2025 NBA Mock Draft: Pick Predictions Off Trades, New Intel

1. Dallas Mavericks

Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke

Year: Freshman
TS%: 60.0
Height (barefoot): 6-7¾ | Weight: 221
Standing Reach: 8-10½ | Wingspan: 7-0

Cooper Flagg visited Dallas ahead of the draft, exploring the city and team facilities. He also participated in an on-court workout, making a strong impression on the Mavericks` leadership. Expectations remain high for him to be the number one pick, a significant stroke of luck for Dallas, which jumped from the 11th position in the lottery.

Expected to debut in the NBA at just 18, Flagg is poised to make an immediate contribution to a Mavericks team aiming for competitiveness in the 2025-26 season. Dallas hopes that joining a winning environment will accelerate his development, especially as Kyrie Irving recovers from an ACL tear, creating a need for playmaking early next season. The league will be watching closely to see the immediate impact of Flagg`s versatile two-way game as he starts his professional career with high expectations. — Woo

2. San Antonio Spurs

Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers

Year: Freshman
TS%: 59.3
Height (barefoot): 6-4½ | Weight: 213
Standing Reach: 8-6 | Wingspan: 6-10½

Dylan Harper is almost certain to be the second pick, with opposing teams noting that the Spurs have shown no interest in trade discussions. The franchise is adopting a patient strategy to build its roster around Victor Wembanyama, viewing Harper as another core player. Harper has visited the Spurs in San Antonio and hosted their front office privately, reportedly showing great enthusiasm for joining the historic franchise as it seeks to return to championship contention.

The 19-year-old`s combination of physical size, ability to create shots, passing skills, and finishing at the rim makes him the kind of lead guard and offensive driver highly valued in today`s NBA. His robust build appears well-suited for the physical demands of playoff basketball. The difficulty in acquiring players with these traits has made the Spurs hesitant to pass up the chance to add Harper. — Givony

3. Philadelphia 76ers

VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor

Year: Freshman
TS%: 56.1
Height (barefoot): 6-4 | Weight: 193
Standing Reach: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-7½

VJ Edgecombe is expected to be drafted at number three, primarily due to his unique talent. However, Ace Bailey`s apparent preference to avoid teams in this draft range complicates the situation for the 76ers, who might end up selecting a player seemingly unwilling to play for them.

According to sources, Edgecombe seemed nervous during his private workout in Philadelphia and did not shoot particularly well in the unfamiliar one-on-one environment. Despite this, he made a strong positive impression during interviews and meetings, aspects the front office reportedly values highly.

Similar to Harper in San Antonio, Edgecombe`s fit in the 76ers` backcourt alongside Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain may not be seamless. Nevertheless, his high-level explosiveness offers significant untapped potential, along with promising glimpses of his ability as a passer, shooter, and defender. — Givony

4. Charlotte Hornets

Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke

Year: Freshman
TS%: 64.8
Height (barefoot): 6-5 | Weight: 219
Standing Reach: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-6¼

If Edgecombe, reportedly high on the Hornets` list, is taken at number three, Charlotte will likely decide between exploring trade-down options or choosing from players like Knueppel, Jeremiah Fears, Ace Bailey, and Tre Johnson. The fact that Fears and Bailey have not worked out for the Hornets does not seem to be a major obstacle in their decision-making process.

Rival teams believe the Hornets will ultimately prioritize Knueppel`s strong perimeter shooting, playmaking, and leadership qualities, along with his good fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Choosing Knueppel would represent a safer pick for the Hornets, following their higher-risk selection of Tidjane Salaun at number six in the previous year`s draft.

Knueppel is rated highly in analytics-based draft models, but the Hornets might consider whether they could still draft him even if they trade down a few spots and acquire additional assets. — Givony

5. Utah Jazz

Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma

Year: Freshman
TS%: 57.0
Height (barefoot): 6-2½ | Weight: 179
Standing Reach: 8-2½ | Wingspan: 6-5¼

Under the new leadership of Austin Ainge, the Jazz are unlikely to be tied to previous draft picks who haven`t proven themselves as long-term core players.

Given the Jazz`s significant need for star power, selecting a talent like Jeremiah Fears makes sense. He had an outstanding season at Oklahoma despite being one of the youngest players in college basketball at 18. His blend of size, speed, pace, and ability to make and create shots provides significant long-term potential. He can effectively drive to create opportunities for teammates, finish skillfully in the paint, or draw fouls.

