NBA Draft day is here, bringing with it anticipation, potential surprises, and, of course, plenty of trade rumors. As teams finalize their boards and prepare to make selections, our final 2025 NBA Mock Draft offers a comprehensive look at how all 59 picks could shake out, synthesizing expert analysis, scouting reports, key combine measurements, and the latest intel from around the league regarding potential moves.
Front office executives are reportedly anticipating significant trade activity, with teams looking to maneuver up or down the board. This mock draft incorporates that buzz, offering insights into which picks might be on the block and who teams could be targeting.
Let’s dive into the projections, starting with the top of the lottery:
The Lottery: Top Talent & Key Decisions (Picks 1-14)
- Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
- San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
- Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
- Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel, G/F, Duke
- Utah Jazz: Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
- Washington Wizards: Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
- New Orleans Pelicans: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
- Brooklyn Nets: Tre Johnson, G, Texas
- Toronto Raptors: Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm
- Phoenix Suns: Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
- Portland Trail Blazers: Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
- Chicago Bulls: Derik Queen, C, Maryland
- Atlanta Hawks: Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija
- San Antonio Spurs: Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
- Memphis Grizzlies: Cedric Coward, G, Washington State
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
- Washington Wizards: Egor Demin, G, BYU
- Brooklyn Nets: Nolan Traoré, G, France
- Miami Heat: Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida
- Utah Jazz: Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia (Duplicate from Pick 14 in one source, listing here as projected by another source)
- Atlanta Hawks: Hugo Gonzalez, F, Spain (Another potential pick for the Hawks as they figure out direction)
- New Orleans Pelicans: Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida (Duplicate from Pick 20 in one source, listing here as projected by another source)
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford
- Orlando Magic: Liam McNeeley, F, UConn
- Brooklyn Nets: Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
- Brooklyn Nets: Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s
- Boston Celtics: Drake Powell, W, North Carolina
- Phoenix Suns: Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
- Los Angeles Clippers: Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
- Hawks: Previously tried to trade into the top five, indicating an aggressive approach.
- sports.yahoo.com
- ftw.usatoday.com
- news.yahoo.com
- news.yahoo.com
- www.on3.com
The consensus remains strong: Flagg is the unquestioned top prospect and the likely choice for Dallas. A versatile forward known for his hustle, passing, and improved shooting, he impressed in his workout with the Mavericks. Flagg is seen as the safest No. 1 pick in recent memory, bringing elite offensive and defensive potential. His path to superstardom hinges on his development as a shot creator.
San Antonio is expected to keep this pick despite entertaining offers. Sources suggest the Spurs are demanding a steep price unless a bona fide superstar becomes available. Harper, a big-bodied lefty combo guard, boasts a high floor with skill, poise, and playmaking instincts. While he has star upside, concerns about his shooting consistency (particularly off the dribble) raise questions about his fit alongside Victor Wembanyama, though his dynamic scoring at the rim is a clear asset.
Edgecombe appears to be the favorite here, although some executives suspect the 76ers might use this pick for leverage or even trade it for veteran help. Edgecombe is an explosive, high-motor wing with elite athleticism and a knockdown spot-up jumper. He’s a fearless slasher who could benefit from developing alongside established creators in Philadelphia. He impressed the team in workouts and is one of the few freshmen combining strong dunking and three-point shooting numbers.
Assuming Edgecombe is off the board, Knueppel is a strong candidate. The ACC tournament MVP is projected as a sharp-shooting wing with intelligent playmaking ability out of the pick-and-roll. Seen as a player who can immediately fit between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, his crafty scoring extends to the mid-range and interior, though average athleticism might cap his potential as a primary scoring threat. He emphasizes impacting winning through “little things” like defense and boxing out.
With Austin Ainge now GM, speculation links Utah heavily to Fears, who Ainge reportedly favors. Fears is viewed as a potential point guard of the future – a dynamic attacker with clutch shooting ability. Despite being one of the youngest freshmen (leading to some shaky decision-making), his feel for shot creation and handle give him star potential over time. The Pelicans and Nets are noted as teams with trade interest in this pick.
