Ranking the Futures of Every 2023 NBA Lottery Team

As we watch the final four NBA teams battle for the 2023 title, which franchises from this year's lottery are the closest to joining the championship contenders?

To determine which teams have the brightest futures, we're considering a number of factors.

• All-Star Talent: The starting point to a successful present and future. These are players who were named All-Stars in 2023 or shortly before.

• Promising Talent: These are players 24 years or younger who are starting to break out and look like real building blocks for the future.

• 2023 Draft Picks: Rookies coming this summer who will be on the roster for the 2023-24 season.

• Future Incoming Picks: First-round selections owed to the team from previous trades.

• Future Outgoing Picks: First-round selections owed to other teams from previous trades.

• 2023 Projected Cap Space: Money the team can use this summer to sign free agents or take on contracts in order to acquire additional draft picks. Cap space numbers via Spotrac.com.

When taking these six categories into consideration, here's how all 14 teams who missed the playoffs stack up heading into the future.

No. 14: Washington Wizards

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Washington, DCOctober 28: Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) talks with forward Deni Avdija (9) during action against the Indiana Pacers at Capital One Arena. (Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: Bradley Beal

Promising Talent: Deni Avdija (22), Corey Kispert (24), Daniel Gafford (24), Johnny Davis (21)

2023 Draft Picks: Nos. 8, 41 and 57 overall

Future Incoming Picks: None

Future Outgoing Picks: 1 (to New York Knicks protected 1-12 in 2024, 1-10 in 2025 or 1-8 in 2026)

2023 Projected Cap Space: None

This Wizards team is bad and may only get worse if Kristaps Porziņģis and Kyle Kuzma decline their player options and sign elsewhere this summer. Seeing Rui Hachimura thriving with the Los Angeles Lakers this postseason isn't helping Wizards fans sleep at night, either.

Yes, Beal is still here and under contract for three more years, although he hasn't even made an All-Star team since 2021 and is averaging just 51.8 games played over the past four years.

We're still waiting on Avdija to break out, and Davis spent a lot of his rookie season in the G League despite being selected 10th overall last summer.

Even re-signing Porziņģis and Kuzma makes this a play-in team at best in the East, with no elite young talent to help raise the ceiling.

Washington is a mess and has to hope it snags a true difference maker at No. 8 overall.

No. 13: Chicago Bulls

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TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Zach LaVine #8 and Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls look on against the Toronto Raptors during the 2023 Play-In Tournament at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan

Promising Talent: Patrick Williams (21), Coby White (RFA, 23), Ayo Dosunmu (23), Dalen Terry (20)

2023 Draft Picks: None

Future Incoming Picks: 1 (via Portland Trail Blazers protected 1-14 in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 or 2028)

Future Outgoing Picks: 1 (to San Antonio Spurs protected 1-10 in 2025 or 1-8 in 2027 or 2028)

2023 Projected Cap Space: $11.6 million

With Nikola Vučević hitting free agency, DeRozan able to walk out the door next summer and a future first owed to the Spurs, Chicago may be better off hitting the reset button at this point.

The only team in the lottery who doesn't even have their lottery pick thanks to the Vučević trade, the Bulls don't possess a single selection in the 2023 draft at all.

The little amount of cap space that they could have will likely be used to re-sign their own players in Vučević and/or White, although that only means running back a team that finished below .500 this year.

Now that their final first-round selection has been conveyed to Orlando, Chicago has their own pick the next two seasons, meaning a rebuild could pay dividends here. Their 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 pick carries protections as well.

With Lonzo Ball likely missing all of next season following a third knee surgery, Chicago needs to consider blowing things up.

No. 12: Charlotte Hornets

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 25: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on February 25, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: LaMelo Ball

Promising Talent: P.J Washington (24, RFA), Mark Williams (21)

2023 Draft Picks: Nos. 2, 27, 34, 39 and 41 overall

Future Incoming Picks: None

Future Outgoing Picks: 1 (to San Antonio Spurs protected 1-14 in 2024 and 2025)

2023 Projected Cap Space: $28.5 million

The Hornets were blessed with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, a selection they'll likely receive a lot of phone calls about from teams looking to select Scoot Henderson.