The Jazz recently had their first private workout look at Fears. He is also reported to be drawing considerable interest from New Orleans and Brooklyn at picks 7 and 8 if he isn`t selected here. The Hornets haven`t ruled out picking him at number 4 either, despite having LaMelo Ball as a starting point guard. — Givony

6. Washington Wizards

Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers

Year: Freshman
TS%: 54.0
Height (barefoot): 6-7½ | Weight: 202
Standing Reach: 8-11 | Wingspan: 7-0½

Ace Bailey, ranked number 3 on our big board, is the only U.S. prospect who has not yet visited an NBA team facility. He continues to decline workout invitations from Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Utah, seemingly preferring teams outside the top five, specifically Washington, New Orleans, and Brooklyn at picks 6-8. This potential slide could cost him between $10 million and $15 million on his first contract.

Bailey`s camp states they feel `confident going into the draft process,` which most NBA teams interpret as having received assurances from a team considered more advantageous for Bailey`s long-term prospects, considering factors like location, playing time, role, opportunity, and development.

However, this situation is not unprecedented. Last year, Alex Sarr appeared to discourage Atlanta from picking him first and ultimately dropped to Washington at number 2, just as he had hoped.

Despite the negative attention this move has generated, rival agents are closely watching Bailey`s strategy, recognizing the clear advantages of guiding clients to more favorable situations with the goal of maximizing long-term earning potential. Bailey could potentially recover the money lost on his first contract with a significantly larger second contract, especially if he reaches his very high ceiling as an All-Star caliber shot-creating wing. — Givony

7. New Orleans Pelicans

Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

Year: Freshman
TS%: 74.7
Height (barefoot): 7-0¾ | Weight: 252
Standing Reach: 9-6 | Wingspan: 7-6¾

Opposing teams still wonder if the Pelicans might try to trade up for Ace Bailey, but if both he and Jeremiah Fears are unavailable, Khaman Maluach appears to be a strong consideration here. Also viewed as an option for the Nets at number 8, some teams see Maluach as the player most likely among the second-tier prospects (picks 3-8) to experience a slight drop if a surprising pick occurs earlier, though likely only a few spots.

Maluach addresses a clear need many teams have: a true center who can anchor the defense in the paint and possesses significant potential for physical and skill development. He plays with tremendous intensity and is highly regarded by coaches and teammates for his positive off-court qualities.

His ability to protect the rim, cover ground in various pick-and-roll defenses, and provide vertical spacing as a roll man and cutter who sprints aggressively in transition will be appealing to any team looking for a center to build around long-term.

There have also been persistent rumors surrounding Derik Queen in the last 24 hours. Teams point to long-standing connections between senior vice president of basketball operations Troy Weaver and prospects from the DMV area (DC/Maryland/Virginia), as well as the fact that Weaver`s son, Thomas, was a Graduate Assistant on Maryland`s coaching staff this past season. Weaver was part of the Wizards front office until April, giving him a direct view of Queen`s impressive skill level and overall talent at Maryland throughout the season. — Givony

8. Brooklyn Nets

Tre Johnson, SG, Texas

Year: Freshman
TS%: 56.1
Height (barefoot): 6-4¾ | Weight: 190
Standing Reach: 8-5 | Wingspan: 6-10¼

Many teams have viewed Tre Johnson as having a somewhat limited range for selection, between picks 4 and 6. However, there are realistic scenarios, like this one, where he could slip outside that range.

Although this would be a slight drop for Johnson, most around the league would be surprised to see him fall past this spot. He remains part of a loosely agreed-upon group of players in the 3-8 range and would be a strong candidate for the best available player for the Nets. Brooklyn now holds five first-round picks after acquiring the 22nd pick from the Hawks in the three-team trade involving Kristaps Porzingis.

The Nets are signaling to other teams that they are unlikely to trade down from this pick, as they are guaranteed to land a player they`ve targeted throughout the draft process. The front office is not deterred by the possibility of adding five first-rounders, a scenario that is currently plausible. There is significant opportunity in Brooklyn for young players to compete for immediate playing time under a coaching staff led by Jordi Fernandez, which is open to developing young talent. — Givony and Woo

9. Toronto Raptors

Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm

Origin: Germany | TS%: 61.1
Height (barefoot): 6-10 | Weight: 204
Standing Reach: 9-2 | Wingspan: 7-1

Essengue`s pre-draft journey officially began when he left Ulm after Game 3 of the German league playoffs. He traveled to Toronto for a private workout before heading to New York for media day for green room participants. He is also expected to meet with the Nets in New York and has drawn considerable interest from the Suns, who could select him if he falls to number 10.

