Ranking Every NBA Team’s Big Three For The 2024-25 NBA Season

We are currently in the era of Big Threes in the NBA and we recently saw how the Boston Celtics made use of theirs to win the NBA championship in 2023-24 (although it can be argued they had a Big Six). In the 2024-25 NBA season, we will see a host of Big Threes compete in the NBA with some key player movement this summer forming some new ones. We have every NBA team’s Big Three ranked ahead of the 2024-25 season and there might be some surprises in the rankings.

1. Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday

The Boston Celtics’ Big Three of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday is a masterclass in two-way basketball. Tatum, fresh off another All-NBA season, is widely regarded as a top-five player in the league. Jaylen Brown complements Tatum with his elite athleticism and improved clutch performances, making them one of the best duos in Celtics history. Adding Jrue Holiday to the mix gives the Celtics an unparalleled defensive presence. Holiday, a perennial All-Defensive Team selection, will take on the toughest backcourt assignments while also providing stability as a secondary playmaker.

In 2023-24, this Big Three led the Celtics to their first championship in over a decade, and with their blend of youth, experience, and defense-first mentality, they look primed for a repeat run in 2024-25. The depth and two-way talent make this trio one of the most balanced and potent combinations in the league, and that is without even mentioning Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White.

2. Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson

The Dallas Mavericks have formed one of the most talented and intriguing Big Threes in the league by adding Klay Thompson to the mix alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving this summer. Doncic is already an MVP candidate year in and year out, averaging 33.9 points and 9.8 assists per game while winning the scoring title last season. Pairing him with the crafty Kyrie Irving, who remains one of the most skilled ball-handlers and efficient scorers, gives Dallas a dynamic backcourt that might be one of a kind.

Thompson, though slightly past his prime, still provides elite three-point shooting and championship pedigree. His spacing will be crucial in opening up the floor for Doncic and Irving to operate. Even with some defensive slippage, his off-ball movement and experience playing alongside stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green make him a perfect third option for this squad, and Dallas could be primed for another Finals run.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey

Joel Embiid, the 2023 league MVP, anchors the second-best Big Three in the Eastern Conference. Embiid’s dominance in the paint on both ends is unmatched, as he is the best offensive big man in the NBA (34.7 PPG) while also remaining a defensive force with his shot-blocking and rebounding. In Paul George, Philadelphia has added a proven two-way star, capable of locking down elite wing scorers while also being a secondary playmaker. George’s injury history is a concern, but when healthy, he remains an elite perimeter scorer, shooting over 41.3% from three last season.

Tyrese Maxey rounds out this trio with his explosiveness and scoring punch. The young guard took a leap last season, averaging 25.9 points and showing flashes of being a primary offensive option by winning Most Improved Player. While health will be the key to their success, this combination of talent gives the 76ers their best chance in years to compete for a title.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert

The Timberwolves are banking on Anthony Edwards fully blossoming into superstardom, and alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, this Big Three has enormous upside. Edwards is coming off a breakout season, where he averaged 25.9 points per game and showcased a willingness to take over in clutch moments. Towns, one of the best shooting big men in NBA history, stretches the defense with his range, while also providing a reliable post presence.

Gobert, meanwhile, anchors the defense, and his elite rim protection has earned him his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award last season. The Timberwolves made the Western Conference Finals last season and if they click with the league’s best defense again, they are a threat to make it there again.

5. Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton

The newly-formed Big Three in Milwaukee is perhaps the most feared offensive trio in the league. Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and one of the most dominant players in the NBA, pairs with Damian Lillard, one of the league’s most clutch scorers, to form a devastating inside-out duo. Giannis is nearly unstoppable when he drives to the rim, averaging 30.4 points and 11.5 rebounds last season, and his defensive versatility keeps Milwaukee in contention.

Adding Lillard, who averaged 24.3 points and 7.0 assists in Portland, gives the Bucks a reliable perimeter scorer who can take over in crunch time. Khris Middleton, the unsung hero of the Bucks’ 2021 title run, fits perfectly alongside them with his ability to create offense and hit big shots when needed. While health has been a concern for both Lillard and Middleton in recent years, if they can stay on the court, this Bucks trio has the potential to reclaim the championship throne.

6. Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon

The 2023 NBA champions enter the 2024-25 season with their Big Three firmly established. Nikola Jokic, the two-time MVP and reigning Finals MVP, is the engine that makes the Nuggets go and will look to win his fourth MVP award. Jamal Murray is always crucial to Denver’s championship hopes and hopes to be better than he was in last season’s playoffs. Together, Jokic and Murray will be able to handle the bulk of the offense.

Aaron Gordon, the third member of this trio, plays a vital role as the defensive anchor and utility man. His willingness to take on the toughest defensive assignments while also thriving in transition and cutting to the basket makes him a perfect complement to Jokic and Murray’s offense. This trio will need to be at their best, especially since the Nuggets lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency this summer.

7. Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams

The Thunder’s young Big Three is among the most exciting in the league, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way as a bona fide superstar. SGA had a breakout 2023-24 season, earning All-NBA First Team honors while averaging 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. Chet Holmgren, entering his second year after missing his rookie season due to injury, provides the Thunder with a potentially elite rim protector and floor-spacer as he looks to make his first All-Star Team.

Jalen Williams, the 2023 Rookie of the Year runner-up, rounds out this trio with his versatility on both ends of the floor. Williams can play multiple positions, defend, and provide secondary playmaking, and could also be looking to make an All-Star push. With playoff experience being the only thing standing in their way, the Thunder are primed for a title run next season.

8. Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell

The Lakers’ Big Three remains anchored by LeBron James, even as he enters the twilight of his legendary career. James, at 39, still posted remarkable numbers last season, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. We also saw hos good he can be in the 2024 Olympics in Paris and is still a top 10 player in the world. Anthony Davis, when healthy, is one of the most dominant two-way players in the league and also a top 10 talent in the NBA. In 2023-24, Davis averaged 24.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game while anchoring one of the league’s top defenses.

D’Angelo Russell, the third piece, provides the Lakers with scoring and playmaking from the point guard position. Though he has had bouts of inconsistency, Russell’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his chemistry with both James and Davis will be vital to the Lakers’ offensive balance. The key to their success in 2024-25 will be health, especially for James and Davis.

9. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane

The Memphis Grizzlies’ young and dynamic Big Three is poised to make noise in the 2024-25 season. Ja Morant will be back and focused on basketball (hopefully) and that spells trouble for every opposing guard in the NBA. The superstar point guard is a part of one of the best cores in the NBA and the Grizzlies have a chance to make noise in the West because of that.

Jaren Jackson Jr is a former Defensive Player of the Year and a game-changer defensively while Desmond Bane, the third member of this trio, is one of the best young shooters in the NBA. Bane averaged 23.7 points per game last season while shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc. Watch out for Memphis because they have one of the best trios in the league and are out to prove it once again.

10. Phoenix Suns: Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal

The Phoenix Suns possess one of the most talented offensive Big Threes in NBA history, with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal forming an unstoppable scoring trio. The problem is, they haven’t translated that to winning after suffering a first-round sweep last season. Durant remains one of the most efficient and deadly scorers in the league, even at 35 years old. In 2023-24, he averaged 27.1 points on 52.3% shooting, showcasing his ability to score effortlessly from anywhere on the court.

Devin Booker, coming off a career year where he averaged 27.1 points and 6.9 assists, is one of the best shooting guards in the league, with a complete offensive game that allows him to take over games at any moment. Bradley Beal adds another elite scorer to the mix, giving Phoenix three players capable of dropping 30 points on any given night. The problem is that Beal has shown a decline in his impact but we are hoping he can return to his All-Star levels and help Phoenix become a legitimate threat in the West.

11. New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Mikal Bridges

The New York Knicks strongly believe in their new and improved Big Three. Jalen Brunson, coming off a superstar 2023-24 season, is the steady hand at point guard and the face of New York basketball right now. Randle is a double-double machine, and while inconsistent in the playoffs, he’s a physical force in the regular season, particularly when his jump shot is falling. The addition of Bridges, one of the league’s premier 3-and-D wings, brings much-needed perimeter defense and scoring versatility to this unit.

