UPDATE: The Oklahoma City Thunder are reshaping the future of the NBA draft, holding a staggering 55 first-round picks over the next few years, including 13 first-round picks slated for the upcoming seasons. This strategic advantage positions them—and four other teams—as frontrunners to dominate the league’s draft landscape.
The Thunder’s impressive haul stems from a pivotal trade in 2019 that brought MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Oklahoma City in exchange for Paul George. This deal has become a blueprint for teams looking to optimize their draft assets. With five teams—the Thunder, Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets—holding these valuable picks, the implications for the league are immense.
As of September 18, 2025, the Thunder stand out with their wealth of options, set to draft in the lottery even if they secure one of the best records this season. They possess a top-4 protected first-round pick from the Philadelphia 76ers and rights to swap picks with the LA Clippers and Dallas Mavericks in the coming years. This strategy allows them to mitigate rising payroll costs while maintaining flexibility.
The Brooklyn Nets are also in a strong position with 13 future first-round picks and 19 second-round picks. Their focus on player development under GM Sean Marks indicates a long-term strategy to rebuild. The 2026 draft could be a turning point, especially with top-tier prospects like Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and BYU wing A.J. Dybantsa on the horizon.
Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz have 11 first-round picks lined up but face challenges as they try to avoid tanking while developing their young talent. With new leadership in Austin Ainge, the Jazz aim to evaluate their roster without sacrificing the chance for high draft picks.
The Houston Rockets are also positioning themselves well for the future. They own 9 first-round picks and are looking to integrate newly acquired star Kevin Durant into a competitive roster, creating potential for a playoff push.
Lastly, the Memphis Grizzlies hold 9 first-round picks and are poised for growth, especially after trading Desmond Bane for valuable draft assets. Their strategy appears focused on developing young talent while maintaining a competitive edge.
These developments are crucial as teams strategize for the future. The NBA landscape is shifting, and the decisions made in the coming months will significantly impact the trajectories of these franchises. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how these teams leverage their draft capital—could we see a shake-up in the league hierarchy?
Stay tuned for the latest updates as the draft approaches and these teams look to secure their futures with high-impact moves!