NBA draft asset rankings – Seven-year outlooks for all 30 teams

On Jan 1, 2025 10

Which NBA franchises control the next five, six or even seven drafts?

With strong draft classes ahead — and the 2025 trade deadline even sooner — we’ll start to see the most important draft picks, protections and swap rights come into focus.

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Eight draft picks have already been traded in deals this season, headlined by the Los Angeles Lakers moving D’Angelo Russell and three second-rounders to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith. The Nets had traded former starting guard Dennis Schroder to the Golden State Warriors two weeks earlier in a trade that featured four second-rounders.

With more picks certain to be dealt between now and the league’s Feb. 6 trade deadline, ESPN NBA Front Office Insider Bobby Marks is ranking each team’s collection of draft assets from 1 to 30.

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Out of the group of five teams that control the 2025 draft’s first round, no team is better positioned than OKC to win now and have sustainable success in the future. Because of the six first-round picks acquired from other teams and two years of swaps with the LA Clippers, the Thunder could select in the lottery and also finish each season with one of the best records in the NBA.

Incoming first-round picks: 13

All seven of their own
Unprotected from LA Clippers (2026)
Top-4 protected from Houston (2026)
Top-10 protected from Utah (2025, top-8 in 2026)
Top-14 protected from Miami (2025, unprotected in 2026)
Top-6 protected from Philadelphia (2025, top-4 protected in 2026 and 2027)
Top-5 protected from Denver (2027, top-5 protected in 2028)
Top-5 protected from Denver (2029, if first conveyed in 2027, top 5-protected in 2030 if first is conveyed by 2028)
Swap rights: LA Clippers (2025 and 2027)
Swap rights: Houston (2025, top-10 protected)
Swap rights: Dallas (2028)

Notes: In 2026, Oklahoma City has two of the most favorable of its own, Houston (if 5-30) and LA Clippers. The least favorable of the three firsts will go to Philadelphia. In 2027, the Thunder can swap the more favorable of their own and Denver (if 6-30) with the LA Clippers.

Tradable first-round picks: 10

Second-round picks: 16

Outgoing first-round picks: None

2. San Antonio Spurs

It’s quality over quantity for San Antonio, which sits in the second spot of the ranking despite having fewer first-round picks than third-place Brooklyn. The value of the Hawks’ unprotected 2025 and 2027 first-round picks and the right to swap a first in 2026 with Atlanta trumps any first-round pick the Nets have accumulated.

The Spurs’ 12 first-round picks and four years of pick swaps should accelerate a rebuild that started when Kawhi Leonard was traded in 2018 and continues with Victor Wembanyama as the face of the franchise.

Incoming first-round picks: 12

All seven of their own
Two unprotected from Atlanta (2025 and 2027)
Top-14 protected from Charlotte (2025)
Top-10 protected from Chicago (2025, top-8 protected in 2026 and 2027)
Unprotected from Minnesota (2031)
Swap rights: Atlanta (2026)
Swap rights: Boston (2028, top-1 protected)
Swap rights: More favorable of Dallas and Minnesota (top-1 protected; 2030)
Swap rights: Sacramento (2031)

Tradable first-round picks: (9)

Second-round picks: (17)

Outgoing first-round picks: None

3. Brooklyn Nets

The Mikal Bridges trade has Brooklyn possessing a league-high 15 first-round picks over the next seven years, including four in the 2025 draft. The trade with Houston also puts the rebuilding Nets back in control of their own first in 2025 and 2026.

Incoming first-round picks: 15

All seven of their own
Four unprotected from New York (2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031)
Top-5 protected from Milwaukee (2025)
Least favorable of Phoenix, Houston (if 11-30) and Oklahoma City (2025)
Top-8 protected from Philadelphia (2027 or 2028)
Least favorable of Dallas, Phoenix and Houston (2029)
Swap rights: Phoenix or New York (2028)

Tradable first-round picks: 12

Second-round picks: 16

Outgoing first-round picks: Swap rights with Houston (2027)

4. Utah Jazz

The Jazz continue to sit in a holding pattern. Out of the seven first-round picks acquired in the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell blockbuster trades, only one has been conveyed. Utah drafted guard Keyonte George with the 2023 first-round pick from Minnesota. Utah does have the same number of first-round picks as the Thunder, including five unprotected, but the Jazz lack a franchise player to fast-forward their rebuild.

