How does your NBA team stack up as we approach the 2024-25 season? What will the landscape look like in 2027?
The NBA Future Power Rankings represent ESPN’s forecast of each team’s anticipated success on the court over the next three seasons: 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27.
Do the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, possess the financial flexibility needed to establish the NBA’s next dynasty? How soon might the San Antonio Spurs be able to form a title contender around the talented French player Victor Wembanyama?
What lies ahead for LeBron James’ Lakers, Stephen Curry’s Warriors, and Kevin Durant’s Suns as these NBA legends approach the twilight of their careers?
To create the rankings, we consulted ESPN analysts Kevin Pelton, Bobby Marks, and Tim Bontemps, who evaluated teams based on five criteria and ranked them against the rest of the league. (For a detailed explanation of each category and a comprehensive view of the ratings for all 30 teams, please refer to the end of these rankings.)
Here’s our latest update as we gear up for the 2024-25 season, featuring a new No. 1 franchise, emerging young contenders, and the reasons behind the Lakers’ fall 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
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
With a record of 57 wins last season, the Thunder secured the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with the NBA’s second-youngest roster, making it likely that they will remain at the top for some time. Oklahoma City currently has the second-best title odds at ESPN BET, trailing only the Boston Celtics. Unlike the defending champions, who face rising luxury tax bills and second-apron restrictions, the Thunder are built for longevity. Their wealth of draft picks allows them to introduce cost-controlled contributors as their star players become more expensive. Given this favorable position and the leadership of reigning Coach of the Year Mark Daigneault, it’s no wonder Oklahoma City received our top management ranking. — Pelton
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1:16
Perk: No team fears the Boston Celtics
Kendrick Perkins claims NBA teams are not intimidated by the Celtics as Boston aims to defend its title.
Previous ranking: 1
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
The champions fell one position, though it was not due to any shortcomings on their part; they retained their top position in the players’ category and improved from fourth to second in management. However, Oklahoma City’s significant rise in the player category, moving from seventh to second, propelled them to the top overall ranking. Additionally, Boston faces challenges ahead with an enormous payroll increase anticipated for the 2025-26 season, during which the Celtics are projected to have the first $500 million roster in the NBA. This marks Boston’s fourth consecutive appearance in the top five of these rankings and the 13th time in the last 15 rankings, dating back to the fall of 2015, that they’ve placed in the top 10. — Bontemps
Previous ranking: 8
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
Thanks to the acquisitions of OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks soared from 10th to third in the players’ category, resulting in an overall five-spot jump to No. 3. This is the highest ranking for the Knicks since the inception of these rankings 15 years ago. The ongoing exceptional performance from coach Tom Thibodeau and president Leon Rose contributed to New York’s rise from a tie for ninth in management to fourth, improving from a tie for 20th just two seasons earlier. Due to the new salaries and draft assets traded away, New York understandably slipped in both the money category (now tied for 13th) and the draft (now sixth) compared to last year. — Bontemps
2:27
Stephen A. Smith on Joel Embiid’s extension: ‘He deserves every penny’
Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe celebrate Joel Embiid after he signs a 3-year, $192M extension with the 76ers.
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Previous ranking: 13
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
After moving up nine positions from the previous season, the 76ers transitioned from concluding the James Harden trade situation to recruiting superstar free agent Paul George within just nine months. This shift enabled Philadelphia to ascend from 15th to fifth in the player category. Furthermore, a full season under Coach Nick Nurse, combined with Daryl Morey’s handling of Harden’s trade request and its aftermath, propelled them from 17th place to a tie for fourth in management. Consequently, the overall ranking for Philly stands at fourth, equaling the highest ranking in the franchise’s history, previously achieved during the early “Process” era. — Bontemps
Previous ranking: 16
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
As the reigning champions of the West, the Mavericks were one of the most significant movers in this ranking, soaring from 16th overall to fifth. (Similar to the Knicks, they are presently enjoying their highest position ever on this list.)
Following their Finals performance, Dallas climbed from 13th to fourth in the player category, chiefly due to the impressive emergence of center Dereck Lively II. In addition, they leapt from a tie for 22nd to seventh in the management category, both factors contributing to the Mavericks’ rise into the top five. — Bontemps
Previous ranking: 2
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
This season is crucial for determining the Denver Nuggets’ capacity to compete for a second championship alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Last season, the Nuggets were favored to win the Western Conference until they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 7 of the second round at home. The subsequent departure of starting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Orlando in free agency puts pressure on recent first-round selections Christian Braun and Julian Strawther to step into KCP’s role and help prolong the title window. Additionally, the Nuggets must navigate tax implications after signing Jamal Murray to a maximum extension, while Aaron Gordon could potentially enter unrestricted free agency next summer. It is important to note that the Nuggets cannot seek trade assistance at this time, as they are unable to trade any picks until after next year’s draft. — Pelton
Previous ranking: 26
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
Houston concluded the season with a 41-41 record, finishing strong with a 16-6 run. This marked a remarkable 19-spot leap from the previous year, the largest improvement in the league. Their first return to the top-10 ranking since occupying fourth place five years ago is attributed to top-10 standings in management, money, draft, and market categories, alongside an ascent from 26th to 17th in the players category. — Bontemps
2:36
Who currently holds the top position in Windy’s ‘Tower of Power’?
