NBA Future Power Rankings Projecting the next three seasons

Pep City won t waste energy on Carabao Cup

How does your NBA team look heading into the 2024-25 season? What about in 2027?

The NBA Future Power Rankings are ESPN's projection of the on-court success expected for each team over the next three seasons: 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Do the defending champion Boston Celtics have the salary cap flexibility to become the NBA's next dynasty? How soon can the San Antonio Spurs build a title contender around French phenom Victor Wembanyama? 

What does the future hold for LeBron James' Lakers, Stephen Curry's Warriors and Kevin Durant's Suns as the NBA legends' careers wind down? 

To determine the rankings, we asked ESPN analysts Kevin Pelton, Bobby Marks and Tim Bontemps to rate teams in five categories and rank them relative to the rest of the league. (An explanation of each category and a full view of all 30 teams' ratings is at the bottom of these rankings.)

Here is our latest update ahead of the 2024-25 season, featuring a new No. 1 franchise, young contenders on the rise and why the Lakers fell into the league's bottom 10.

Jump to: ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS

Previous ranking: 3

Having won 57 games last season and capturing the West's No. 1 seed with the NBA's second-youngest roster, the Thunder could occupy the top spot for a while. Oklahoma City already has the second best title odds at ESPN BET behind the Boston Celtics. And unlike the defending champions, who are staring at escalating luxury tax bills and second-apron restrictions, the Thunder are built to last with their stockpile of draft picks giving them the ability to add cost-controlled contributors as their stars get expensive. Given that enviable position, and reigning Coach of the Year Mark Daigneault, it's no surprise Oklahoma City got our top management ranking . -- Pelton

The champs dropped one spot through no fault of their own, as they maintained the top ranking in the player category and jumped from fourth to second in management. But Oklahoma City's major jump in the player category (from seventh to second) vaulted them to the top. Also complicating Boston's future: the crushing payroll bill coming ahead of the 2025-26 season, when the Celtics are set to become the NBA's first $500 million roster. This is Boston's fourth straight appearance inside the top five in these rankings, and the 13th time in the past 15 rankings -- dating back to the fall of 2015 -- that the Celtics have finished in the top 10. -- Bontemps

Previous ranking: 8

Behind acquisitions of OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks jumped up from 10th to third in the player category, leading to a five-spot jump to No. 3 overall. That's the highest position for the Knicks since these rankings debuted 15 years ago. Continued impressive work from coach Tom Thibodeau and president Leon Rose earned New York a jump up from a tie for ninth in management to fourth -- up from a tie for 20th two seasons ago. Between the salaries added to the books and the draft capital sent out in deals, New York predictably dropped in both money (tied for 13th) and draft (sixth) from where it was a year ago. -- Bontemps

Previous ranking: 13

Up nine spots from last season, the 76ers went from closing the James Harden trade saga to landing superstar free agent Paul George in the span of nine months. That helped Philadelphia jump from 15th to fifth in the player category, while a full season with coach Nick Nurse and Daryl Morey's management of the Harden trade request and its aftermath caused a jump from 17th to a tie for fourth in management. Philly's fourth place overall ranking is tied for the franchise's highest ever, matched during the early "Process" days. -- Bontemps

Previous ranking: 16

The defending West champions were one of this ranking's biggest movers -- from 16th overall all the way to fifth. (Like the Knicks, the Mavericks are enjoying their highest ever spot on the list.)

Dallas shot up from 13th in the player category to fourth after its Finals run -- in large part due to the rapid rise of center Dereck Lively II -- and from a tie for 22nd to seventh in the management category, both of which powered most of the Mavericks' leap into the top five. -- Bontemps

Previous ranking: 2

This is a pivotal season to determine how long Denver can compete for a second championship with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets were favored to win the West last season until they lost Game 7 at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round. Starting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope subsequently left for Orlando in free agency, which means they're betting big on recent first-round picks Christian Braun and Julian Strawther to fill KCP's role and extend their title window. Down the road, the Nuggets still have tax concerns after signing Jamal Murray to a max extension and Aaron Gordon potentially hitting unrestricted free agency next summer. The Nuggets can't look to the trade market for help: Denver cannot trade any pick until after next year's draft. -- Pelton