Incoming first-round picks: 13

Six of their next seven own
Two unprotected from Minnesota (2025, 2027)
Three unprotected from Cleveland (2025, 2027, 2029)
Top-5 protected from Los Angeles Lakers (2027)
Top-5 protected from Minnesota (2029)
Swap rights: Minnesota or Cleveland (2026) and Cleveland (2028)

Tradable first-round picks: 9

Second-round picks: 3

Outgoing first-round picks: Top-10 protected to Oklahoma City (2025, top-8 in 2026, else a 2028 second-round pick)

5. Houston Rockets

The Rockets do not have the quantity of first-round picks like the four teams mentioned above. But, like Oklahoma City, Houston has a roster that can compete for a playoff spot this season. It picked up four draft assets as part of the trade with Brooklyn, including an unprotected first from Phoenix in 2027. One disadvantage Houston continues to face is that Oklahoma City controls their first-round picks in the next two years.

Incoming first-round picks: 9

Own first in 2025, 2026 (if 1-4), 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 and 2031
Unprotected first from Phoenix (2027)
Two of the more favorable firsts of own, Dallas and Phoenix (2029)
The more favorable first-round swap of Phoenix (2025) and less favorable of own (if 11-30) and Oklahoma City; other to Brooklyn
First-round swap with Brooklyn (2027)

Tradable first-round picks: 4

Second-round picks: 5

Outgoing first-round picks: Top-10-protected swap with Oklahoma City (2025); top-4-protected first to Oklahoma City (2026)

6. Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte has acquired two first-round picks and eight second-rounders since January 2024. The first from Miami could become unprotected in 2028 if they miss the playoffs this season. The Hornets have a top-2 protected first in 2027 from the Mavericks but owe San Antonio a top-14 protected first in June. If Charlotte misses the playoffs, they will send San Antonio a second in 2026 and 2027.

Incoming first round picks: 8

Own first in 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031
Top-14 protected first from Miami (2027, unprotected in 2028)
Top-2 protected first from Dallas (2027)

Tradable first-round picks: 5

Second-round picks: 7

Outgoing first round picks: Top-14 protected first to San Antonio (2025)

7. Washington Wizards

Since taking over in 2023, Wizards president Michael Winger and his staff have made 11 trades that have netted Washington two firsts, twelve seconds and four years of pick swaps. The Wizards owe New York a protected first that is conditional in each of the next four years.

Incoming first round picks: 8

2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031
Second most favorable of Portland, Boston, Milwaukee (2029)
Top-20 protected first from Golden St. (2030, else 2030 second)

Tradable first-round picks: 4

Second-round picks: 17

Outgoing first round picks: Top-10 protected first to New York (2025, top-8 protected in 2026, else 2026 and 2027 second)

8. Orlando Magic

Orlando has their own first in the next seven years and a first from Denver that was acquired in the Aaron Gordon trade. They are allowed to trade up to five firsts and swap firsts in seven years. The Magic have never traded their own first-round pick since president Jeff Weltman took over in 2017.

Incoming first round picks: 8

All seven of their own first
Top-5 protected first from Denver (2025, top-5 protected in 2026, top-5 protected in 2027)
Has less favorable swap of own, Phoenix or Washington (if 9-30) in 2025

Tradable first-round picks: 5

Second-round picks: 12

Outgoing first-round picks: None

9. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have been more accustomed to trading away first-round picks. In 2022 and 2023, Toronto sent two first-rounders to San Antonio in separate trades. Now with a rebuild that started when OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam were traded, the Raptors have their own first in the next seven years and a top-4 protected 2026 first from Indiana.

Incoming first round picks: 8

All seven of their own
Top-4 protected first from Indiana (2025, top-4 protected in 2026)

Tradable first-round picks: 5

Second-round picks: 7

Outgoing first round picks: None

10. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have their own first in the next seven seasons and are allowed to trade up to four and can swap all seven. Since general manager Zach Kleiman took over in 2019, the Grizzlies have never traded one of their own firsts outright. Kleiman sent a first to Boston as part of the Marcus Smart trade, but that was previously acquired from Golden State.

Incoming first round picks: 7

All seven of their own first-round picks

Tradable first-round picks: 4

Second-round picks: 5

Outgoing first-round picks: None

11. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans control their own first in the next seven years and could add to their collection if Milwaukee’s pick falls in the top four in 2025 or 2027. New Orleans can also swap firsts with the Bucks in 2026.