This trio’s strength lies in their complementary skills. Brunson’s pick-and-roll game meshes well with Randle’s ability to stretch the floor or bully defenders inside. Meanwhile, Bridges’ length and athleticism on defense give the Knicks the ability to switch across multiple positions, crucial in today’s NBA. If the Knicks’ supporting cast steps up, this Big Three has the potential to make a deep playoff push in the 2024-25 season.

12. Sacramento Kings: De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan

The Sacramento Kings are looking to build on their success from last season by adding veteran wing DeMar DeRozan to the core of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Fox and Sabonis are one of the best guard-center duos in the NBA and the addition of DeRozan can take the Kings over the top, especially with Keegan Murray showing improvements as the fourth option.

DeRozan’s addition should ease the offensive burden on Fox and Sabonis while providing Sacramento with more playoff experience. The key for this trio will be finding cohesion on the defensive end, where all three players have their limitations but expect the Kings to push for a second-round appearance in the playoffs.

13. Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro

Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro have solidified themselves as Miami’s core, even if Butler’s future is uncertain right now. Assuming Butler competes at a superstar level again to prove he can still dominate the court, we can’t discount how good the Heat can be although a lot of what happens depends on Tyler Herro. Herro, the young sharpshooter, brings scoring punch from the perimeter, though injuries have limited his availability in key moments.

This trio has undeniable chemistry, but their success in the 2024-25 season will depend on Herro’s ability to take another step in his development and stay healthy. Butler and Adebayo are already proven stars, but if Herro can emerge as a more consistent third option, Miami will remain a threat in the Eastern Conference.

14. Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner

The Indiana Pacers made the Eastern Conference Finals last season and they are running it back with a deep roster. Tyrese Haliburton, one of the league’s best young playmakers, is the driving force behind the Pacers’ Big Three, with his ability to distribute and score from deep making him a rising star. Pascal Siakam, a proven scorer and two-way player, adds championship experience to the Pacers and is capable of both dominating in the post and stretching the floor.

Myles Turner, a defensive stalwart and elite shot-blocker, provides rim protection and can space the floor with his shooting. This trio has a perfect blend of youth, experience, and defense. Haliburton’s ability to run the offense will benefit both Siakam and Turner, while Turner’s defense will give Siakam more freedom to operate offensively.

15. Cleveland Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley

Cleveland’s young and talented Big Three of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley have the potential to dominate for years to come, but they need to start proving it sooner rather than later. Mitchell is the explosive scorer and playoff-tested leader who can take over games, while Garland, a skilled playmaker and shooter, complements him perfectly in the backcourt. Mobley, one of the league’s most promising young big men, provides elite defense and a growing offensive game, making him a future star on both ends of the floor.

The biggest question for this trio is whether Mobley can make the leap offensively to become a true third star. Defensively, he’s already a game-changer, but if Mobley can expand his scoring arsenal, Cleveland’s ceiling will rise significantly. With Mitchell and Garland’s perimeter firepower and Mobley’s interior presence, this trio has the talent to contend for an Eastern Conference title.

16. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Dejounte Murray

The New Orleans Pelicans boast one of the league’s most intriguing Big Threes with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and newly acquired Dejounte Murray. When healthy, Williamson is a dominant force, and Ingram, a smooth and efficient scorer, provides length and versatility. Murray, a dynamic two-way guard, brings elite perimeter defense and playmaking to balance the offense.

The Pelicans’ success in 2024-25 will depend heavily on Zion’s health, as his availability has been a constant concern. If Williamson can stay on the court, this trio has the potential to be one of the most dangerous in the league, especially considering CJ McCollum and Herb Jones are also providing solid minutes as role players.

17. Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden form a star-studded duo for the Los Angeles Clippers, and Norman Powell provides the complementary third piece with his scoring and defensive capabilities as the Paul George replacement. Leonard remains one of the best two-way players in the league when healthy, though his availability has been a persistent issue.

