Spurs 2025 draft capital: Checking in on teams who owe SA a first-round pick

Although the San Antonio Spurs are trying to make the playoffs for the first time in five years, fans are no doubt keeping a close eye on the standings for another reason. The Spurs own three other first-round picks from the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, and Atlanta Hawks, respectively.

Although two of those first-round picks are protected, there is a scenario in which the Spurs end up with four firsts in the 2025 NBA draft with many more picks incoming.

That would be the best-case scenario, though it may force the Spurs to consolidate picks much like they did when they traded the eighth pick in this year's draft to Minnesota for a distant first. Let's take a look at how many picks the Spurs could have in the 2025 Draft.

Atlanta Hawks (owe the Spurs an unprotected 2025 first)

The Atlanta Hawks' unprotected 2025 first-round pick is the best in the Spurs' haul of selections in next year's draft. Unfortunately for the Spurs, the Hawks have been better than expected. 

Dyson Daniels was acquired by the Hawks in the Dejounte Murray deal and has emerged as an elite defensive player. He is on pace to shatter the NBA record for deflections and eclipse the record for steals per game. They also have Jalen Johnson, who has emerged as a borderline all-star.

Add in that first-overall pick Zaccharie Risacher has shown potential, Trae Young is having a terrific start to the year, and the Spurs are currently projected to have the 13th pick in the 2025 draft via the Hawks. That would be disappointing if that is where the pick ends up but the season is still young.

Current projection: the Spurs get the 13th pick from Hawks 

Charlotte Hornets (owes the Spurs a top 14 protected 2025 first)

The Eastern Conference has been surprisingly balanced and by balanced I mean bad. Only four teams in the East have a winning record, thanks to them beating up on each other and being dominated by the Western Conference. 

The Hornets have shown some signs of life, with LaMelo Ball having an impressive start to the season. Even so, the Hornets are just 6-9, which is good enough for 8th in the East, and they are only three games back of the fourth seed.

Then again, teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers have struggled. If and when they figure things out, the Hornets' chances of making the playoffs drop. 

The Spurs need them to make the playoffs to get their pick, but that appears unlikely. Luckily, that pick will convert into a second-round pick in 2026 and 2027, potentially giving the Spurs two picks in the 40s.

Current projection: the Spurs get the 15th pick from the Hornets

Chicago Bulls (owes the Spurs a top 10 protected first)

The Spurs will have three cracks at the Bulls' future first-round pick, with it being top-10 protected in this year's draft and top-8 protected in 2026 and 2027. They have banked seven early wins in their first 17 games, putting them behind in the tank race. Unlike the Hornets, who only need to miss the playoffs, the Bulls need to finish in the bottom 10. 

That is doable, although once the standings level out, the Bulls may find that it is harder to do than expected. At the moment, it is unlikely that their pick will convey, but a few more early wins and they could risk giving up their first to the Spurs. 

Current projection: Bulls pick will not convey

Ultimately, only the Hawks pick is guaranteed to convey, while the Bulls pick has a small chance. Either way, adding at least two possible lottery picks would be huge for the young Spurs.