Brian Windhorst analyzes his top-5 teams leading into the 2024-25 NBA season.
Previous ranking: 19
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
Last year, the Timberwolves’ big trade for Rudy Gobert appeared to be a blunder after an early playoff exit. With costly extensions for Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns in place, Minnesota aimed to achieve more, and they succeeded. Finishing just one game shy of the top spot in the Western Conference, they eliminated the defending champion Denver Nuggets but were defeated by Dallas in five games in the conference finals. The Timberwolves now face the challenge of managing a pricey roster with limited trade assets while dealing with ownership disputes, but with Edwards emerging as a star, they are well-positioned to compete. — Pelton
Previous ranking: 5
| Category | Ranked |
|---|---|
Despite failing to make the playoffs last season and losing Klay Thompson to the Mavericks in free agency, the Warriors secured a spot in the top 10 for the 17th time in 18 rankings. Thompson’s exit has provided Golden State with more flexibility in their roster, allowing them to bring in Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De’Anthony Melton.
While still facing luxury tax implications this season, the Warriors have managed to sidestep the harsh first- and second-apron penalties, both now and in future seasons. Additionally, with coach Steve Kerr and star player Stephen Curry signing extensions, there is a renewed sense of stability, with the coach’s contract extending through the 2025-26 season and Curry contracted until the 2026-27 season. — Marks
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2:50
Wemby’s impact on the league during his ROY season
Andrew Lopez reviews Victor Wembanyama’s remarkable rookie season with the Spurs.
Prior ranking: 18
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
The arrival of Victor Wembanyama, ample future salary cap space, and the most favorable draft situation in the NBA have propelled the Spurs into the top 10 for the first time since 2018. If Wembanyama continues to develop on the court as he did during his unanimous Rookie of the Year season, combined with the Spurs potentially landing another elite talent in the stacked 2025 draft lottery, this could mark the beginning of several top-10 finishes for the franchise. – Bontemps
Prior ranking: 23
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
The Orlando Magic made the most significant leap in the Eastern Conference. Last season, they achieved 47 wins— their highest total since 2010-11. They subsequently signed Caldwell-Pope, extended Franz Wagner, and re-signed Gary Harris, Moritz Wagner, Goga Bitadze, and Jonathan Isaac. With six players on first-round rookie contracts, including All-Star Paolo Banchero, Orlando maintains financial flexibility. Additionally, they are one of only five teams with control over their next seven first-round picks. – Marks
Prior ranking: 4
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
A season riddled with challenges for star guard Ja Morant led the Grizzlies to fall down the rankings, landing them outside the top 10 after finishing in the top tier for the past three assessments. The declines in both the player (from fifth to 11th) and management (from seventh to 18th) categories were influenced by Morant’s limited play due to a suspension and a shoulder injury as he only appeared in nine games. Should Memphis return to contention for the conference title and if Morant can maintain his health and be consistent in the lineup, this…
Ranking should improve rapidly. — Bontemps
1:42
Chiney Ogwumike comments positively on Donovan Mitchell’s extension with the Cavs.
Chiney Ogwumike is enthusiastic about Donovan Mitchell’s choice to sign an extension with the Cavaliers.
Previous ranking: 12
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
The Cavaliers experienced a playoff series victory without LeBron James for the first time since 1993, raising questions about their future during last season. Cleveland showcased its best performance without Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, who were sidelined by injuries, suggesting potential mismatches with Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen. This summer, the Cavaliers chose to maintain roster consistency, hoping new coach Kenny Atkinson can yield better results from the current lineup. Should this strategy fail, Cleveland might opt to trade a key player due to limited draft picks and a payroll already above the luxury tax threshold. — Pelton
Previous ranking: 21
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
A dream season propelled the Pacers from the lottery to the conference finals, capitalizing on opponents who were missing key players during a remarkable playoff journey. Despite this, our panel remains skeptical about Indiana’s status as contenders, even with their roster, led by the emerging talent Tyrese Haliburton, ranking 10th. The challenge now lies in how the Pacers can advance further after focusing on retaining players through free agency and extensions this summer, which may hinder their ability to re-sign crucial starter Myles Turner as an unrestricted free agent without incurring the luxury tax. Additionally, the Pacers have lost a lottery-protected first-round pick from the Pascal Siakam trade. — Pelton
Previous ranking: 6
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
Following back-to-back first-round defeats, the Bucks fell nine spots in the ranking.