For a team as bad as Charlotte, all options should be considered.

Ball is an All-Star and one of the game's best point guards when healthy, but being limited to just 36 games this season while fighting ankle injuries is concerning. Williams (11.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 62.7 percent shooting) looked solid in his 17 games as a starter and Washington can space the floor, although there's not a lot of young talent to build on here yet.

Adding five draft picks in the first 41 overall selections will help, and Charlotte can try to package some together in an attempt to move up from their second spot at number 27.

Having Ball, the No. 2 overall pick and some cap space is a nice starting point, but there are 11 lottery teams that are already set up better for future success.

No. 11: Dallas Mavericks

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 02: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on April 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: Luka Dončić

Promising Talent: Josh Green (22), Jaden Hardy (20)

2023 Draft Picks: No. 10 overall

Future Incoming Picks: None

Future Outgoing Picks: 2 (to New York Knicks protected 1-10 in 2024 or 2025, Brooklyn Nets in 2029)

2023 Projected Cap Space: $21.2 million

With respect to Damian Lillard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pascal Siakam and others, Dončić is the best player to not reach the postseason this year.

After Dončić, things get pretty bleak pretty quick in Dallas.

Kyrie Irving, Christian Wood and Dwight Powell are all free agents. There's not enough wing defenders or rim protectors left on this roster and the Mavs are down to one tradeable first-round pick (2027).

Dallas needs either Hardy, Green or both to blossom into a star and hope it can flip the No. 10 overall pick to a team for veteran help.

The entire league should be hoping the Mavericks continue to miss the playoffs as Dončić's contract only grows shorter.

No. 10: Toronto Raptors

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TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 12: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls during the 2023 Play-In Tournament on April 12, 2023 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: Pascal Siakam

Promising Talent: Scottie Barnes (21), Precious Achiuwa (23), Christian Koloko (22)

2023 Draft Picks: No. 13 overall

Future Incoming Picks: None

Future Outgoing Picks: 1 (to San Antonio Spurs protected 1-6 in 2024, 2025 or 2026)

2023 Projected Cap Space: None

The Raptors have more veteran talent on their roster than most lottery teams, although that could change this summer with Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr. and Jakob Poeltl all hitting free agency.

Siakam and OG Anunoby (player option) have just one year remaining on their deals as well and could become hot names on the trade market if Toronto struggles out of the gate next season. There's no future firsts coming in, and the Raptors owe a first to the Spurs in the deal for Poeltl.

Toronto only stands as high as it does on this list given that Barnes still possesses incredible upside with his all-around skill set, and the Raptors could get a haul of draft picks and young talent for players like Siakam and Anunoby if they wanted to.

Masai Ujiri is going to have to get incredibly creative this summer if he wants to turn Toronto back into a championship contender.

No. 9: Indiana Pacers

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BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 29: Bennedict Mathurin #00 high fives Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29, 2022 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: Tyrese Haliburton

Promising Talent: Bennedict Mathurin (20), Andrew Nemhard (23), Jordan Nwora (24), Aaron Nesmith (23), Jalen Smith (23)

2023 Draft Picks: Nos. 7, 26, 29, 32 and 55 overall

Future Incoming Picks: None

Future Outgoing Picks: None

2023 Projected Cap Space: $27.3 million

The Pacers' refusal to go full tank has once again landed them a draft pick outside of the top-5, a strategy that could ultimately lower the ceiling of the franchise.

For now, the backcourt appears set at least, with Haliburton and Mathurin serving as the best building blocks on the roster. Haliburton led the NBA in assist percentage (47.6 percent) in his first season as a full-time starting point guard, all while putting up 20.7 points, 10.4 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists in the process.

Mathurin is the real deal as an athletic wing to plug in next to Haliburton over the next decade and should get plenty of easy baskets with one of the NBA's best floor generals by his side.

While we haven't seen enough out of players like Nwora, Nesmith and Smith to consider them pillars at this point, the Pacers have a whopping four picks in the first 32 selections overall to stock this roster full of young talent.