Essengue`s length, mobility, and defensive versatility align well with the Raptors` team identity, even though his inconsistent perimeter shooting could present challenges in effectively spacing the floor for players like Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. His youth, physical tools, two-way potential, and rapid improvement this season suggest a high ceiling that would appeal to some teams in this part of the draft. — Givony

10. Phoenix Suns (via Houston)

Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona

Year: Freshman | TS%: 59.9
Height (barefoot): 6-6½ | Weight: 214
Standing Reach: 8-10 | Wingspan: 6-11¾

Bryant has had a positive pre-draft process and appears to be headed for the late lottery. Phoenix has shown interest since trading into the number 10 spot, and Toronto at number 9 and Atlanta at number 13 are also strongly linked as potential landing spots.

Other teams in the league have been trying to understand the Suns` strategy since they acquired this pick by sending Kevin Durant to the Rockets. With three high-usage scorers in Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and now Jalen Green joining the team, some rival teams expect Phoenix to target a defense-oriented frontcourt player who can complement their potentially complex backcourt situation. Bryant and Collin Murray-Boyles fit this profile and are seen as possibilities for the Suns.

Although Bryant is not expected to create much offense on his own in the near future, his ability to shoot from distance, contribute as a passer, and defend multiple positions gives him a realistic path to becoming a regular part of the lineup. — Woo

11. Portland Trail Blazers

Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois

Year: Freshman | TS%: 59.8
Height (barefoot): 6-4¾ | Weight: 205
Standing Reach: 8-3½ | Wingspan: 6-7¾

Given that many teams in this range don`t have pressing backcourt needs, combined with uncertainty around potential trades, it has been difficult to confidently predict a landing spot for Jakucionis. Most projections place him in the 11-14 range, with the Trail Blazers and Bulls viewed as potential destinations.

After Portland traded Anfernee Simons and brought in veteran guard Jrue Holiday, clearing space for Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe to develop in the backcourt, there might be more opportunity for Portland to cultivate a younger guard, especially one who can effectively space the floor. The emergence of Donovan Clingan makes it unlikely the Blazers will target a center with this pick.

Jakucionis` unselfishness, playmaking, and size, which allows him to play both on and off the ball, make him a relatively smooth fit in most situations, with long-term upside considering he recently turned 19. — Woo

12. Chicago Bulls

Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina

Year: Sophomore | TS%: 64.0
Height (barefoot): 6-6½ | Weight: 239
Standing Reach: 8-10 | Wingspan: 7-0¾

Pinpointing Murray-Boyles` draft range is challenging, with most estimates placing him between picks 10 and 16. This range includes several teams influenced by analytics: Atlanta, Oklahoma City, and Memphis. NBA teams report that Murray-Boyles scores historically well in their draft models due to his strong passing, ability to draw fouls, effective 2-point shooting, defensive playmaking, and youth, traits appealing to several teams in this range.

Chicago has a clear long-term need in the frontcourt, with Nikola Vucevic in the final year of his contract and no big men currently considered long-term fixtures. Joan Beringer, Derik Queen, Danny Wolf, and Thomas Sorber are seen as potential options. However, there is also speculation that the Bulls might simply select the best available player if a guard like Kasparas Jakucionis is still on the board.

Murray-Boyles` toughness, unselfishness, defensive versatility, and playmaking provide him with a high floor, even if his lack of size and perimeter shooting might limit his fit in certain lineup combinations. — Givony

13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)

Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU

Year: Freshman | TS%: 51.3
Height (barefoot): 6-9¼ | Weight: 199
Standing Reach: 8-9½ | Wingspan: 6-10¼

Demin is another player whose draft position has been difficult to determine, having worked out for most teams in the top 20. Teams believe he is a possibility for Toronto, Portland, and Chicago, as well as a potential dark horse target for Brooklyn. However, he might slip past that range, in which case a team like the Hawks could simply take a chance on him based on a “best available” approach.

Atlanta made a significant move with the acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team deal involving Boston and Brooklyn. This trade also sent the 22nd pick from the Hawks to the Nets. This development makes it less likely that Atlanta will target a big man with this pick, as Porzingis effectively replaces Clint Capela`s minutes and provides a significantly different look in the frontcourt.

Given his size, Demin`s potential versatility as a perimeter playmaker stands out within this draft class. The improvement of his jump shot, something he has aimed to demonstrate privately, is one of the key development areas for his potential. — Woo

14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)

Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija

Origin: Adriatic | TS%: 61.5
Height (barefoot): 6-11 | Weight: 235
Standing Reach: 9-3 | Wingspan: 7-4½

Beringer has had a busy schedule since arriving in the U.S. after his season concluded in Slovenia. He has conducted workouts with Chicago, Brooklyn, San Antonio, Atlanta, Memphis, Minnesota, and Houston, covering the range from picks 8 to 19.