Incoming first round picks: 9

2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031
Top-4 first from Milwaukee (2025)
Top-4 first from Milwaukee (2027)
Swap rights with Milwaukee (2026)

Tradable first-round picks: 6

Second-round picks: 3

Outgoing first-round picks: More favorable of own (if 5-30) or Milwaukee (if 5-30) to Atlanta (2027)

12. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks have no control over their own first-round pick until 2028 but have five tradable firsts in the next seven years. As part of the Kevin Huerter and Dejounte Murray trades, Atlanta could have two firsts in June from Sacramento and the Los Angeles Lakers. They are allowed to trade their own first starting in 2029.

Incoming first round picks: 8

Own first in 2026, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031
Unprotected first from Lakers (2025)
Top-12 protected first from Sacramento (2025)
Less favorable of Milwaukee and New Orleans (if both are 5-30)

Tradable first-round picks: 5

Second-round picks: 6

Outgoing first-round picks: Unprotected first to San Antonio (2025 and 2027); swap rights with San Antonio (2027)

13. Philadelphia 76ers

The James Harden trade to the Clippers last November replenished the 76ers’ draft assets. Philadelphia can’t trade their own first-round pick until at least 2029 but have the least favorable first of Oklahoma City, Houston (if 5-30) and the Clippers in 2026. They also have an unprotected 2028 Clippers first and the right to swap firsts in 2029 (if 4-30). Philadelphia also has six tradable second-round picks.

Incoming first round picks: 7

2026, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031
Less favorable of Oklahoma City, Houston (if 5-30) and LA Clippers (2026)
Unprotected first from Clippers (2028)
Top-3 protected swap rights with LA Clippers (2029)

Tradable first-round picks: 4

Second-round picks: 6

Outgoing first-round picks: Top-6 protected first to Oklahoma City (2025, top-4 protected in 2026, top-4 protected in 2027); top-8 protected first to Brooklyn (2027 if conditions met to Oklahoma City in 2025, top-8 protected in 2028).

14. Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers have slowly begun to rebuild their draft assets. They acquired two firsts (one was sent to Washington for Deni Avdija) and the right to swap firsts with Milwaukee in 2028 and 2030 as part of the Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday trades.

Because they owe Chicago a top-14 protected first in the next four years, the Blazers are allowed to trade only two firsts: the second most favorable of their own, Boston and Milwaukee in 2029 and their own in 2030.

Incoming first round picks: 7

2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031
Second most favorable of own, Boston and Milwaukee (2029)
Swap rights with Milwaukee (2028 and 2030)

Tradable first-round picks: 2

Second-round picks: 6

Outgoing first-round picks: Top-14 protected first to Chicago (2025, top-14 protected in 2026, 2027, 2028); second most favorable first of own, Boston and Milwaukee to Washington (2029).

15. Detroit Pistons

For a team that continues to rebuild, the Pistons do not have first-round picks acquired in previous trades. They owe Minnesota a top-11 protected first in 2025 and are not allowed to trade their own first until 2029. Detroit has eleven second-rounders available.

Incoming first-round picks: 6

Own first in 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031

Tradable first-round picks: 2

Second-round picks: 11

Outgoing first round picks: Top-13 protected first to Minnesota (2025, top-11 protected in 2026, top-9 protected in 2027)

16. Indiana Pacers

The Pacers were aggressive last season, sending two firsts to Toronto in the Pascal Siakam trade. They still owe the Raptors a top-4 protected first in 2026.

They are allowed to trade up to two firsts starting after the conditions to Toronto have been met. Indiana does have nine second-rounders available.

Incoming first round picks: 6

Own first in 2025, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031

Tradable first-round picks: 2

Second-round picks: 9

Outgoing first round picks: Top-4 protected first to Toronto (2026, top-4 protected in 2027)

17. Boston Celtics

The Celtics are a second apron team for the foreseeable future but have the draft assets to add to their roster or include in a trade. Boston owes Portland or Washington a first in 2029 as part of the Jrue Holiday trade but are still allowed to move up to three firsts in any deal (2025, 2027 and 2031). The Celtics can include multiple seconds (they have six) to attach to a contract.

Incoming first round picks: 6

Own first in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2030, 2031

Tradable first-round picks: 3

Second-round picks: 6

Outgoing first round picks: Unprotected first to Portland or Washington (2029); swap rights with San Antonio (2028 if 2-30).

18. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have enough first-round capital and young players to take a big swing if an All-Star becomes available. Including the rights to trade a top-20 first in 2030, Golden State is allowed to trade an unprotected first in 2026 and 2028. They are also allowed to swap firsts in all seven seasons.