Trading players like Myles Turner, Buddy Hield and others this offseason and truly tanking for a year may help this franchise in the long run.

No. 8: Portland Trail Blazers

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PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 17: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the game Boston Celtics on March 17, 2023 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: Damian Lillard

Promising Talent: Anfernee Simons (23), Shaedon Sharpe (19), Cam Reddish (RFA, 23), Nassir Little (23)

2023 Draft Picks: Nos. 3, 23 and 43 overall

Future Incoming Picks: None

Future Outgoing Picks: 1 (to Chicago Bulls protected 1-14 in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 or 2028)

2023 Projected Cap Space: $10.8 million

The Blazers don't possess the crop of promising young talent like others on this list, but owning the No. 3 overall pick in the draft and having Damian freakin' Lillard on the roster could still mean a bright future in Portland.

Simons and Sharpe also have top-end talent, although there's some positional overlap here and not enough wing depth on the roster, especially with Jerami Grant hitting free agency. Bringing back Grant, Reddish and Matisse Thybulle in free agency is a must, although luxury tax concerns may hinder this plan.

Making the playoffs next season and seeing their first-round pick finally convey to the Bulls would help as well, as it would give Portland full control of all future firsts moving forward.

Lillard is still one of the best guards in the NBA. While the roster around him is questionable, there's enough young talent and draft picks to mold the Blazers back into a playoff team next season.

No. 7: Detroit Pistons

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 22: Jaden Ivey #23 and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons meet in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 22, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: None

Promising Talent: Cade Cunningham (21), Jaden Ivey (21), Jalen Duren (19), James Wiseman (22), Isaiah Stewart (22), Marvin Bagley III (24)

2023 Draft Picks: Nos. 5 and 31 overall

Future Incoming Picks: None

Future Outgoing Picks: 1 (to New York Knicks protected 1-18 in 2024, 1-13 in 2025, 1-11 in 2026, or 1-9 in 2027)

2023 Projected Cap Space: $40.1 million

Between Cunningham, Ivey and Duren, the Pistons have a potential Big 3 that could be amongst the best in basketball in a few years. Beyond them, the rest of the roster is an awkward-fitting bunch that still needs a head coach and has more future first-round picks going out then coming in.

There's way too many mouths to feed in the paint right now between Duren, Wiseman, Stewart and Bagley, and keeping all four is only going to take shots and touches away from everyone. Moving one, while looking for wing help, would make this core a lot more appealing overall.

Still, Detroit can snag a really good prospect at No. 5 overall and has the ability to spend in free agency once again. If Cunningham comes back healthy from shin surgery, a player of his size and skill set is what every NBA team craves.

A little more luck in the lottery would have moved the Pistons even higher up this list, as would figuring out the logjam in the paint.

No. 6: Orlando Magic

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: (Left to right) Franz Wagner #22, Wendell Carter Jr. #34, Paolo Banchero #5, and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic react during the first half of a game against the Miami Heat at Amway Center on March 11, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: None

Promising Talent: Paolo Banchero (20), Franz Wagner (21), Wendell Carter Jr. (24), Markelle Fultz (24), Cole Anthony (23), Jalen Suggs (21), Bol Bol (23)

2023 Draft Picks: Nos. 6, 11 and 36 overall

Future Incoming Picks: 1 (via Denver Nuggets protected 1-5 in 2025, 2026 or 2027)

Future Outgoing Picks: None

2023 Projected Cap Space: $59.1 million

Adding 12 wins and jumping up a few spots in the East was a pleasant surprise for Orlando, a team that should compete for the play-in tournament next year.

Banchero looks the part of a No. 1 option, as his blend of size and athleticism is rare for anyone, much less a rookie.

Only the Houston Rockets can open more cap space than the Magic as well, as they've done an excellent job of structuring contracts with non or partial guarantees, giving this franchise a ton of flexibility moving forward. As of right now, no player will make more than $17.4 million for Orlando next season.

The Magic are also the only team to have two lottery picks this year thanks to the Nikola Vučević trade with the Chicago Bulls, a deal that's turned out heavily in Orlando's favor.

