pelicans or Bucks, 5-30 protected)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Hawks are heading into a clear rebuilding phase with eight future first-round picks lined up. After selecting Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 pick in 2024, the team is focused on developing its young core around Trae Young and integrating new talent like Dyson Daniels and Larry Nance Jr. Moving Dejounte Murray signaled a step towards the future, stocking up on draft capital and young assets to support a long-term project.

The organization’s focus is now on patience and rebuilding through the draft rather than making a splash with star acquisitions. With one of the most potent offenses in the league, the team still faces challenges in the competitive Eastern Conference. Their goal for this season will likely revolve around developing their young players and setting the foundation for future success.

T11. Charlotte Hornets - 8 First-Round Picks

• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (from Mavericks, top-3 protected)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (from Heat, lottery protected, 15-30)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Hornets hold eight first-round picks stretching from 2026 to 2031, providing them with plenty of future flexibility. In 2027, they own two additional picks from the Mavericks (top-3 protected) and the Heat (lottery protected, 15-30). With LaMelo Ball returning healthy and the addition of Josh Green from Dallas, the team is focusing on long-term growth. New head coach Charles Lee is emphasizing defense, a key area where the Hornets struggled last season. The franchise is clearly in a rebuilding phase, accumulating assets for the future.

15. Chicago Bulls - 7 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Trail Blazers, 1-14 protected)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Bulls are clearly entering a rebuilding phase after trading DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso. Zach LaVine remains on the roster, but his future is uncertain with constant trade rumors. Coby White and Josh Giddey are expected to lead the team’s backcourt, as the focus shifts towards developing young talent and playing at a faster pace this season. The Bulls have seven first-round picks lined up, including a crucial one in 2025 from the Trail Blazers, which is 1-14 protected.

T16. Golden State Warriors - 6 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Warriors are entering the 2024-25 season with significant changes. Klay Thompson is now with the Mavericks, leaving Stephen Curry without his long-time backcourt partner. Jonathan Kuminga is expected to step up as the team’s second option, but questions remain about his consistency. The Warriors attempted to trade for stars like Paul George or Lauri Markkanen during the offseason, but couldn’t pull it off. Amid these changes, the team remains competitive enough to fight for a playoff spot.

T16. Indiana Pacers - 6 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Pacers are excited to have Tyrese Haliburton back at full strength and Bennedict Mathurin returning from injury. Mathurin is expected to continue thriving off the bench as a key scorer. Myles Turner is once again dealing with trade rumors but remains a central figure in the team’s plans. With a balanced mix of young stars and veteran pieces like Obi Toppin and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers are set to compete while holding a solid future with their draft picks.

T16. Detroit Pistons - 6 First-Round Picks

• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Pistons are in a full rebuild, banking on young stars like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey to lead them forward. They brought in Ron Holland with the 5th overall pick in 2024, adding more firepower to their future core. With JB Bickerstaff as their new head coach, they’re trying to establish a culture of development and defense. The Pistons have a long way to go, but they’ve got solid draft capital to make moves and build for the future.

T19. Boston Celtics - 5 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Celtics are coming off a dominant 2024 season where they won their 18th NBA Championship. With a core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and key role players locked in, the team is primed for another deep run. The Celtics focused on continuity this offseason, re-signing important pieces and adding Lonnie Walker IV for bench depth. The team has all the tools to repeat as champions, with Brown looking especially motivated to take another leap forward.

T19. Los Angeles Lakers - 5 First-Round Picks

• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Lakers are in win-now mode, but they still have a good stash of future draft capital. They’ve managed to keep hold of several first-round picks, which could be useful down the line, either to bring in young talent or as trade assets to strengthen their roster. LeBron James is nearing the end of his career, so the Lakers' front office may need to think about how to balance immediate competitiveness with preparing for life after LeBron. With JJ Redick now in as head coach, the direction of the team is clear: win now while building toward the future. Keeping these picks might help the Lakers stay relevant even when their current window closes.

T19. Miami Heat - 5 First-Round Picks

• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Heat are still trying to remain competitive around Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, but they’ve also held onto five future first-round picks. This gives them flexibility to either develop young players or make trades to improve the roster. After falling short in recent seasons, their focus is on getting back to title contention, and holding onto these picks could help them stay relevant even when Butler’s window starts closing.

