2025 NBA Mock Draft 2.0:
Blockbuster Trades, Risers and Fallers
We are back! No introduction necessary… sit back, relax and enjoy our second official 2025 NBA Mock Draft.
Cooper Flagg | Dallas Mavericks | Comp: Jayson Tatum/Paolo Banchero
Do I even need to write anything in for this pick? The consensus number one overall pick heads to Dallas where he will begin his career in a similar path that Jayson Tatum began his career. Being placed on a contending team immediately, Flagg will get to showcase just how valuable he is as the second option while Kyrie Irving recovers from his ACL injury, allowing Flagg to take a back seat as the third option once Irving returns. With some of the most NBA ready defensive upside I personally have ever seen and the ability to be effective as a playmaker and efficient scorer, Flagg is destined to become one of the fastest rising stars in this league
Dylan Harper | New Orleans Pelicans (via Spurs) | Comp: Cade Cunningham
Our first blockbuster trade of the night has arrived as numerous reports have stated the Pelicans are aggressively pursuing a trade up and San Antonio’s skepticism on Dylan Harper’s long-term fit. In this mock trade, the New Orleans Pelicans send Trey Murphy and the 7th overall pick for Keldon Johnson and the 2nd overall pick. For New Orleans, landing a lead guard in Dylan Harper to pair with Zion Williamson could be the start of finally building a proper roster around Zion. With Dejounte Murray out for a large portion of the 2025-26 season due to a torn Achillies, CJ McCollum on an expiring contract and owning two Milwaukee Bucks first round picks in 2026 and 2027, the Pelicans would be in an incredible position to build a contending roster around Dylan Harper and Zion Williamson.
Ace Bailey | Washington Wizards (via 76ers) | Comp: Tracy McGrady/MPJ
This is one of the most difficult picks in the 2025 draft, but the Washington Wizards yet again trade up for Rutgers forward Ace Bailey. It is clear as day that the Philadelphia 76ers are more interested in players such as VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson and Khaman Maluach. In this trade, the Wizards would give up the 6th and 18th overall picks for the 3rd pick and Andre Drummond. With a young core of Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr and now Ace Bailey, the Wizards would have an incredibly fun core while also being in a position to capitalize on players trade values, specifically Corey Kispert, Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart and Jordan Poole. As for Ace Bailey, at Rutgers, Bailey showcased an out of this world scoring ability. With tough shot making ability, confidence in shooting over defenders and a knack for finding his spots, Ace’s offensive game is one that many scouts are expecting to translate well within the NBA. Though IQ issues on both ends of the floor are considered red flags, the upside on Bailey should be seen as valuable enough to not get past the third overall pick.
VJ Edgecombe | Charlotte Hornets | Comp: Victor Oladipo
By far the best fit in this entire draft, VJ Edgecombe to the Charlotte Hornets is a match made in heaven. The two-way shooting guard has the perfect mixture of explosiveness, perimeter defense and athleticism to play both sides of the floor at an effective rate. Though his shot is a bit inconsistent, playing alongside LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges should allow Edgecombe to develop at his own pace while still making an immediate impact as a 3/D piece. For a Charlotte team engulfed with injuries over the past few seasons, a healthy Hornets roster with Edgecombe, LaMelo, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and two early second round picks could be extremely fun to watch next season.
Tre Johnson | Utah Jazz | Comp: Allan Houston
Tre Johnson is a name that continues to receive high praise. Though not a personal fan favorite of mine, Johnson’s upside as a scorer is through the roof. For a Utah team in need of a shooting guard, Johnson could be valued as a potential Devin Booker like scoring prospect for Danny Ainge and the Jazz. A likely day one starter, Johnson is quickly making a name for himself, even being seen as a possible third overall pick candidate if the 76ers were to stay at 3rd overall.
Khaman Maluach | Philadelphia 76ers (via Wizards) | Comp: Mark Williams
After a trade back with the Washington Wizards, the 76ers decide to take a high upside swing in Duke big man Khaman Maluach. Coming into a 76ers organization still headlined by Joel Embiid, Maluach would be able to develop his game off the bench while learning from one of this generations most dominate big men. With already elite rim protection and efficiency within the paint, Maluach’s small sample size of stretch five ability is what many teams value, possibly making Maluach the rawest prospect in the entire draft.
