As the NBA landscape evolves rapidly, the focus shifts to which franchises are strategically positioned to dominate the upcoming drafts over the next several years. With promising draft classes on the horizon, teams are evaluating their picks with the Feb. 6 trade deadline looming ever closer.

This season has already witnessed some significant trades, including the Los Angeles Lakers sending D’Angelo Russell and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith. This was preceded by the Nets' trade of Dennis Schroder to the Golden State Warriors, which also involved multiple second-round draft picks. As such deals continue to unfold, ESPN's NBA Front Office Insider Bobby Marks provides a detailed ranking of each team's draft assets from 1 to 30.

Top 5 Teams with Draft Control

1. **Oklahoma City Thunder** The Thunder sit atop the rankings, boasting an impressive arsenal of draft picks, including **six acquired first-round picks** from other teams, alongside notable swap rights with the LA Clippers. With a mix of future lottery picks and high-season finishes projected, the Thunder appear poised for sustained success.

2. **San Antonio Spurs** The Spurs may have fewer picks than Brooklyn, but the value of their assets—especially crucial unprotected first-rounder picks from Atlanta—positions them exceptionally well. As they continue their rebuild, spearheaded by Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio has **twelve first-round assets** at their disposal.

3. **Brooklyn Nets** Following the Mikal Bridges trade, the Nets hold **15 first-round picks** over the next seven years, including four in the much-anticipated 2025 draft. This gives Brooklyn the flexibility to rebuild effectively while maintaining control over critical assets for years to come.

4. **Utah Jazz** With seven first-round picks acquired through the trades of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz are waiting for the right moment to capitalize. They lack a franchise star currently but have robust options moving forward, including five unprotected picks.

5. **Houston Rockets** The Rockets may not have the volume of picks others possess, but they have the caliber of young talent to force a playoff push this season. Houston adds to their prospects with an unprotected pick from Phoenix in 2027, while also contending with swap rights related to Oklahoma City.

Middle of the Pack Insights

The middle tier is occupied by teams such as the Charlotte Hornets, who are actively acquiring draft assets, and the Washington Wizards, who have made big moves recently under new management. Although recent trades have left the Cavaliers and Timberwolves in precarious positions, they still possess valuable assets that could help steer their future.

Struggling to Find Their Footing

At the bottom of the rankings are franchises like the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets, who find themselves in restricted positions regarding their first-round picks. The Bucks, in particular, won’t regain control of their first-round selections until 2031 due to past trades, while the Nuggets have focused on immediate championship contention rather than future rebuilding.

Conclusion

As the NBA moves closer to pivotal trade and draft events, understanding the landscape of draft assets will be crucial for teams. The strategic positioning of franchises, particularly those listed among the top contenders for draft control, will significantly shape the future of the league. As we witness these transitions, fans can only speculate how these decisions will play out in the performance of their favorite teams and the league at large. Keep an eye on these developments, as they could turn the tide for many organizations in the league!