If players like Suggs, Bol and Fultz hit their potential, this will be one big, athletic and lethal lineup in central Florida for years to come.

No. 5: Houston Rockets

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MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 22: Alperen Sengun #28, Jalen Green #4 and Jabari Smith Jr. #1 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game on March 22, 2023 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: None

Promising Talent: Jalen Green (21), Jabari Smith Jr. (20), Alperen Şengün (20), Kevin Porter Jr. (23), Kenyon Martin Jr. (22), Tari Eason (22)

2023 Draft Picks: Nos. 4 and 20 overall

Future Incoming Picks: 2 (via Brooklyn Nets in 2024 and 2026, right to swap with Nets in 2025 and 2027)

Future Outgoing Picks: 2 (to Oklahoma City Thunder protected 1-4 in 2024 and 2026)

2023 Projected Cap Space: $65.1 million

No NBA team has more spending power than the Rockets this summer, who finally have significant cap space with John Wall's contract wiped from the books.

This kind of cash is enough to land a pair of All-Star caliber players to complement one of the most intriguing young talent bases in the league, while adding two of the top 20 picks in the June draft means a major influx of talent overall.

There still needs to be a considerable amount of internal growth here, between Green's shot efficiency, Şengün's defense and Smith continuing to build off a strong finish to his rookie season.

Houston shouldn't be chasing 33-year-old ball-dominant guards this summer and will only get to keep their 2024 first-round pick if it falls in the top-four selections overall, meaning there's good reason to be bad for one more year.

This core could use a veteran pass-first point guard, rim protector and simply more time to grow together. Spending big money on a past-their-prime former franchise star to chase a play-in spot in the West next season would be a mistake.

No. 4: Utah Jazz

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 16: Lauri Markkanen #23 and Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz pose for a portrait during NBAE Media Circuit Portraits as part of 2023 NBA All Star Weekend on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Michael LeBrecht/NBAE via Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: Lauri Markkanen

Promising Talent: Walker Kessler (21), Collin Sexton (24), Talen Horton-Tucker (22), Ochai Agbaji (23)

2023 Draft Picks: Nos. 9, 16 and 28 overall

Future Incoming Picks: 7 (via Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025, 2027 and protected 1-5 in 2029, Cleveland Cavaliers in 2025, 2027 and 2029, Los Angeles Lakers protected 1-4 in 2027, swap rights with Timberwolves or Cavaliers in 2026 and with Cavaliers in 2028)

Future Outgoing Picks: 1 (to Oklahoma City Thunder protected 1-10 in 2024 and 2025 or 1-8 in 2026)

2023 Projected Cap Space: $40.1 million

Good for the Jazz to recognize when to pull the plug on a core and restart with a fresh talent base and cabinet full of draft picks.

Only the Oklahoma City Thunder are owed more future firsts than the seven coming to Utah, including some juicy unprotected picks from Minnesota and Cleveland

Markkanen may not be a No. 1 option on a championship team, but he's a legit All-Star who can play a complementary role to one. Kessler looks like a future Defensive Player of the Year, while Sexton played well as a starter (16.5 points, 4.8 assists, 53.7 percent shooting).

With three first-round picks in this June's draft and many more coming down the road, the Jazz have the opportunity to go all-in for a franchise centerpiece when the time is right.

No. 3: New Orleans Pelicans

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 05: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts with Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter of an NBA game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Smoothie King Center on April 05, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram

Promising Talent: Trey Murphy III (22), Herb Jones (22), Dyson Daniels (20), Jose Alvarado (24), Jaxson Hayes (RFA, 22), E.J. Liddell (22)

2023 Draft Picks: No. 14 overall

Future Incoming Picks: 2 (via Los Angeles Lakers in 2024 or can defer to 2025, Milwaukee Bucks in 2027, swap rights with Bucks in 2024 and 2026)

Future Outgoing Picks: None

2023 Projected Cap Space: None

Picking a spot for New Orleans on this list is tricky given Williamson's continued injury concerns, although having two All-Stars ages 25 and younger is a tremendous starting point for the Pelicans. In the 497 total possessions that Williamson and Ingram shared the court together this season, New Orleans had a net rating of plus-17.3 (100th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass).