Harden, while not the MVP-caliber player he once was, still possesses elite playmaking and scoring abilities, especially when operating as the team’s primary ball-handler. Powell adds athleticism and shooting, thriving in his role as a third option. Health will be the biggest factor for this trio in the 2024-25 season. Leonard’s knee issues and Harden’s inconsistency in key moments have raised concerns, but if they can stay healthy and locked in, the Clippers have the firepower to contend.

18. Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga

The Golden State Warriors enter the 2024-25 season with a mixture of old and new in their Big Three, led by Stephen Curry, alongside the ever-reliable Draymond Green and rising star Jonathan Kuminga. Curry remains the engine of this Warriors team and will always have a say in what happens in the West even without the presence of Klay Thompson.

Kuminga, the wildcard, is expected to take a significant leap as he continues to develop into a versatile two-way player. Kuminga’s growth will be key to this trio’s success. While Curry and Green are known quantities, Kuminga’s potential as a dynamic scorer and defender will determine how high this group can climb.

19. Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs

The Orlando Magic’s young Big Three of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs offers tremendous upside as one of the brightest young cores in the league. Banchero, the former Rookie of the Year and bonafide All-Star has already proven himself as a versatile scorer with the ability to dominate games inside and out.

Wagner, a versatile forward, brings size, shooting, and high basketball IQ, making him an ideal running mate for Banchero. Suggs, while still developing as a point guard, adds defensive tenacity and has shown flashes of offensive potential. The Magic made it to Game 7 in the first round so they are hoping to take another leap in the upcoming season.

20. Houston Rockets: Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet

The Houston Rockets want to start winning games and competing in the West but they might be missing a legitimate superstar. Alperen Sengun, a skilled passing big man, has shown flashes of brilliance with his offensive versatility and playmaking from the center position. Jalen Green, one of the most dynamic young scorers in the league, is continuing to grow as a player, but hasn’t proven to be a franchise star as of yet.

Fred VanVleet, the steady veteran point guard and NBA champion, brings experience and a much-needed defensive mindset to this young core. The Rockets core is certainly talented but coach Ime Udoka needs to find a way to make Jalen Green a franchise player because he could be the key to unlocking a different level on the team.

21. Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Clint Capela

Unfortunately, not much is expected from the Atlanta Hawks next season. Trae Young remains one of the league’s premier offensive creators, with his ability to score from deep and set up teammates making him the focal point of the offense. Jalen Johnson is a rising star, known for his athleticism and ability to make plays on both ends of the floor. Clint Capela, one of the NBA’s best rim protectors and rebounders, anchors the defense and thrives as a lob target in the pick-and-roll with Young.

While Young’s offensive brilliance is undeniable, Atlanta’s success hinges on Johnson’s development into a reliable second option and Capela’s ability to continue anchoring the defense. Still, the Hawks won’t be much of a problem in the East and we don’t want to see Trae Young’s talent go to waste.

22. Utah Jazz: Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler

Lauri Markkanen, who has emerged as an All-Star, is a versatile forward with the ability to score from all three levels after signing a max deal to remain with the franchise. Collin Sexton brings relentless energy and scoring punch from the guard position, while Walker Kessler, one of the league’s best young defensive big men, has quickly become a dominant rim protector and rebounder.

For the Jazz to take the next step, Markkanen will need to continue his ascension as a go-to scorer, while Sexton will need to improve as a playmaker. Kessler’s development as an offensive threat will also be key, as his defense is already elite. This trio gives Utah a strong foundation for the future but not quite good enough to be a playoff team.

23. Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller

The Charlotte Hornets’ Big Three features the dynamic playmaking of LaMelo Ball, the athletic scoring of Miles Bridges, and the high-upside potential of youngster Brandon Miller. Ball, one of the league’s flashiest passers, is the engine of the team’s offense, capable of creating for himself and others with ease. Bridges, back with the Hornets, provides scoring and athleticism on the wing, while Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft, is a highly skilled forward with shooting and defensive potential.