Ace Bailey is potentially falling slightly in mock drafts, perhaps linked to his Combine measurements, but he’s unlikely to slide far. NBA executives often project him here if available. Bailey is known as a prolific shot-maker, capable of hitting contested jumpers with a confident scoring approach. While his raw skills and defense need refinement, the rebuilding Wizards could offer him immediate scoring opportunities to develop his enticing offensive talent. His teammate Dylan Harper describes him as tall, lanky, twitchy, and a constant threat.
The Pelicans are identified as highly active in trade talks, reportedly seeking to move up for Ace Bailey. If Bailey is gone, Maluach is a likely target. A towering center with nearly a 7’7″ wingspan, he’s a high-upside rim protector with switchable mobility. Offensively raw beyond finishing lobs, he requires development but his defensive presence and high upside make him a popular trade-up target for other teams as well.
Johnson is a player projected to “slip” slightly despite being a natural scorer and SEC Freshman of the Year. A clutch shot-maker from anywhere on the floor, he’s effective with step-backs and off-screen action, difficult to stop in transition. However, he needs to develop point guard skills, improve shot selection, and significantly boost his defensive impact. The Nets, holding five first-round picks, have flexibility to build a young roster or use picks in trades.
Some sources project Essengue here, citing a prior visit. Others believe the Raptors are more likely to trade down with teams like the Thunder and Grizzlies interested in moving up. If they stay, Essengue is a high-upside project – the second-youngest player projected in the first round – known for a fluid handle, dynamic finishing, and defensive versatility, ranking high in Eurocup defensive impact. His jumper consistency is key to his long-term role.
The Suns, seen as getting positive value in the Kevin Durant trade aftermath that yielded this pick, are expected to prioritize defense. Arizona product Bryant fits the mold: a rangy, athletic forward who projects as a versatile defender. Though raw with the ball, he’s a skilled spot-up shooter and smart cutter. He’s viewed as having the baseline skills for a great role player with potential for more. Measured near a 7′ wingspan and studies players like Toumani Camara.
Fitting Portland’s theme of improving defense, Murray-Boyles is described as a “defensive savant.” He boasts quick hands, strong rebounding, and interior finishing. Undersized for a non-shooting big, his impact is primarily on the defensive end. Improving his jumper is crucial for his offensive role.
Widely expected to target a frontcourt player, the Bulls could select local product Queen. The Big Ten Freshman of the Year is a strong big man with impressive guard-like handles and interior offensive potential, including playmaking and rebounding. While his athletic testing was less impressive, he plays at his own pace. Developing perimeter shooting is key to unlocking star upside. His unique offensive package might require teams to build sets around him.
The Hawks, who reportedly sought to trade into the top five before acquiring Kristaps Porziņģis (in a separate trade), need direction under new leadership. Beringer is a raw, athletic European big man drawing mid-first-round interest. He excels as a rim-runner and shot-blocker with natural talents despite starting basketball late. His defensive versatility due to guard-like quickness makes him enticing, though he’s not expected to be a floor-spacing center.
Adding center depth and lineup flexibility around Wembanyama seems likely. Newell is an athletic forward/center capable of dunking lobs and blocking shots, projecting as a versatile defender despite his youth. The SEC All-Freshman has shown developing three-point range and high energy. He worked out for the Grizzlies, indicating interest extends beyond the Spurs.
Mid-to-Late First Round: Depth and Upside (Picks 15-30)
With a stacked roster and future picks, OKC could consolidate. If they keep this pick, Sorber is an option. An analytics favorite before injury, he offers strong defensive presence with a 7’6″ wingspan. He values defense highly and has drawn interest inside the top 20.
Following a trade involving Desmond Bane, Memphis could target backcourt help. Coward, a fascinating prospect who turned pro instead of transferring, offers a developing 3-and-D skillset with passing vision. Rising from Division III, he shot 40% from three and showed impressive Combine athleticism (7’2″ wingspan, 38.5″ vertical).
The oldest projected first-rounder, Clifford is seen as ready to contribute immediately. A tough, versatile wing who can fill multiple roles, defend multiple positions, rebound, and score. His do-it-all nature impacts winning, though his experience against top competition is noted due to age and conference.
Demin offers rare passing ability for his size, potentially adding another jumbo ball-handler. However, he struggles against size and shooting consistency is a concern, making him a divisive prospect with a wide draft range. His poor performance against top competition raises flags. Linked to Utah Jazz due to connections.
