A few days before the much-anticipated 2025 NBA Draft, there are some serious risers and fallers after the NBA Combine concluded a few weeks ago. Some prospects punched their names inside the first round on most 2025 NBA mock draft sites, while others had their stocks drastically fall after a poor showing in front of scouts and general managers.
Since there is some serious chatter about teams trying to move up on draft night, here is our 2025 NBA first-round mock draft for all 30 picks with blockbuster trades.
Which prospects will go to your team in the 2025 NBA draft?
1. Dallas Mavericks – F Cooper Flagg (Duke)
While some teams wanted to pry away the first overall pick from the Mavs to get their hands on Cooper Flagg, it certainly looks like the Mavs will keep this pick and settle in on this spot. After they traded Luka Doncic in February, staying put and selecting Flagg, arguably one of the best prospects in years, is the best course of action here. You don’t want to mess this up, Dallas.
Flagg is a hybrid of Scottie Pippen and Andrei Kirilenko, equipped with the latter’s superior defensive instincts. He’d fit right in with Dallas and should become the face of the franchise for years to come.
Comparison: Scottie Pippen + Andrei Kirilenko
2. San Antonio Spurs – G Dylan Harper (Rutgers)
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Unless something drastic happens on draft night, the Spurs will settle with Dylan Harper at this spot despite having a crowded backcourt at the moment. At 6-foot-6, Harper is projected to become a big-time scorer at the NBA level due to his knack for attacking the basket and drawing fouls.
While scouts often lament that Harper’s ceiling isn’t as high as his peers, his readiness and pro-like attitude(thanks to his father, Ron Harper) are enough to quell all the concerns surrounding his game. He is also a very good shooter and could create his own offense off the dribble.
Comparison: James Harden
3. New Orleans Pelicans (Trade with Philadelphia) – F Ace Bailey
In our first trade on NBA Draft night, the Pelicans moved up in the draft to select Rutgers forward Ace Bailey. The Sixers had no choice but to explore trade options for Bailey after he cancelled his scheduled workout for the team. New Orleans is looking for another young star to pair alongside often injured Zion Williamson, and they got their wish by trading for Bailey.
Some pundits widely see the Rutgers product as a boom or bust prospect, mainly due to his poor shot selection and goofy behavior. But his athleticism, oozing potential, and NBA-ready body are just too hard to pass up.
Comparison: Tracy McGrady
4. Charlotte Hornets – G VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)
Edgecombe is a high-motor, explosive athlete with a developing three-point shot. The Bahamian-born Edgecombe can slide to either the shooting guard or small forward spot for the Hornets as they aim for a top-eight finish in the East next season. While Edgecombe needs to develop his offense off the bounce, he’d be given the time to hone his skills without much added pressure with Charlotte.
Comparison: Victor Oladipo
5. Utah Jazz – G/F Kon Knueppel (Duke)
Knueppel makes the surprising jump here at number five to the Jazz, and it’s not a fluke by any means. The savvy and high-IQ Duke guard/forward is one of the hottest names to watch before draft night. He can fit into almost any system and doesn’t need the ball much to be effective on the court. Knueppel does all the necessary intangibles to sway his team to win, and that’s a skill that cannot be taught.
Comparison: Taller JJ Redick + Ballhandling
6. Washington Wizards – G Tre Johnson (Texas)
Nobody will be surprised if the Wizards select Johnson at this spot in the 2025 NBA Draft to pair him alongside the ever-inconsistent Jordan Poole. The Wizards will opt for additional scoring, and Johnson fits their immediate need for that. The Texas product was one of the NCAA’s most dynamic scorers last season.
Comparison: Joe Johnson
7. Philadelphia 76ers (Trade with Pelicans) – C Khaman Maluach (Duke)
As a result of the Pelicans selecting third, the Sixers move back a few spots where they are much comfortable selecting Duke big man Khaman Maluach. Due to Joel Embiid’s lingering knee and foot issues, the Sixers are already looking forward to adding another big man in the hopes of not repeating their disastrous 2024-2025 campaign. Unlike Embiid, who has a variety of moves to score the ball, Maluach is more of a lob threat and a pesky defender with a developing offensive arsenal.
Comparison: Wendell Carter Jr.
8. Brooklyn Nets – G Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)
The Nets would be ecstatic if they landed Fears at the 8th spot. Fears is a heady point guard who can score in various ways. His three-point shot needs a bit more work, but his driving skills and ability to draw fouls are already at an NBA level. Don’t be surprised if he gets the nod at the starting spot on opening day.
Comparison: Devin Booker
9. Toronto Raptors – F Noa Essengue (France)
With the Raptors’ projected starting lineup set heading into next season, don’t be surprised if GM Masai Ujiri elects to go for Noa Essengue at No. 9 in the 2025 NBA Draft. The French forward is one of the youngest prospects in this class at just 18, and may take a little bit more time to develop. But nobody can deny his potential to become an all-star level player a few years from now. He has a nice feel to the game and moves off the ball extremely well for a player nearly 7 feet.
