UPDATE: The 2025 NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, are redefining the future of the NBA draft with a remarkable strategy that has left other teams scrambling. As of September 18, 2025, five franchises—Thunder, Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, and Memphis Grizzlies—hold a staggering 55 first-round picks over the next few years, positioning themselves for dominance in upcoming drafts.
The Thunder, having secured 13 future first-round picks and 16 second-round picks, are at the forefront of this draft frenzy. Their blueprint emerged from the controversial 2019 trade of Paul George for current MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which has proven to be a pivotal move. Oklahoma City’s strategy allows them to offset rising payrolls while maintaining a robust selection of future assets.
Brooklyn Nets are not far behind, also holding 13 first-round picks and 19 second-round picks. Their focus is on the 2026 draft, where they hope to reshape their roster and capitalize on a talented incoming class. With a critical pick swap due to the Houston Rockets, the Nets are in a delicate balancing act as they aim for a path back to playoff contention.
The Utah Jazz trail with 11 first-round picks and are still navigating a rebuilding phase that began in 2022. Their recent front office changes signal a potential shift, but they remain cautious about tanking, even as they eye valuable assets in the upcoming drafts.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets are gearing up for a competitive season, leveraging their 9 first-round picks and a notable unprotected 2027 pick from the Phoenix Suns. How they integrate new talent like Kevin Durant could prove crucial for their immediate success.
The Memphis Grizzlies are also in a strategic position with 9 first-round picks, having made calculated moves to bolster their roster for long-term growth. Their decision to trade Desmond Bane reflects a commitment to building through the draft while remaining competitive.
As teams prepare for the upcoming drafts, questions loom about how these franchises will utilize their assets. The Thunder could potentially draft in the lottery even with a strong season, thanks to their top-4 protected first-round pick from Philadelphia. The Nets’ pursuit of top talent like Darryn Peterson and A.J. Dybantsa highlights the urgency for their rebuild, while the Jazz must navigate their crowded backcourt to maximize their young talent.
What happens next? The upcoming 2026 draft will be a pivotal moment for these teams, particularly for those like the Thunder, who hold multiple high-value picks. Fans should keep an eye on how these franchises leverage their draft capital and player development strategies in the weeks leading up to the draft.
As the NBA draft landscape evolves, the strategies employed by these teams will not only shape their futures but could also redefine the league’s competitive balance for years to come. With the stakes higher than ever, the 2026 draft promises to be a turning point for these franchises.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops!