As Damian Lillard enters his second season with the team, the rankings reflect a critical moment. The Milwaukee roster is showing signs of aging, with only the LA Clippers being older last season based on minutes played. With limited draft picks available for trade, the Bucks must rely on improved team chemistry, hoping that coach Doc Rivers can foster this over a full season. Even if the Bucks manage a rebound, sizable luxury tax obligations may influence their decision to retain starting center Brook Lopez when the summer approaches. A significant concern looms: Giannis Antetokounmpo may request a trade if he perceives that Milwaukee is slipping out of title contention. — Pelton
Previous ranking: 17
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
After a season that saw the Pelicans reach the semifinals of the in-season tournament and experience their healthiest season yet with Zion Williamson, they remain in the middle of this ranking. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury sidelined Williamson for the entire four-game sweep against the Thunder. The acquisition of Dejounte Murray through trade improved the team’s player ranking from 17th to 14th, but it also caused a drop in their draft status, falling from fifth to ninth. Consequently, New Orleans appears to be maintaining its current position. — Bontemps
Previous ranking: 7
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
The Miami Heat’s future is uncertain as they navigate Jimmy Butler’s situation. Butler holds a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season and could enter free agency if he does not secure an extension by June 30. The Heat are faced with two scenarios: should Butler decide to leave, Miami could reclaim financial flexibility, albeit in a year with a less appealing free-agent pool. Conversely, if Butler opts in or signs a new deal, the Heat will likely remain a luxury tax team. The trade to bring in Terry Rozier has pushed Miami’s draft asset rank down from 19th to 24th. They owe a top-14 protected first-round pick to Oklahoma City in 2025 (with an unprotected pick in 2026 if it’s not conveyed) from a previous transaction, alongside sending Charlotte a top-14 protected first in 2027, which becomes unprotected in 2028 if Miami fails to make the playoffs this season. — Marks
Previous ranking: 11
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
The Kings have made significant moves by adding six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan, re-signing sixth man Malik Monk, and extending coach Mike Brown.
through 2026-27, the Kings still dropped seven positions in this edition of the rankings, primarily due to a decline from No. 14 to No. 20 in the draft category. Sacramento retains a top-12 protected first-round pick to Atlanta in the 2025 draft from the Kevin Huerter trade, and they granted San Antonio the option to swap first-round picks in 2031 as part of the DeRozan deal. Moreover, the Kings possess no available second-round picks for trade over the next three years. — Marks
Previous ranking: 9
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
Although Phoenix has yet to label the Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal trades as failures, uncertainties about the future remain. After being swept in the first round by Minnesota, the Suns decided to maintain their core comprising Durant, Beal, and Devin Booker, who are slated to earn a collective $375 million in salary across the next three seasons. Consequently, Phoenix faces continual restrictions due to the second apron rules, with projected payroll exceeding $400 million this season and in 2025-26. Due to the acquisitions of Durant and Beal, the only first-round pick available for trade is from 2031, which places Phoenix at 28th in the draft category. — Marks
Previous ranking: 14
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
The 2019 trade involving Paul George from the Thunder, followed by his departure to the 76ers this offseason for no compensation, resulted in the Clippers sliding out of the top half of the rankings. They currently stand at 26th in the draft category, owing an unprotected first-round pick to Oklahoma City in 2026. Furthermore, the Thunder retain the right to swap first-round picks with the Clippers in 2025 and 2027. The acquisition of James Harden leaves the Clippers with only one future first-round pick (2032) available for trade. On the brighter side, the Clippers have the salary flexibility to enhance their future roster while staying below the second apron. — Marks
1:13
More realistic for LeBron: 5th ring or owning an NBA team?
Tim Bontemps analyzes whether it is more feasible for LeBron James to own an NBA team or secure a fifth championship.
Previous ranking: 10
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| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
The Lakers have dropped out of the top 10, falling 11 spots to No. 21, their lowest ranking since LeBron James joined the team in 2018. Despite having James and nine-time All-Star Anthony Davis, they now sit at 19th in the player category, which represents an 11-spot decline from the previous year. A significant factor impacting this decline is the Lakers’ lack of activity during the offseason after they won 47 games only to lose to Denver in the first round of the playoffs. Management changes saw the Lakers slide nine positions as well, following the hiring of JJ Redick, who becomes general manager Rob Pelinka’s third coach in the last five years. Redick is the sixth head coach since 2010 to be appointed without prior professional coaching experience. — Marks
Previous ranking: 24
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
This past season, Toronto transitioned away from its previous core, with Fred VanVleet departing in free agency and trades involving Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. With money and draft rankings placed in the top 10 and a slight improvement in player rank (moving from 24 to 22), the Raptors are firmly focused on future prospects, led by All-Star Scottie Barnes, midseason additions Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, along with 2023 lottery pick Gradey Dick. — Bontemps
Previous ranking: 20
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
The Hawks have chosen a new path by moving away from the backcourt duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. The trade of Murray to New Orleans provided Atlanta with two key first-round picks: one for 2025 from the Lakers and another more favorable pick from Milwaukee or New Orleans for 2027. Despite not having control over their first-round pick for the next three years due to the acquisition of Murray from San Antonio in 2022, the Hawks hold the 16th spot in draft assets. The trade also alleviated the $114 million owed to Murray, giving Atlanta some financial flexibility below the luxury tax this season. — Marks
Previous ranking: 15