Incoming first round picks: 7

Own first in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 (if 1-20), 2031

Tradable first-round picks: 3

Second-round picks: 2

Outgoing first-round picks: Top-20 protected first to Golden State (2030)

19. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls, like their roster, are stuck in the middle when it comes to draft assets. They owe their own first (if 11-30) this season to San Antonio as part of the 2022 trade to acquire DeMar DeRozan. Because the first is protected the next three seasons, they are not allowed to trade a pick until 2029. Chicago has a 2025 first from Portland, but that is protected top-14 and unlikely to convey this season.

Incoming first round picks: 7

Own first in 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031
Top-14 protected first from Portland (2025, the first is protected top-14 through 2028)

Tradable first-round picks: 3

Second-round picks: 5

Outgoing first round picks: Top-10 protected first to San Antonio (2025, top-8 protected in 2026, 2027)

20. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers owe their 2025 first-round pick to Atlanta and their 2027 top-4 protected first to Utah. They are allowed to trade three firsts — their 2029, 2030 or 2031 picks — but are not allowed to trade in back-to-back seasons. The maximum number of firsts they can trade is two (2029 and 2031). The Lakers could add a third first in 2027, but only if it falls in the top-4. Los Angeles has the right to swap firsts in five years (2026, 2028, 2029, 2030 and 2031).

Incoming first round picks: 6

2026, 2027 (if 1-4), 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031

Tradable first-round picks: 3

Second-round picks: 2

Outgoing first round picks: Unprotected first to Atlanta (2025); top-4 protected first to Utah (2027).

21. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have been the league’s most efficient team with their draft picks. In three separate trades, Dallas acquired Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. The three first-round picks (2024, 2027, 2029) and pick swap (2028) still has the Mavericks with the ability to trade two firsts (2025 and 2031) over the next seven years.

Incoming first round picks: 5

Own first in 2025, 2026, 2028, 2030, 2031

Tradable first-round picks: 2

Second-round picks: 2

Outgoing first-round picks: Top-2 protected first to Charlotte (2027); swap rights with Oklahoma City (2028); unprotected first to Houston or Brooklyn (2029); swap rights to San Antonio (2030).

22. New York Knicks

New York mortgaged their future to acquire Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, sending an unprecedented six-first round picks in the two deals. The Knicks are not allowed to trade their own first but still have a 2025 top-10 protected first from Washington. New York can also swap firsts in 2026 and 2030 and has eight second-round picks available.

Incoming first round picks: 4

2026, 2028, 2030
Top-10 protected first from Washington (2025, top-8 protected in 2026)

Tradable first-round picks: 1

Second-round picks: 8

Outgoing first-round picks: Unprotected first to Brooklyn (2025, 2027, 2029, 2031); swap rights to Brooklyn (2028).

23. Sacramento Kings

The first sent to Atlanta as part of the Kevin Huerter trade still hinders how many picks Sacramento can include.

Because there is top-12 protection this year and top-10 in 2026, the first allowable year a pick can be sent out is in 2028. That means Sacramento has a maximum of two allowable firsts to trade.

The Kings pool of second draft assets have also diminished.

In the last two trades, Sacramento sent out four seconds and had two remaining.

Incoming first round picks: (6)

2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031

Tradable first-round picks: (2)

Second-round picks: (1)

Outgoing first round picks: Top-12 protected first to Atlanta (2025, top-10 protected in 2026). Swap rights with San Antonio (2031).

24. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers went all in when they traded for Donovan Mitchell in 2022.

Cleveland owes the Jazz unprotected firsts in 2025, 2027 and 2029. Utah also has the right to swap firsts in 2026 and 2028.

Cleveland can trade their 2031 first and have eight seconds available.

Incoming first round picks: (4)

Own first in 2026, 2028, 2030, 2031

Tradable first-round picks: (1)

Second-round picks: (8)

Outgoing first round picks: Unprotected first to Utah (2025, 2027, 2029). Swap rights with Utah (2026 and 2028).

25. Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota has been aggressive in using draft assets to upgrade their roster.

They traded a then unprecedented four firsts to acquire Rudy Gobert in 2022 and a 2031 unprotected first to San Antonio for the rights to first-round pick Rob Dillingham. The Jazz and Spurs also have the right to swap firsts in 2026 and 2030.

Minnesota is allowed to trade the 2025 Detroit protected first acquired as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade with New York and swap firsts in 2026.