The Spurs appear to be patiently building their roster. At this stage of the draft, they might look to add frontcourt depth, selecting another rim protector to play alongside Victor Wembanyama and strengthen their interior defense.

Beringer`s official measurements, taken recently, show he has grown an inch and a half in the past year and now stands over 7 feet in shoes. His measurements are similar to those of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Myles Turner at the same age, which helps explain why he is ranked as the draft`s best shot blocker. — Givony

15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami)

Derik Queen, C, Maryland

Year: Freshman | TS%: 60.0
Height (barefoot): 6-9¼ | Weight: 247
Standing Reach: 9-1½ | Wingspan: 7-0½

Derik Queen continues to receive varied feedback from workouts, with lingering questions about his conditioning, shooting form, and competitive intensity, though some teams report he has been very impressive in 3-on-3 settings. Although considered the most skilled offensive big man in the class, he doesn`t seem to be maximizing certain controllable factors and, consequently, hasn`t gained significant upward momentum during the pre-draft process.

Partially due to being somewhat polarizing, Queen`s draft range is seen as extremely wide. The Pelicans, though perhaps a long shot, represent the upper end, but there are also realistic scenarios like this one where he falls out of the lottery. There are whispers that Queen could be selected as high as number 7, where he has a strong supporter in Pelicans general manager Troy Weaver, a fellow DMV native. Such a move would significantly alter the draft flow if it happens.

The Thunder, coming off their title win, are a team without any obvious roster weaknesses but have primarily been linked by rival teams to big men, including Beringer and Sorber. Isaiah Hartenstein is under team control through 2026-27 (with a club option in the final year), and the idea of finding and developing a less expensive alternative holds appeal, especially as Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are eligible for potentially large rookie extensions this summer.

If Queen falls here, it would simply be a gamble on his talent, with the Thunder`s elite defense providing cover, and Oklahoma City better positioned to absorb risk than most. — Woo

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando)

Cedric Coward, SF, Washington State/Duke

Year: Junior | TS%: 71.0
Height (barefoot): 6-5¼ | Weight: 213
Standing Reach: 8-10 | Wingspan: 7-2¼

Coward`s draft stock has risen sharply over the past month as teams have gotten a closer look at his impressive physical attributes, perimeter shooting, and defensive potential. This has helped create a better understanding of his late-blooming development.

As a young senior turning 22 in September, Coward fits the profile that every NBA team is seeking with his size, frame, and career 38% 3-point shooting. He may still have room for improvement, especially considering he was improbably playing Division III basketball just three years ago.

He worked out for Memphis (a one-on-zero session as he is not yet cleared for 3-on-3 settings) which recently acquired the 16th pick from Orlando. Coward is also receiving serious consideration from Phoenix, Chicago, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City, with most teams picking in the 20s assuming he will be off the board by then. — Givony

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)

Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown

Year: Freshman | TS%: 58.7
Height (barefoot): 6-9¼ | Weight: 262
Standing Reach: 9-1 | Wingspan: 7-6

The Timberwolves are indicating their willingness to trade this pick for future assets, depending on who is available at number 17.

Sorber has also moved up draft boards during the pre-draft process, despite being sidelined since February due to a toe injury requiring season-ending surgery, which means he will miss summer league. NBA teams are keen to acquire centers like Sorber who can provide physicality and rim protection with his sturdy build and wingspan. The Suns, Bulls, Hawks, Spurs, Thunder, Timberwolves, and Nets all appear interested in adding size to their frontcourts.

The Timberwolves face uncertainty in the frontcourt this offseason, as Julius Randle and Naz Reid, who combined for 60 minutes per game, have player options in their contracts, giving them the opportunity to explore free agency this summer.

Sorber`s length, feel for the game, and developing skill set give him a chance to become a contributor in the coming years, although it might take him some time to reach that level. — Givony

18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis)

Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan

Year: Junior | TS%: 56.6
Height (barefoot): 6-10½ | Weight: 251
Standing Reach: 9-1 | Wingspan: 7-2¼

Wolf has one of the widest draft ranges in the first round, with interest from several teams in the back half of the lottery as well as multiple potential landing spots in the top 20, including Memphis, Minnesota, and Brooklyn. Washington is another team that could take a chance on him; his playmaking ability at 7 feet is a particularly interesting experiment for a team that could offer him immediate playing time.

