As the NBA gears up for another season, teams are strategically evaluating their draft assets, which could significantly influence their future trajectories. The Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks are among the franchises that have amassed impressive collections of draft picks. This article focuses on the current state of those draft assets for these teams. It exposes the limits of their high-level strategies and how those strategies have the potential to overwhelmingly shape their rosters for years to come.
The Washington Wizards are in line to gain five incoming first-round picks. In addition to these picks, they have their own picks for 2026, 2028, 2030, 2031 and 2032. On top of all that, they have one max tradeable first-round pick and four future second-round picks. Regardless, the Wizards have an even more formidable gauntlet to face. They do owe an unprotected first-round pick to the Utah Jazz, and they do hold swap rights with both Utah and Atlanta in 2026 and 2028. On the other end of the spectrum are the Lakers, who have nine incoming future first-round picks and seven of their own. They have unprotected first-round picks from both the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves. That puts them in great shape to be the leaders of tomorrow!
Washington Wizards’ Draft Strategy
The Wizards’ new draft strategy is very much in lockstep with their commitment to a rebuilding stance and long-term focus. Internally, the view was that holding five incoming first-round picks was a superpower. This asset will be extremely helpful as the team retools its roster over the next few years. These selections offer them several chances to land among the best young players in the game, players who might help turn around the team in a hurry.
One non-first-round asset maximum tradeable first-round pick Aside from their five total first-round picks, the Wizards have one maximum tradeable first-round pick. This flexibility gives them the freedom to test out possible trades. Whether these moves immediately shore up their roster or improve their future draft capital is still left to be seen. Adding all four of their future second-round picks only deepens the well of their future asset pool.
For all these benefits, the Wizards are handcuffed by a yet unprotected first-round pick owed to the Jazz. That means they stand to lose that valuable selection if they can’t turn things around and field a more competitive team over the next few seasons. The swap rights with Utah and Atlanta for the years 2026 and 2028 could provide some strategic maneuvering options, depending on how these teams perform.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Expansive Asset Collection
With the Davis trade, the Lakers have made themselves one of the most asset-rich franchises in the league. They do have nine incoming future first-round picks, seven of those being their own. This provides them with a winning formula for both short term gains and future focused investments. The addition of unprotected first-round picks from San Antonio and Minnesota, respectively, makes this even more true.
The Lakers’ strategy appears focused on leveraging these assets to maintain competitiveness while preparing for the future. They possess a ton of draft capital to work with. They can use these picks to develop the best young players in the league or trade them for superstars that will help them win right away.
The Lakers have one of the most storied and successful franchises in NBA history. These draft assets might be our best hope for protecting that legacy. By carefully assessing their options in upcoming drafts, they can ensure that they remain a competitive force in the league.
Boston Celtics’ Solid Foundation
The Boston Celtics have made themselves perennial contenders in the draft asset power rankings. As it stands, they are now sitting on eight incoming future first-round picks, seven of which are their own. Their prize for being crummy was a top-four first-round pick from Milwaukee. Along with Wiggins, they acquired a top-four protected first-round pick from Indiana that is good in both 2026 and 2027.
This haul of future first round picks gives Boston a remarkable amount of chips to cash in, or not, for their future. Their commitment to attracting the next generation of talent while ensuring a competitive edge is clear through their asset management strategy. It would all be worth it for the Celtics, because they’ll have these picks to solidify their current roster. Or they can make incremental trades that improve their chances to win a championship.
Moving forward through an Eastern Conference landscape that is clearly becoming even more competitive, Boston’s ability to lure the best prospects will be imperative. As such, their upcoming draft strategy will likely dictate how soon they return to the top of NBA power.
San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks’ Promising Futures
The San Antonio Spurs, counting draft assets, are a close third. They already own five incoming future first-round picks, including their own first-fours in five of the next seven years. This strategic positioning not only allows them to rebuild better, it keeps them competitive today.
Likewise, the New York Knicks have amassed seven incoming future first-round picks. They’ve even already picked their own slate for 2026, 2028, 2030, 2031, and 2032. On top of that, they have their own unprotected first-round pick from the Lakers. The Knicks’ collection of draft assets signals a clear intent to develop a robust roster capable of competing at high levels.
Both teams will look to capitalize on their draft assets in order to secure promising young talent or bolster existing lineups through trades. As both franchises aim for improvement in upcoming seasons, their respective draft strategies will be instrumental in realizing those goals.
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