NBA: Which team will take the mantle from the Golden State Warriors?

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans turned a disastrous 2018-19 season, in which their franchise player demanded a trade, into a wealth of young players and future draft assets. The Pelicans acquired Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, both 21 years old along with Josh Hart from the Lakers for Anthony Davis.

In addition, they also received the Lakers 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024 first-round draft picks. With the 2019 pick, they traded back to acquire Jaxson Hayes with the 8th pick and Nickeil Alexander-Walker with the 17th pick. With their No. 1 overall selection in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Pelicans selected the heralded Zion Williamson, who is one of the most anticipated NBA prospects since Lebron James was drafted in 2003. The Pelicans also have nine first-round draft picks over the next five seasons.

With a young core of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Jaxson Hayes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Josh Hart along with first-round picks in the next five years the Pelicans should catapult their way into contention over the next five years and should have a core of talent in their prime to contend for a championship well beyond the 2024-25 season.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder is an honorable mention, not because they have a formidable roster, rich with young talent, but more so because of the treasure trove of draft assets they have amassed in trading away Russell Westbrook and Paul George this summer. The Thunder did acquire up and coming star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is only 21 years old and return Dennis Schroder, who will turn 26 next month, but the sole cause of optimism in Oklahoma City are the 13 first-round picks they will have over the next 7 seasons, 9 of which will come in the next five seasons.