Previous ranking: 26

After finishing with a 41-41 record following a 16-6 close to the regular season, Houston enjoyed a 19-spot improvement from last year -- by far the biggest jump in the league. Houston's first top-10 ranking since landing in the fourth spot five years ago was powered by top 10 rankings in each of the management, money, draft and market categories and a jump from 26th to 17th in the players category. -- Bontemps

Previous ranking: 19

A year ago, the Timberwolves' all-in deal for Rudy Gobert looked like a misstep after they lost in the opening round. With expensive extensions for Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns kicking in, Minnesota needed to accomplish more and did just that. The Timberwolves finished one game out of first in the West and knocked out the defending champion Denver Nuggets before losing in the conference finals in five games to Dallas. Minnesota must now navigate an expensive roster with few tradeable picks, as well as a dispute over ownership of the franchise, but the Wolves are built to contend as Edwards' star rises. -- Pelton

Previous ranking: 5

The Warriors landed in the top 10 for the 17th time in 18 rankings despite missing the playoffs last season and losing Klay Thompson to the Mavericks in free agency. The departure of Thompson, however, has given Golden State greater roster flexibility with the additions of Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield and De'Anthony Melton.

The Warriors continue to find themselves in the luxury tax this season but avoided the punitive first- and second-apron restrictions now and in the future. There is also a sense of stability with coach Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry signing extensions, taking the coach through the 2025-26 season and the two-time MVP guard under contract through the 2026-27 season. -- Marks

Previous ranking: 18

The combination of Victor Wembanyama's arrival, lots of future salary cap space and the best draft situation of any team in the NBA has the Spurs inside the top 10 for the first time since 2018. If Wembanyama can continue to make strides on the court in the same way he did during his unanimous Rookie of the Year campaign, and the Spurs can land another elite talent in the loaded 2025 draft lottery, this could be the first of many top-10 finishes for the franchise. -- Bontemps

Previous ranking: 23

No team in the East made a bigger jump than Orlando. The Magic won 47 games last season -- their most since 2010-11 -- then signed Caldwell-Pope, extended Franz Wagner and re-signed Gary Harris, Moritz Wagner, Goga Bitadze and Jonathan Isaac. Orlando continues to boast financial flexibility with six players on first-round rookie contracts, including All-Star Paolo Banchero. And the Magic are one of just five teams with control over their next seven first-round picks. -- Marks

Previous ranking: 4

A lost season for star guard Ja Morant and the Grizzlies saw them tumble down this list, landing outside the top 10 after finishing fourth, first and first in the previous three editions of these rankings. That was fueled by drops in the player (fifth to 11th) and management (seventh to 18th) categories after Morant played just nine games due to a suspension and shoulder injury. If Memphis returns to conference title contention and Morant can stay healthy and in the lineup, this ranking should rise quickly. -- Bontemps

Previous ranking: 12

The Cavaliers won a playoff series without LeBron James on the roster for the first time since 1993, yet last season raised questions about their future. Cleveland played its best basketball without Darius Garland and Evan Mobley while the duo dealt with injuries, suggesting they might not fit ideally with Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen. The Cavaliers opted for roster continuity this summer, betting new coach Kenny Atkinson can get more out of this group. If that doesn't work, Cleveland, with few draft picks and a payroll already in the luxury tax, could choose to trade a core player. -- Pelton

Previous ranking: 21

A dream season saw the Pacers go from the lottery to the conference finals, taking advantage of short-handed opponents during an impressive playoff run. Our panel still isn't buying Indiana as contenders, although the roster led by rising star Tyrese Haliburton ranked 10th. The question is how the Pacers take the next step after prioritizing retaining players via free agency and extensions this summer. That could prevent Indiana from re-signing key starter Myles Turner as an unrestricted free agent without going into the tax. The Pacers are also now out a lottery-protected first-round pick from the Pascal Siakam deal. -- Pelton

Previous ranking: 6

After a second consecutive first-round loss in Milwaukee, the Bucks tumbled nine spots in the rankings ahead of Damian Lillard's second season with the team. With the roster aging -- only the LA Clippers were older last season when weighted by minutes played -- and few draft picks to trade, Milwaukee has to hope for better chemistry with coach Doc Rivers returning for a full season. Even if the Bucks do bounce back, hefty luxury tax bills could affect their willingness to re-sign starting center Brook Lopez next summer. Looming over everything: the fear Giannis Antetokounmpo might ask for a trade if he senses Milwaukee can no longer compete for a title. -- Pelton