Comparison: Jabari Smith Jr.
10. Phoenix Suns (From Rockets) – F Carter Bryant (Arizona)
Arguably one of the biggest trades before the 2025 NBA Draft, the Suns get Kevin Durant and this pick from Houston in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and additional second-rounders.
Bryant’s name is gaining some momentum before the draft, with some NBA mock drafts having him between the sixth and tenth spots. At 6-foot-8, Bryant has an NBA-ready body and a nice outside shot in his offensive arsenal.
Comparison: De’Andre Hunter
11. Portland Trail Blazers – F/C Derik Queen (Maryland)
This is quite the drop for Queen, who was a projected top-five selection a few months ago. His slide was largely due to poor NBA Combine measurements. Nonetheless, the 6-foot-10 forward/center is one of the most effective low-post players in college and has the range to step beyond the three-point line. With Portland, he could start at the four alongside either Ayton or Clingan.
Comparison: Al Jefferson
12. Chicago Bulls – G Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois)
The Bulls are already set with their backcourt with Giddey and White, but they need a backup who could potentially turn into a starter a few years from now. Jakucionis, who is originally from Lithuania, was one of the best floor generals in college basketball last season. His length allows him to pass the ball against smaller defenders, and he knows how to utilize pick-and-roll action.
Comparison: Lonzo Ball
13. Atlanta Hawks (From Kings) – G/F Liam McNeely (UConn)
You can bet that the Hawks will select a shooter and a guard/forward combo who can facilitate the offense for this team whenever Trae Young sits down. UConn’s McNeely is a perfect fit for Atlanta’s immediate needs. He will not be tasked to start, but could be deployed to finish games due to his high basketball IQ and elite shooting.
Comparison: Dan Majerle
14. Minnesota Timberwolves (Trade with Spurs) – G Egor Demin (BYU)
In our second NBA draft day trade, the Wolves and the Spurs swap picks, plus additional assets heading to San Antonio. Minnesota is in desperate need of a point guard, and Egor Demin is the best prospect available at this spot. The Russian-born Demin stands at 6-foot-9 and relishes running the offense. He does have a consistent jump shot from the perimeter and could knock threes if needed.
Comparison: Taller Josh Giddey
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (From Heat) – C Thomas Sorber (Georgetown)
OKC might listen to offers for this spot, but let’s just say they’ll stay put heading into the draft. Despite having Holmgren and Hartenstein on the frontcourt, their bench depth at the center spot is thin. Georgetown’s Sorber would be an excellent fit here and could immediately play 15 minutes a night for the Thunder as soon as next season. He is a good lob threat and crashes the boards with ease.
Comparison: Jarrett Allen
16. Memphis Grizzlies (Trade with Magic) – G Jase Richardson (Michigan State)
Grizzlies acquire this pick after dealing Desmond Bane from Orlando in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round selections, and a pick swap in 2029. Jase, the son of former slam dunk champion Jason Richardson, did not inherit his father’s height and athleticism, but the kid could play. Despite only measuring at 6 feet in the NBA Combine, Richardson’s elite shot-making and ability to defend are a must-have in today’s game.
Comparison: Andrew Nembhard
17. San Antonio Spurs (Trade with Timberwolves) – F Collin Murray-Bowles (South Carolina)
With the Spurs moving back a few spots after their deal with the Wolves, they happily settle on selecting South Carolina’s energy bunny, Collin Murray-Bowles. At 6-foot-7, CMB doesn’t need the ball to be effective on the court. He crashes the boards, runs the floors well, and has a high motor, especially on the defensive end. He’d fit nicely alongside Victor Wembanyama on the Spurs’ frontcourt.
Comparison: Scottie Barnes
18. Washington Wizards (From Grizzlies) – F Nique Clifford (Colorado State)
A glaring problem at the small forward spot would entice the Wizards to select Nique Clifford at the 18th spot in the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite already being 23 years old, the Colorado State product is expected to fight for starter minutes as soon as next season due to his NBA-ready game and having the necessary skills to contribute on the court right away for Washington.
Comparison: Bigger Terance Mann
19. Brooklyn Nets (From Bucks) – F Asa Newell (Georgia)
With Jeremiah Fears in tow with the 8th pick, the Nets now focus on adding an energetic forward who can fill up their frontcourt needs. Georgia’s Asa Newell has lottery potential and should fit in nicely for the Nets at the power forward spot. He loves to do the dirty work around the basket and is projected to become a very good defender at the NBA level. Plus, he has a developing three-point shot that bodes well for his potential.