T19. Sacramento Kings - 5 First-Round Picks

• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2027 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2029 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)

The Kings made a big move this offseason by acquiring DeMar DeRozan in a three-team trade, aiming to build on their young core led by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. After being eliminated in the play-in tournament last season, Sacramento is looking to make a deeper playoff push. DeRozan's arrival adds firepower to their offense, and with five first-round picks still in hand, the Kings have the assets to either draft new talent or continue making moves to stay competitive.

T23. Denver Nuggets - 4 First-Round Picks

• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Nuggets are still focused on contending with Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray leading the way. They've lost key pieces like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown, and while they added Russell Westbrook to the bench, his inconsistency could be an issue. The team still has its core but lacks depth, which could be a problem as they aim for another title run. With only four first-round picks left, they’re all in on winning now.

T23. New York Knicks - 4 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Pistons, protected 1-13)
• 2025 First-Round Pick (via Wizards)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)

The Knicks are coming into the season swinging, following two blockbuster trades that landed them Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. Towns came over in a three-team deal that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Timberwolves, reshaping the Knicks' frontcourt. The move pairs Towns with Jalen Brunson and Bridges, giving the Knicks an impressive core to compete in the Eastern Conference.

The trade for Bridges earlier in the offseason also required the Knicks to part with a good chunk of their future picks, but they’re clearly in win-now mode. These moves signify that New York is all-in on trying to win a championship while their key players are still in their primes.

25. Dallas Mavericks - 3 First-Round Picks

• 2025 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2026 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Mavericks have three first-round picks remaining in the coming years, reflecting their current win-now mindset. After a strong 2023-24 season where they made the NBA Finals, the team has doubled down by bringing in veterans like Klay Thompson to pair with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Luka continues to put up MVP-level numbers, and Kyrie’s presence helps open up the floor. Meanwhile, Thompson is expected to bring additional firepower, though he’s no longer the All-Star he once was.

With limited draft assets left and few picks in the near future, the Mavericks will need to maximize their current window with Luka and Kyrie while keeping an eye on how to stay competitive for the long term.

T26. Los Angeles Clippers - 2 First-Round Picks

• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Clippers head into the 2024-25 season with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden leading the charge, but significant changes have shaped their roster. Paul George is no longer with the team after his move to the 76ers. The Clippers are relying heavily on Harden and Leonard to stay healthy, but Leonard's injury history remains a concern. The team’s championship window seems to be closing, with only two future first-round picks left.

T26. Cleveland Cavaliers - 2 First-Round Picks

• 2030 First-Round Pick (own)
• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Cavaliers went all-in on trading for Donovan Mitchell, sending most of their future first-round picks to the Utah Jazz. As a result, they don't have any first-rounders until 2030, leaving them with only second-rounders until then. It's not some strategy—it's what’s left after giving up a ton of future assets to land Mitchell and try to compete now. Right now, they've got a bunch of second-rounders, but they’ll be missing firsts for years.

T28. Milwaukee Bucks - 1 First-Round Pick

• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Milwaukee Bucks are heading into the 2024-25 season with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the charge, but they only have one first-round pick left, in 2031. This is a result of trading several picks to acquire Lillard in 2023, which depleted their future draft capital. Despite a disappointing first-round playoff exit last season, new head coach Doc Rivers is tasked with optimizing their veteran-heavy roster for another deep playoff run. The Bucks are focused on winning now, but their future draft assets are minimal.

T28. Minnesota Timberwolves - 1 First-Round Pick

• 2028 First-Round Pick (own)

The Timberwolves have just one future first-round pick left, in 2028, largely due to their past moves. The Rudy Gobert trade in 2022 cost them significant draft capital, and now they’ve parted ways with Karl-Anthony Towns. In exchange for Towns, the Timberwolves brought in Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and Keita Bates-Diop in a blockbuster trade with the Knicks. This move shifts the focus even more to Anthony Edwards as the franchise cornerstone, while they hope Randle can fit alongside him and Rudy Gobert.

T28. Phoenix Suns - 1 First-Round Pick

• 2031 First-Round Pick (own)

The Suns have just one first-round pick left in 2031 after going all-in on acquiring Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. These trades cost Phoenix multiple first-rounders and pick swaps, as the team has heavily bet on its superstar trio, which also includes Devin Booker. So far, these moves haven’t paid off as expected, as the Suns were swept out of the playoffs in 2024 by the Timberwolves. Injuries, lack of depth, and chemistry issues have kept the team from reaching its championship goals, and with little draft capital left, Phoenix is facing a high-risk, high-reward future.