Previous ranking: 17

The Pelicans once again land in the middle of this list after a season that saw them make the in-season tournament semifinals and get the healthiest season yet of Zion Williamson's career. But a hamstring strain forced Williamson to miss the Pelicans' entire four-game sweep to the Thunder. Adding Dejounte Murray via trade both boosted the team's player score (17th to 14th) but dropped its draft score (fifth to ninth), leading to New Orleans essentially standing pat. -- Bontemps

Previous ranking: 7

Jimmy Butler's future has the Heat in a holding pattern. Butler has a $52.4 million player option ahead of the 2025-26 season and can be a free agent if there is no extension by June 30. The Heat are now looking at two possibilities: If Butler leaves, Miami regains financial flexibility but in a below-average free agent class. If Butler opts-in or signs a new contract, the Heat once again are likely a luxury tax team. The trade to acquire Terry Rozier moved Miami from No. 19 to 24 in draft assets. The Heat owe Oklahoma City a top-14 protected first in 2025 (the first is unprotected in 2026 if not conveyed) from a previous trade and will now send the Charlotte Hornets a 2027 top-14 protected first. The first is unprotected in 2028 if Miami does not reach the playoffs this season. -- Marks

Previous ranking: 11

The Kings added six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan, re-signed sixth man Malik Monk and extended coach Mike Brown through 2026-27 but still fell seven spots in this edition of the rankings thanks primarily to a drop from from No. 14 to 20 in the draft category. The Kings still owe Atlanta a 2025 top-12 protected first-round pick from the Kevin Huerter trade, and Sacramento sent San Antonio the right to swap firsts in 2031 as part of the DeRozan trade. The Kings have no second-round picks available to trade in the next three years. -- Marks

Previous ranking: 9

While Phoenix might not be ready to write off the Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal trades as failures, there are concerns for what the future holds. Coming off a first-round sweep to Minnesota, Phoenix stayed the course with Durant, Beal and Devin Booker, who will earn a combined $375 million in salary over the next three seasons. As a result, Phoenix will continually be restricted by the second apron rules; the Suns are projected to exceed $400 million in payroll this season and in 2025-26. Because of the Durant and Beal moves, Phoenix can trade only its 2031 first-round pick, and therefore ranks 28th in the draft category. -- Marks

Previous ranking: 14

The 2019 Paul George trade from the Thunder and then subsequently letting George walk for nothing to the 76ers this offseason pushed the Clippers out of the top half in these rankings. The Clippers ranked 26th in draft, a result of still owing Oklahoma City a 2026 unprotected first-round pick. The Thunder also have the right to swap firsts with the Clippers in 2025 and 2027. In addition, the trade to acquire James Harden has the Clippers with one future first (2032) available to trade. If there is a silver lining for the Clippers, it's the salary flexibility to add to their future roster and remain below the second apron. -- Marks

Previous ranking: 10

The Lakers fell out of the top 10, dropping 11 spots to No. 21 -- their worst rank since LeBron James joined the franchise in 2018. Despite having James and nine-time All-Star Anthony Davis, the Lakers rank 19th in the player category, an 11-spot decrease from last year. A big reason for the drop is the Lakers' offseason inactivity after winning 47 games falling to Denver in the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers also moved nine spots back in management after adding JJ Redick, the third coach general manager Rob Pelinka has hired in the past five years. Redick is the sixth head coach since 2010 to get a job without any professional coaching experience. -- Marks

Previous ranking: 24

Toronto moved on from its prior era this past season, as Fred VanVleet walked in free agency last summer before Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby were traded. With money and draft scores inside the top 10 and a player score that bumped up slightly (from 24 to 22) the Raptors are firmly oriented toward the future behind All-Star Scottie Barnes, midseason acquisitions Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett and 2023 lottery pick Gradey Dick. -- Bontemps