This roster is already oozing with young talent outside of the two stars, as Murphy broke out this season (14.5 points, 40.6 percent from three) while Jones and Daniels look like future All-Defensive team members.

While they sit at the very end of the lottery at pick No. 14, the Pelicans still own future unprotected picks from the Lakers and Bucks. New Orleans can defer Los Angeles' pick to 2025, the year after both LeBron James and Anthony Davis can become free agents.

For now, we're ranking the Pelicans with the assumption that Williamson can come back healthy next season and return to his All-NBA form.

No. 2: San Antonio Spurs

EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images

Metropolitan 92's French power forward Victor Wembanyama competes in the French Elite basketball match between Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 and SIG Strasbourg at the Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan in Levallois-Perret, outside Paris, on April 8, 2023 (Photo by Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP) (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: None

Promising Talent: Keldon Johnson (23), Jeremy Sochan (19), Devin Vassell (22), Malaki Branham (20), Tre Jones (RFA, 23)

2023 Draft Picks: Nos. 1, 33 and 44 overall

Future Incoming Picks: 5 (via Atlanta Hawks in 2025 and 2027, Charlotte Hornets protected 1-14 in 2024 and 2025, Toronto Raptors protected 1-6 in 2024, 2025 or 2026, Chicago Bulls protected 1-10 in 2025, 1-8 in 2026 or 2027)

Future Outgoing Picks: None

2023 Projected Cap Space: $43.6 million

Loaded with future first-round picks, cap space and promising talent, the Spurs' only knock here is that they don't have a single sure-fire future All-Star on the roster.

Of course, this changes on June 22.

While they're a little behind other teams on this list in terms of established talent, San Antonio is set up far better than most thanks to landing the No. 1 overall pick this summer and the rights to Victor Wembanyama.

The presence of Wembanyama has completely altered the trajectory of this franchise, one that was just starting to head in the right direction thanks to accumulated future first-round picks via the DeMar DeRozan, Dejounte Murray and Jakob Poeltl trades.

Now with Wembanyama leading the way as a generational talent to go along with a solid young talent base, significant cap space and five extra first-round picks coming their way, the Spurs have one of the best futures of any team.

No. 1: Oklahoma City Thunder

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NEW YORK CITY, NY - NOVEMBER 13: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 and Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder high five after the game against the New York Knicks on November 13, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

All-Star Talent: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Promising Talent: Josh Giddey (20), Chet Holmgren (21), Lu Dort (24), Jalen Williams (22), Ousmane Dieng (19), Aleksej Pokuševski (21), Jaylin Williams (20), Isaiah Joe (23)

2023 Draft Picks: Nos. 12, 37 and 50 overall

Future Incoming Picks: 8 (via Los Angeles Clippers in 2024 and 2026, Houston Rockets protected 1-4 in 2024 and 2026, Miami Heat protected 1-14 in 2025 or unprotected in 2026, Philadelphia 76ers protected 1-6 in 2025, 1-4 in 2026 and 2027, Denver Nuggets protected 1-5 in 2027, 2028 or 2029, swap rights with Clippers in 2023 and 2025, swap rights with Rockets in 2025 protected 1-10)

Future Outgoing Picks: None

2023 Projected Cap Space: $36.9 million

If the NBA isn't already terrified of the storm that's brewing in Oklahoma City, it soon will be.

No team has more future first-round picks owed to them than the eight coming to the Thunder, with OKC currently possessing a whopping 27 total selections (14 firsts and 13 seconds) over the next seven years.

Combine this incredible stash of draft picks with a roster that already came just a game shy of making the Western Conference playoffs, stir in a first-team All-NBA guard in Gilgeous-Alexander and mix with one of the best young talent bases in the league—it's no wonder why the Thunder come in No. 1.

If players like Giddey, Dieng and Holmgren reach their incredible potentials, we could be looking at the next great dynasty in Oklahoma City.