Comparison: Bigger Shawn Marion
20. Miami Heat – G/F Cedric Coward (Washington State)
Trading for Kevin Durant is still a possibility for the Heat, but even if it pushes through or not, they will happily settle with Cedric Coward at this point in the 2025 NBA Draft. Coward, a Washington State senior, fits nicely into Miami’s current timeline. They are trying to build a team worthy of reaching the NBA Finals again, and one way to do it is by selecting proven prospects in the draft rather than developing raw talent. Coward should see some minutes for the Heat as soon as next season.
Comparison: Khris Middleton
21. Utah Jazz (From Timberwolves) – F Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph’s)
Fleming is an intriguing prospect in this class. He grew up playing in the middle but transitioned into the power forward spot during his time with St. Joseph’s. He vastly improved his three-point shot and is a capable defender as well, making him an ideal fit with Utah.
Comparison: Markieff Morris
22. Milwaukee Bucks (Trade with Atlanta) – G Nolan Traore (France)
Without a selection in the first round in the 2025 NBA Draft, Milwaukee buys its way outside the top 20 in exchange for a starter and future draft capital. With Damian Lillard expected to miss most of next season, the Bucks will pay a hefty price to the Hawks to select point guard Nolan Traore. The French guard has lottery potential and should be capable of running the point for Milwaukee as soon as next season. He is quick, can hit the three, and is a willing passer.
Comparison: Bigger Tony Parker
23. Indiana Pacers – C Danny Wolf (Michigan)
Wolf is gaining some momentum before the 2025 NBA Draft and could be an enticing prospect for the Pacers to have. Despite standing at 6-foot-11, Wolf plays more like a guard than a traditional big. The Pacers love to push the tempo, and the Michigan big man should be able to play some significant minutes for them next season due to his passing and ability to hit shots from all over the court.
Comparison: Frank Kaminsky ++
24. Los Angeles Lakers (Trade from Thunder) -C Maxime Raynaud (Stanford)
Surprise! The Lakers make a deal with OKC to get inside the latter part of the first round in this year’s class. Desperately needing a center, GM Rob Pelinka goes for Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud. The 7-foot-1 Raynaud is a decent three-point shooter and could also put the ball on the floor to create his own shot. He’ll be fed a lot with Luka Doncic and LeBron James running the offense.
Comparison: Zach Collins
25. Orlando Magic (From Nuggets) – F Drake Powell (North Carolina)
Powell is a bit of a project, but since the Magic already had a plethora of forwards on the roster, they could afford to give him time to develop. The 6-foot-6 small forward is one of the most athletic players in the 2025 NBA Draft class, and if developed right, he has the potential to become a very good starter a few years from now.
Comparison: Ricky Davis
26. Brooklyn Nets (From Knicks) – C Hansen Yang (China)
As one of the biggest risers after the NBA Combine, Hansen Yang might get his name called in the first round in the upcoming draft. The Nets need a backup big man, and Yang fits the bill. At 7-foot-2, he is a little bit slower than his peers but sets solid screens, could pass the rock, and is an adept shooter from midrange and beyond the three-point line. In addition, he’d be an instant crowd favorite due to the large Asian-American population in NY and surrounding areas.
Comparison: Marc Gasol
27. Denver Nuggets (Trade with Nets) – G Ben Saraf (Israel)
Another surprise team that traded its way to the latter part of the first round is the Denver Nuggets. With Russell Westbrook’s departure, the Nuggets make a trade with the Nets to select Ben Saraf, an intriguing guard from Israel. Saraf can play both guard positions and could immediately play behind or alongside Jamal Murray next season.
Comparison: Goran Dragic
28. Boston Celtics – G Walter Clayton Jr (Florida)
Due to the uncertainty surrounding their backcourt rotation next season, the Celtics will play it safe and select Walter Clayton Jr., a proven college winner from Florida. Clayton Jr. is an excellent shooter from beyond the three-point line and could play either guard position for Boston.
Comparison: Jameer Nelson
29. Phoenix Suns (From Cavaliers) – F Johni Broome (Auburn)
Even with Kevin Durant’s departure to the Rockets, do not expect the Suns to blow it all up because they still have Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on the roster. They still want to compete for a playoff spot next season. Auburn’s Broome may not be as athletic as some of his peers, but he makes the winning plays on the court, and the Suns value that kind of skillset. He knows how to crash the boards and is an excellent scorer inside the paint. More importantly, he can instantly contribute to Phoenix next season and beyond.
Comparison: Carlos Boozer
30. Los Angeles Clippers (From Thunder) – G/F Will Riley (Illinois)
This might be too low for Riley, but the Clippers do need to draft another scorer on the team due to the injury history of Kawhi Leonard and, to a lesser extent, Norman Powell. Riley is one of the best bench players in college basketball, and his game should translate well to the pros, especially if he’s given significant minutes on the court.
Comparison: Zaccharie Risacher