Wolf`s unusual combination of size and skill set has led to varying evaluations among NBA teams, but he has reportedly received strong reviews in private workouts, which seems to have helped stabilize his draft position. — Woo

19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee)

Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia

Year: Freshman | TS%: 62.0
Height (barefoot): 6-9 | Weight: 224
Standing Reach: 8-11½ | Wingspan: 6-11¼

Newell is another player who appears to have boosted his stock during the pre-draft process. He has showcased his physical tools and potential for growth as a shooter, helping some teams better understand the versatile role he could fill as a stretch-4. However, his draft range remains somewhat wide, drawing consideration from teams in the back half of the lottery but also with scenarios where he could slip into the late teens or early 20s.

The Nets have understandably been among the busiest teams during the pre-draft process, holding picks across the first round and six selections in the top 40. Most around the league expect Brooklyn to be active in trades this week, although the specifics are not yet clear. One scenario the Nets might explore is trading up from this position to acquire a second lottery pick.

While the team is unlikely to keep six rookies, Brooklyn has brought in the vast majority of draft prospects for workouts, giving them more direct information on the class than any other team. The Nets are also seen as a desirable destination by many agents due to the potential playing time and opportunities available next season. Newell`s long-term upside could be appealing to them as a developmental addition here. — Woo

20. Miami Heat (via Golden State)

Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn

Year: Freshman | TS%: 53.6
Height (barefoot): 6-6¾ | Weight: 214
Standing Reach: 8-3½ | Wingspan: 6-8½

McNeeley has received positive feedback on the workout circuit, reminding teams of his well-rounded offensive game after a challenging season hampered by an ankle injury. He is drawing interest throughout the back half of the first round, including from the Nets, Heat, and Jazz in this range.

Miami is consistently one of the most difficult teams for rival organizations and player agents to predict, known for their tight-lipped approach to the pre-draft process. Walter Clayton Jr. is another player frequently linked to this spot. — Woo

21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)

Hugo Gonzalez, SG/SF, Real Madrid

Origin: EuroLeague | TS%: 50.9
Height (barefoot): 6-6¼ | Weight: 223
Standing Reach: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-10¾

Gonzalez`s team, Real Madrid, is currently competing in the ACB playoffs finals, preventing him from conducting any workouts in the U.S. before the draft, as the series could potentially extend to June 30.

Gonzalez finished the regular season strongly, but his playing time has decreased as the playoffs progressed, totaling only 10 minutes in his last four games. Despite this, he is a prospect that a team in the 20s will likely select due to his impressive physical tools, strong feel for the game, and intense defensive energy.

Utah has clear needs on the wing and could provide him with the opportunity needed to reach the significant potential he demonstrated at earlier stages of his career before this season. — Givony

22. Brooklyn Nets (via Atlanta)

Nolan Traore, PG, Saint-Quentin

Origin: France | TS%: 51.0
Height (barefoot): 6-3 | Weight: 175
Standing Reach: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-8

With five first-round picks available, it wouldn`t be surprising for the Nets to take several swings at finding talent, hoping to uncover gems with some of their later selections.

The Nets have a need in the backcourt, depending on their earlier picks, and this situation would be highly attractive to any guards projected to be drafted in this range.

After starting the season projected as a top-10 pick, Traore`s draft position dropped due to inconsistent play. However, there is still much to like about his size, ball-handling, playmaking creativity, and upside, making him a worthwhile gamble for a team in Brooklyn`s position and at this point in the draft. — Givony

23. New Orleans Pelicans (via Indiana)

Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida

Year: Senior | TS%: 61.1
Height (barefoot): 6-2 | Weight: 199
Standing Reach: 8-1½ | Wingspan: 6-4

Clayton has demonstrated dynamic shot-making ability in workouts and has climbed up draft boards in a first round that has appeared somewhat thin on point guard options. He has fans in front offices selecting higher than this, with scenarios where he could land in the top 20. His explosiveness and capacity to create his own shot are significant assets that should ensure he can at least be a useful bench scorer.

Minnesota, Miami, and Atlanta are considered potential suitors. If Clayton is available here, he would be a ready-to-contribute option for a team needing additional backcourt shooting.

The Pelicans, under Joe Dumars, have been very active recently, trading CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Wizards for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the 40th pick in this draft. They acquired this pick from Indiana last week, sending the Pacers` 2026 first-rounder back to them to re-enter this year`s draft. This decision to trade with the Pacers led rival teams to question whether the Pelicans might use this pick to try and trade up from number 7, but New Orleans is believed to have genuine interest in several players in this range. — Woo