The second round of the 2025 NBA draft delivered exactly what fans have come to expect from Day 2: a whirlwind of unexpected trades, strategic moves, and the hopeful search for hidden gems. Held at Barclays Center, this segment of the draft often lacks the star power of the lottery. However, it provides a fertile ground for teams looking to find future rotation players or even All-Stars. Historically, second-round selections like Nikola Jokic (No. 41), Draymond Green (No. 35), and Manu Ginobili (No. 57) have profoundly impacted championship runs. Even a talent like Jalen Brunson (No. 33) slipped into the second round before becoming an All-NBA player elsewhere. This history fuels the ambition of front offices hoping to unearth their own draft-night miracle from the final 29 picks.
Second Round Strategies: Chasing Targets and Stacking Assets
Day 2 in Brooklyn was characterized by an active trade market, with reports indicating up to eight deals occurring throughout the evening. Many teams entered the round with specific players in mind. They were willing to maneuver up the board to secure them. Other organizations took advantage of the fluidity to accumulate future draft capital or swap assets. The Phoenix Suns emerged as the most active team. They engineered multiple trades to land their preferred targets.
The Suns’ Relentless Pursuit
The Phoenix Suns wasted no time reshaping their roster. Fresh off reported discussions surrounding a Kevin Durant trade, Phoenix focused on acquiring draft picks. They initiated their second-round activity by acquiring the No. 36 pick from the Brooklyn Nets. This move was short-lived. The Suns quickly flipped the No. 36 selection, reportedly bundled with picks No. 52 and No. 59 and two future second-rounders, to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In exchange, Phoenix moved up to claim the No. 31 and No. 41 picks.
With the newly acquired No. 31 pick, the Suns selected Rasheer Fleming, a forward from St. Joseph’s. Fleming was notably ranked as the top available player on ESPN analyst Jay Bilas’ board entering the second round. Fleming expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating he felt wanted by the organization. Later in the night, the Suns utilized the No. 41 pick, originally held by Golden State and routed through Minnesota, to draft Kentucky wing Koby Brea. Brea also shared his excitement about joining a team that specifically targeted him. The Suns’ aggressive approach underscored a clear intent to upgrade their roster with specific players.
Notable Picks and Complex Trade Routes
Beyond the Suns’ activity, the second round saw several other significant transactions and selections. These moves further highlighted the strategic depth required on Day 2. Teams aim to find value where others might overlook it.
Shifting Picks and Player Destinations
The Boston Celtics initially held the No. 32 pick. However, French forward Noah Penda, whom they were expected to draft, ended up heading to the Orlando Magic. This trade saw the Celtics receive picks No. 46 and No. 57, along with second-rounders in 2026 and 2027. This complex exchange allowed Orlando to add Penda while Boston restocked its future draft cupboard. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets stayed put at picks No. 33 and No. 34. They selected Sion James from Duke and Ryan Kalkbrenner from Creighton, respectively. The Philadelphia 76ers added frontcourt depth at No. 35 by drafting Johni Broome from Auburn. He could provide support behind star center Joel Embiid.
The No. 36 pick became part of an even more intricate multi-team deal. Originally with Brooklyn, then traded to Phoenix, this pick was used to select Arkansas forward Adou Thiero. However, Thiero’s draft rights ultimately landed with the Los Angeles Lakers. The complex transaction saw the Nets receive two future second-round picks from the Suns. The Lakers acquired Thiero’s rights by sending the No. 45 pick (used for Rocco Zikarsky) and cash to Brooklyn. The Timberwolves also gained draft capital in the overall shuffle. Thiero voiced his excitement about joining the storied Lakers franchise.
The Rise of International Talent
The 2025 NBA Draft continued a strong trend of international players entering the league. A near-record 23 international prospects from 15 countries were selected. This included 11 players taken in the second round. Europe produced 13 draftees overall, highlighting its growing influence.
France set a new record with six players drafted. This included three first-rounders and three second-round selections like Noah Penda, Maxime Raynaud, and Mohamed Diawara. This marks consecutive years with significant French representation. Australia also saw a resurgence with three players selected, the most since 1997. Second-round Australian picks included Rocco Zikarsky (No. 45) and Lachlan Olbrich (No. 59). Four alumni from NBA Academies around the world were also drafted, demonstrating the impact of those development programs.
Other international players selected in the second round hailed from countries like the United Kingdom (Amari Williams, No. 46), Serbia (Bogoljub Markovic, No. 47), and Ukraine (Max Shulga, No. 57). Many of these players bring diverse professional or high-level international experience, adding different dimensions to team rosters. Their presence underscores the global scouting efforts of NBA teams and the increasing pool of talent outside the United States.
Searching for Value and Potential
The second round isn’t just about trades and international flair. It’s about finding players who can outperform their draft slot. Teams look for prospects who might fill specific needs or possess untapped potential. For instance, the Oklahoma City Thunder, known for their shrewd drafting, added versatile big man Thomas Sorber outside the lottery. He can develop within their defensive system. The Orlando Magic secured Jase Richardson at No. 25 (technically late first, but relevant context) who fits their need for playmaking and shooting.
While first-rounders like Cooper Flagg (Mavericks, No. 1) and Dylan Harper (Spurs, No. 2) dominate headlines, the second round offers opportunities for different kinds of players. Prospects taken later often face uncertainty, needing to leverage Summer League performance into guaranteed contracts. The average NBA career is just over four seasons. Finding even a solid role player in the second round is a significant success. The strategic decisions made on Day 2, from complex trade trees to specific player selections, reflect teams’ ongoing efforts to build sustainable rosters and uncover future stars. The class of 2025’s second-rounders will now begin their journey, hoping to become the next unlikely success story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What notable trades happened in the 2025 NBA Draft second round?
The second round saw extensive trade activity involving numerous teams. The Phoenix Suns were central, trading with the Nets to get No. 36, then flipping it along with other assets to the Timberwolves for picks No. 31 and No. 41. The Celtics traded No. 32 (Noah Penda’s original destination) to the Magic for two second-rounders and future picks. A complex multi-team deal saw Adou Thiero selected at No. 36 via Brooklyn’s pick, but his rights ultimately went to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for No. 45 and cash, also involving Minnesota gaining picks.
Which teams were most active in making trades during the 2025 NBA Draft second round?
The Phoenix Suns were the clear leaders in trade activity during the second round. They reportedly orchestrated multiple trades to move up the board. Their primary goal was to acquire specific players like Rasheer Fleming at No. 31 and Koby Brea at No. 41. Their willingness to trade multiple assets, including future draft picks, showcased a focused strategy to acquire players they highly valued on Day 2.
What does the success of past second-round picks mean for the value of 2025 second-round selections?
The historical success of players drafted in the second round, such as Nikola Jokic, Draymond Green, and Manu Ginobili, highlights the potential value hidden late in the draft. This history elevates the importance of second-round selections as teams see the possibility of finding impactful, All-Star, or even MVP-level talent. While many second-rounders don’t reach this level, the proven track record of finding significant players motivates teams to invest scouting resources and assets into Day 2 of the draft.
The second round of the 2025 NBA Draft was a dynamic display of team strategy and talent acquisition. From the Phoenix Suns’ aggressive pursuit of targets through trades to the selection of a large contingent of international players, Day 2 was full of important decisions. While the first round garners more headlines, the depth found in the second round is crucial for roster building. These prospects, selected under the bright lights of Barclays Center, now embark on their professional careers hoping to outperform expectations and become valuable contributors in the league. The search for the next great hidden gem continues year after year.
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