The Hornets’ success will depend on Ball’s ability to stay healthy and continue evolving as a leader. Bridges’ reintegration into the team and Miller’s development as a two-way player will also be crucial in determining whether Charlotte can leap out of the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

24. Chicago Bulls: Zach LaVine, Coby White, Nikola Vucevic

The Chicago Bulls’ Big Three of Zach LaVine, Coby White, and Nikola Vucevic offers scoring and offensive versatility, though questions remain about the team’s overall ceiling. LaVine is a high-flying scorer who can take over games with his shooting and athleticism but his injuries have been piling up too much. Coby White has emerged as a capable playmaker and scorer at the guard position and finished second in the Most Improved Player of the Year rankings last year.

Nikola Vucevic, an experienced big man, provides reliable scoring in the post and solid rebounding but has struggled at times defensively. This core might not be together for long but until then, they still have enough talent to not be pushovers.

25. Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley

The Toronto Raptors’ trio will be decent but unspectacular in the 2024-25 NBA season. Scottie Barnes, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, has the potential to be an elite two-way player with his size, athleticism, and basketball IQ. Barrett, a scoring wing, brings toughness and has improved as a shooter and defender. Quickley, one of the league’s rising young guards, adds dynamic scoring and playmaking to the backcourt.

This trio’s success will hinge on Barnes’ continued development as a go-to offensive player and leader, while Barrett will need to become a more efficient scorer. Quickley’s role as a playmaker and secondary scorer will also be critical to Toronto’s offense but they will need time to prove they can be good enough to lead the team to the postseason.

26. San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Chris Paul

The San Antonio Spurs’ Big Three, featuring the generational talent of Victor Wembanyama, the two-way potential of Devin Vassell, and the veteran leadership of Chris Paul, is an exciting mix of youth and experience. We expect Wembanyama to become a bonafide superstar next season and he will benefit from Chris Paul’s veteran presence.

The Spurs’ future will depend on Wembanyama’s development into a franchise cornerstone and Vassell’s ability to become a consistent scorer. Paul’s role as a mentor will be critical in helping the young Spurs navigate their growth, and while they may not be immediate contenders, this trio has tremendous potential to lead San Antonio back to prominence.

27. Portland Trail Blazers: Deandre Ayton, Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant

We don’t expect much from the Portland Trail Blazers’ core next season, and the reasons are obvious. Deandre Ayton is good but not great. Anfernee Simons can score but can’t do much else at a high level, and Jerami Grant is a win-now player on a tanking team.

This trio likely won’t gel as each player belongs in different situations, especially as Simons grows into a leadership role and Ayton looks to unlock his full potential. The Trail Blazers won’t be great next season and we expect the franchise to move on from Jerami Grant and other players at some point.

28. Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

The Pistons don’t have a great team and everybody knows it. The core looks better with Tobias Harris on board but it isn’t enough to make them a threat in the Eastern Conference even if Cade Cunningham becomes an All-Star. There simply isn’t enough dominance on both ends of the court despite the growing inside presence of big man Jalen Duren.

Cunningham will appreciate having Harris on the court with him since the forward is experienced and can space the floor enough. Even with a slight improvement in the roster, expect the Pistons to fall to the bottom of the Eastern Conference again with a chance to tank for more first-round picks in the future.

29. Washington Wizards: Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Poole, Alex Sarr

Kyle Kuzma is a fringe All-Star but that isn’t enough to make the Washington Wizards competitive in the Eastern Conference. Jordan Poole was supposed to be the go-to star on the team but has not proved himself since leaving the Golden State Warriors. Kuzma and Poole should be good enough to make a team competitive but the latter hasn’t developed well enough.

Alex Sarr needs to prove why he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft because there are major doubts about that. The big man has the tools necessary to be an impact player in his first season but until he does, the Wizards will likely have one of the worst Big Threes in the NBA.

30. Brooklyn Nets: Cam Thomas, Cam Johnson, Nic Claxton

Unfortunately, the Brooklyn Nets have the worst Big Three in the NBA. Cam Thomas is a budding scorer and the best talent on the team, especially since Ben Simmons has basically disappeared from the face of the NBA. Thomas averaged 20.8 points per game last season and hopes to improve his numbers next year.

Cam Johnson is a starting-caliber forward in the NBA who can space the floor and run on the break so he fits well alongside Nic Claxton. Brooklyn might be rebuilding after the experiment of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving failed, so we don’t expect their top three players to lead the team to a playoff appearance. 

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