Incoming first round picks: (4)

2026, 2028, 2030
Top-14 protected first from Detroit (2025, top-11 protected in 2026, top-9 protected in 2027)

Tradable first-round picks: (1)

Second-round picks: (4)

Outgoing first round picks: Unprotected first to Utah (2025 and 2027); top-5 protected first to Utah (2029); unprotected first to San Antonio (2031); swap rights with Utah (2026); swap rights (if 2-30) with San Antonio (2030).

26. Phoenix Suns

The Suns mortgaged their first-round picks in the Kevin Durant and Chris Paul trades. They have four firsts in the next seven seasons but can only swap or trade their 2031 first. The 2024 draft-night trade to move back six spots in the first round (they would select Ryan Dunn), netted Phoenix three valuable second-rounders from Denver.

Incoming first round picks: 4

2026, 2028, 2030, 2031

Tradable first-round picks: 1

Second-round picks: 3

Outgoing first round picks: Unprotected first to Houston or Brooklyn (2025); unprotected first to Houston (2027); unprotected first to Houston or Brooklyn (2029); swap rights with Orlando, Washington (if 1-8) and Memphis (2026); swap rights with Washington, Brooklyn, New York (2028); swap rights with Washington and Memphis (2030).

27. Miami Heat

Miami has five firsts in the next seven years but are restricted in what they can send in a trade. Because there is protection on the pick owed to Oklahoma City (2025) and Charlotte (two years after first to the Thunder is sent), the earliest Miami can trade a first is in 2030. The Heat could trade their 2029 and 2031 first but that would require them to eliminate the protections on those picks. The firsts were used in the Jimmy Butler (sent to the Clippers and rerouted to Oklahoma City) and Terry Rozier trades.

Incoming first round picks: 5

2026, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031

Tradable first-round picks: 1

Second-round picks: 3

Outgoing first round picks: Top-14 protected first to Oklahoma City (2025, unprotected in 2026); top-14 protected first to Charlotte (2027, unprotected in 2028).

28. LA Clippers

The Clippers decimated their draft assets, first with the Paul George trade in 2019 and then last November to acquire James Harden. The Thunder still have the right to swap firsts with the Clippers in 2025, 2027 and have an unprotected first in 2026, even with George not on the roster. Meanwhile, George’s new team, Philadelphia, controls the Clippers’ first-round pick in 2028 and 2029. LA is allowed to swap their first in 2030 and 2031 and can trade their 2031 first outright.

Incoming first round picks: 4

Own first in 2025, 2027, 2029, 2031

Tradable first-round picks: 1

Second-round picks: 2

Outgoing first-round picks: First-round swap with Oklahoma City (2025); unprotected first to Oklahoma City or Philadelphia (2026); first-round swap with Oklahoma City or Denver (2027); unprotected first to Philadelphia (2028); top-3 protected swap with Philadelphia (2029).

29. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks have no control over their first-round pick until 2031, a result of the Jrue Holiday trade in 2020 and then acquiring Damian Lillard before the start of the 2023-24 regular season. The Holiday trade played a role in Milwaukee winning a championship in 2021; the jury is still out on the addition of Lillard. The Bucks are allowed to swap or trade their first in 2031.

Incoming first round picks: (4)

2026, 2028, 2030, 2031

Tradable first-round picks: (1)

Second-round picks: (1)

Outgoing first-round picks: Top-4 first to New Orleans or 5-30 to Brooklyn (2025); swap with New Orleans (2026); unprotected first to New Orleans or Atlanta (if 5-30, 2027); swap with Portland (2028 and 2030); unprotected first to Portland or Washington (2029).

30. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets parlayed future first-round picks for two reasons; to put a championship roster around MVP Nikola Jokic, and to put a foundation in place with young players. The three outstanding firsts still owed turned into Aaron Gordon, Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett and Hunter Tyson.

As a result, Denver has no first-round picks available to trade (unless the conditions to Oklahoma City are met by 2029) and one second.

Incoming first round picks: 4

Own first in 2026, 2028, 2030, 2031 (Note: The only first that can be swapped is in 2031.)

Tradable first-round picks: None

Second-round picks: 1

Outgoing first round picks: Top-5 protected first to Orlando (2025, top-5 protected in 2026, 2027); top-5 protected first to Oklahoma City (2027, top-5 protected in 2028, 2029); top-5 protected first to Oklahoma City (2029, top-5 protected in 2030).

Source: espn.com