Traoré is an excellent playmaker named BCL Best Young Player. He finished strong after a slow start and could become a special point guard if consistent. He’s worked out for multiple teams, including the Suns.
The Final Four MOP, Clayton could be an exception to the rule regarding older, undersized guards going early. He’s seen as someone who can reliably “get a bucket.”
Excellent size measurements (7’1″+, 9’2″+ standing reach) and high per-game stats (points, rebounds, 3s). A standout in Combine scrimmages, Raynaud could be a stash candidate for the Thunder as they consolidate their roster.
Big East Freshman of the Year who showed flashes of high potential, including a 38-point game. Seen as solid value at this spot, potentially going higher.
A do-it-all big man who led college players 6’10″+ in assists. A gifted playmaker for his size, though translation to the NBA is questioned. Feedback on him is reportedly mixed.
A pleasantly surprising prospect with great positional size and shooting feel. The only player in college with 40+ dunks and 50+ threes. High wingspan and standing reach at the Combine.
A big Combine winner with high vertical measurements. Had a limited college role, making this pick a bet on his upside. Reportedly worked out for the Celtics.
Thiero brings athleticism and defensive potential to the forward spot, fitting the Suns’ need for defense.
Excellent size and per-game stats, projects as a defensive presence.
The Second Round: Finding Value and Stash Candidates (Picks 31-59)
The second round is notoriously unpredictable, often featuring international stash candidates, older prospects ready to contribute, and players with niche skills or intriguing upside who slipped through the first round. While detailed analysis for every pick is less common, here’s a look at the projected second-round landscape:
Picks 31-35: Players like Noah Penda (France), Tyrese Proctor (Duke), Drake Powell (UNC – listed higher in other mocks), Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State – a Combine riser), and Alex Toohey (Australia).
Picks 36-40: Including Adou Thiero (Arkansas – also listed higher), John Tonje (Wisconsin), Sion James (Duke), Rocco Zikarsky (Australia), and Chaz Lanier (Tennessee).
Picks 41-45: Potential picks like Johni Broome (Auburn), Hansen Yang (China), Dink Pate (G-League), Bogoljub Markovic (Serbia), and Kam Jones (Marquette).
Picks 46-50: Featuring Alijah Martin (Florida), Javon Small (West Virginia), Jamir Watkins (Florida State), Max Shulga (VCU), and Brice Williams (Nebraska).
Picks 51-59: Completing the draft are players like Lachlan Olbrich (Australia), Koby Brea (Kentucky), Eric Dixon (Villanova), Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga), Tamar Bates (Missouri), Brooks Barnhizer (Northwestern), Vlad Goldin (Michigan), Amari Williams (Kentucky), and Chucky Hepburn (Louisville). Note that the Knicks forfeited a pick in this range.
Many of these second-rounders offer specific skills or high-upside swings for teams looking to fill out rosters or develop talent internationally.
Draft Day Trade Outlook
Trade discussions are a major part of the pre-draft landscape. Several teams are widely reported to be active:
New Orleans Pelicans: Actively trying to trade up, reportedly targeting Ace Bailey. They also show interest in the #5 pick held by Utah.
Brooklyn Nets: Holding five first-round picks, they have flexibility to trade up, trade down, or package picks for established players. They are interested in the #5 pick.
San Antonio Spurs: While entertaining offers for the #2 pick, sources indicate they demand a high return, making a trade unlikely unless a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available. They also hold the #14 pick.
Philadelphia 76ers: Reportedly open to trading the #3 pick for veteran help as they push for contention.
Toronto Raptors: Some sources believe they are more likely to trade down from #9, with interest from teams like OKC and Memphis.
Oklahoma City Thunder & Memphis Grizzlies: Both teams are mentioned as having interest in trading up, potentially targeting picks in the 8-10 range.
Utah Jazz: Have trade interest in their #5 pick from New Orleans and Brooklyn.
Draft day promises to be dynamic, with teams leveraging assets to find the right fits or acquire star talent. The predictions laid out here represent the current consensus and latest intel, but the league’s appetite for trades could certainly shift the final outcome for many of these projected picks.