Previous ranking: 20

The Hawks picked a direction, splitting up the backcourt of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. The Murray trade to New Orleans netted Atlanta two valuable first-round picks; a 2025 first from the Lakers and a 2027 more favorable Milwaukee or New Orleans first. Despite not controlling their own first-round pick over the next three seasons as a result of acquiring Murray from San Antonio in 2022, the Hawks ranked No. 16 in draft assets. Trading Murray to New Orleans, meanwhile, removed the $114 million owed to Murray and has allowed Atlanta breathing room below the luxury tax this season. -- Marks

Previous ranking: 15

The Jazz entered last season as a crossroads. Although Utah again flirted with a .500 record before the trade deadline, starting rookie Keyonte George at point guard was an indicator the Jazz were thinking long term. Despite extending All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen in August, that's clearly the case now, with a youthful roster featuring five players taken in the past two drafts. With extra picks coming from multiple teams, Utah can afford to build patiently with an eye toward sustainable success beyond the rankings' three-year window. -- Pelton

Previous ranking: 27

Don't confuse Chicago moving up two spots with an endorsement of the Bulls' direction. It's simply that they've backed their way into a rebuild after trading Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City and losing DeMar DeRozan to Sacramento in a sign-and-trade this summer. Given those departures, it's disappointing Chicago is still net even in terms of future first-round picks. The Bulls owe San Antonio a protected pick from their deal to acquire DeRozan, and may never see the pick the Portland Trail Blazers owe them that is lottery-protected through 2028. At least Chicago now has a path to cap space in 2026 -- the last year of Zach LaVine's contract. -- Pelton

Previous ranking: 29

The Hornets have slowly moved out of the bottom two. The three-spot jump is a result of acquiring seven draft picks, including two future firsts, since January and the emergence of 2023 No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller. The trades to move veterans Terry Rozier and PJ Washington have Charlotte ranked in the top 10 in draft assets and financial flexibility over the next three seasons. How the roster improves internally is dependent on the availability of 2022 All-Star LaMelo Ball, however. Ball appeared in 22 games last season and has missed 42% of the total games throughout his four-year career. -- Marks

Previous ranking: 22

After getting a massive return for Mikal Bridges in the first trade between the two New York City teams in 40 years, the Nets are left with a roster that ranks last in the player category. It is both expected to, and should, get worse over the course of this season as veterans such as Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton all could be appealing to other teams in trades. With regained control of their draft moving forward, and more cap space than any team in the league, the Nets have promising building blocks to turn things around. -- Bontemps

Previous ranking: 30

There is reason for optimism in Washington despite ranking in the bottom three. Since stripping down the roster starting with the Bradley Beal trade to Phoenix last year, the Wizards have acquired three first-round picks, four years of pick swaps and 14 seconds. The draft assets and removal of Beal's salary has Washington ranked fourth in money and sixth in the draft. The next step in roster improvement -- the Wizards rank 29th in players -- is the internal development of 2024 picks Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George and 2023 lottery pick Bilal Coulibaly -- Marks

Previous ranking: 25

Instead of progressing in their rebuild, the Pistons bottomed out last season, losing a record 28 consecutive games in November and December. Although Detroit avoided a real run at the worst win percentage in NBA history, the losing cost lead decision-maker Troy Weaver and coach Monty Williams their jobs. Trajan Langdon and J.B. Bickerstaff were hired as their replacements, and their task is to find the keepers from the Pistons' fleet of recent lottery picks and assemble them into a real roster rather than a collection of parts. -- Pelton

Previous ranking: 28

A year removed from trading Damian Lillard, the Blazers hit the bottom of the future rankings for the first time ever. No. 3 pick Scoot Henderson predictably struggled as a 19-year-old rookie point guard, while 2023 lottery pick Shaedon Sharpe's season ended in January because of an abdominal surgery that required surgery. This year's No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, is blocked from starting by incumbent center Deandre Ayton. Barring a breakout season from one of their prospects, Portland's best chance at stardom might come through the 2025 lottery. The Blazers also must wait until at least 2026 to have meaningful cap space and have only their own first-round picks (lottery-protected) until 2028. -- Pelton

At the same time, we looked at many other factors such as management, ownership, coaching, a team's spending habits, its cap situation, the reputation of the city and the franchise and what kind of draft picks we expect the team to have in the future.

The full ratings and rankings for every category are below.

Players (58.3%)

Management (16.7%)

Money (8.3%)

Draft (8.3%)

Market (8.3%)