Why Five NBA Teams Control 55 First-Round Picks — And the League’s Draft Future
why-five-nba-teams-control-55-first-round-picks
The Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies collectively own 55 first-round selections over the next several seasons, placing unprecedented influence over the NBA draft in the hands of just five franchises.
Oklahoma City Thunder
First-round picks: 13
Second-round picks: 16
Key assets: 2026 top-4 protected Philadelphia 76ers first; 2027 swap rights with the LA Clippers
Fresh off the 2025 championship, Oklahoma City has committed nearly $800 million to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Despite looming second-apron restrictions, the front office can offset an expensive payroll with 13 firsts and 16 seconds over the next seven drafts. Four of those firsts could arrive in 2026, and the club is the only team already guaranteed at least three selections in the 2026 first round.
Brooklyn Nets
First-round picks: 13
Second-round picks: 19
Key assets: Own 2026 first; unprotected 2032 Denver Nuggets first
General manager Sean Marks signaled a full rebuild by adding five rookies in the 2025 draft and prioritizing development. Brooklyn controls its own 2026 pick—a class scouts rave about—before owing Houston a 2027 swap. With cap space and trade chips, the Nets could accelerate their timeline as soon as next summer.
Utah Jazz
First-round picks: 11
Second-round picks: 7
Outgoing: Top-8 protected 2026 first to Oklahoma City (converts to a 2028 second if not conveyed)
Key assets: Own 2026 first (if 1-8); unprotected 2031 Phoenix Suns first
New basketball operations chief Austin Ainge insists Utah will not tank in 2025-26, yet a quiet offseason hints at another developmental year. Top-three pick Ace Bailey headlines a young core that also includes Walter Clayton Jr., Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier.
Houston Rockets
First-round picks: 9
Second-round picks: 4
Outgoing: Top-4 protected 2026 first to Oklahoma City
Key assets: Unprotected 2027 Phoenix first; two most favorable of Houston, Dallas and Phoenix in 2029
Houston added Kevin Durant this summer while still holding premium draft assets. The unprotected 2027 Suns pick could become a lottery ticket, though league executives currently view the 2027 class as weaker than 2026.
Memphis Grizzlies
First-round picks: 9
Second-round picks: 6
Key asset: Unprotected 2026 Phoenix first
After sending Desmond Bane to Orlando for additional draft capital, Memphis moved up to No. 11 this year to select Cedric Coward. With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in place, the club remains competitive while retaining the flexibility to secure multiple lottery swings in 2026.
Draft Night’s Surprise Asset
Atlanta acquired the more favorable of New Orleans’ and Milwaukee’s 2026 first-rounders when the Pelicans traded up for Derik Queen at No. 13. The move gives the Hawks a shot at dual lottery odds next May if injuries or roster questions derail either parent club.
Next Tier of Asset Stockpiles
The Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards hold a combined 47 draft picks over seven years and 15 players on rookie deals. Portland, meanwhile, added veteran talent without spending picks and still controls multiple favorable selections from prior Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday trades.
Contenders With Limited Ammo
Golden State can still move four future firsts (2026, 2028, 2030, 2032) but lacks mid-sized contracts to facilitate a blockbuster. The Lakers possess expiring salary but only one tradable first (2031 or 2032) after sending protected picks to Utah (2027) and Dallas (2029). San Antonio, even after parting with four firsts for De’Aaron Fox, retains the right to swap or convey several future picks and holds 15 second-rounders—third-most in the league.
The concentration of draft capital among a handful of clubs ensures that the 2026 and 2027 drafts, and the trade market leading into them, will revolve around the decisions these teams make with their extensive pick collections.
Source: ESPN