Kon Knueppel | San Antonio Spurs (via Pelicans) | Comp: Klay Thompson
After a shocking trade back from the second pick, the San Antonio Spurs select Kon Knueppel, a player multiple Spurs reporters have mentioned to be a focal point in San Antonio’s draft process. In a world the Spurs land Trey Murphy and Knueppel, the Spurs would walk into next season with a core of De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Trey Murphy, Jeremy Sochan, Victor Wembanyama, Harrison Barnes and Kon Knueppel. As for what Knueppel provides for the Spurs, the 6’7 wing is by far the best three-point shooter in this year’s draft. As an underrated playmaker, solid defender and likely the safest pick in the entire draft in terms of floor, Knueppel could be an immediate plug-in player on the second unit.
Jeremiah Fears | Brooklyn Nets | Comp: Damian Lillard
Some may feel there’s no way for Jeremiah Fears to fall to eight, but looking at the way this draft board has fallen, where can you see him getting picked before Brooklyn? Of course, there is a chance he is selected prior to Brooklyn but it truly seems like a match made in heaven for the 6’4 eye popping guard to land in Brooklyn. With a long-term point guard currently the biggest need in Brooklyn, landing Fears should be looked at as an absolute home run of a pick. With a swagger to his game that fits the Brooklyn fanbase and the upside of a potential All-Star guard, Fear’s explosive offensive game, undervalued playmaking and sneaky athleticism is one of the many reasons Nets fans are foaming for the man they call Jeremiah Fears.
Derik Queen | Atlanta Hawks (via Raptors) | Comp: Demarcus Cousins/Sengun
With reports suggesting Atlanta’s interest in moving both its 13th and 22nd overall picks in an attempt to move up, the Raptors are the team to take the bait, as Toronto would send Atlanta both the 9th and 39th overall picks for the 13th and 22nd picks. With Atlanta already have an incredibly solid all-around roster, the departure of Clint Capela could be viewed as a need at the back up big man position. With Queen’s incredible offensive game, which many have compared to Alperen Sengun, Demarcus Cousins and even a mini-Nikola Jokic, Queen could be valued as an elite prospect to develop behind its current starting big man in Onyeka Okongwu. Queen’s mixture of elite ball handling, playmaking within the post, finishing ability at the rim and mid-range shooting is something we haven’t seen in a big man prospect of his size in quiet some time.
Carter Bryant | Brooklyn Nets (via Rockets) | Comp: OG Anunoby/Kawhi Leonard
In what will likely be considered the biggest blockbuster trade prior to the NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets get involved in a three-team trade, sending Kevin Durant and the 36th overall pick to Houston, Jalen Green, Nic Claxton, the 19th pick and Phoenix’s 2027 first round pick back to Phoenix while the Nets receive Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen and the 10th overall pick. With the Nets being rumored as an aggressive suitor for a second lottery pick, moving up to land Arizona wing Carter Bryant could be viewed as a perfect Jordi Fernandez fit. With a NBA ready body, elite floor spacing and incredible defensive upside, Bryant’s upside could be undervalued by many. Though not properly utilized in college on the offensive end, Bryant was an elite shot creator coming out of high school, showcasing his ability to get to his spots off the dribble, create his own space and score from all three levels of the floor. The Kawhi comparison may seem a bit far-fetched, but Bryant’s two-way upside is through the roof.
Egor Demin | Portland Trailblazers | Comp: Josh Giddey
As previously mocked before, though not my favorite landing spot for Demin, the Trailblazers decide to go best available. At 6’9, Demin is without question the best playmaker in this draft. With upside as a floor spacer, it seems Demin’s floor within this draft is top 12. With the future of Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe likely to come to an end sooner rather than later, it would be smart for Portland to select best available.
Kasparas Jakucionis | Orlando Magic (via Bulls) | Comp: Austin Reaves
Another trade you say. Yes, I truly believe this draft is going to explode with many moving pieces. In this trade, Orlando sends Cole Anthony, Jett Howard, the 16th and 25th overall picks to Chicago for Coby White and the 12th overall pick. Of course, some moving pieces can be managed within this deal, whether that be an additional first round pick and player such as Jonathan Isaac to Chicago with the Bulls adding Kevin Huerter to Orlando. Regardless, Orlando is in need of a big-name point guard who can help space the floor. With names such as Trae Young being linked to Orlando, the chances of him being dealt this off-season could be slim to none. For that reason, adding a young explosive guard in Coby White who can space the floor along with Kasparas Jakucionis would fix many issues with Orlando’s bottom three floor spacing percentages. With a new core of Coby White, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr and Kasparas Jakucionis, the Magic would become a major threat in a weakened Eastern Conference.
Noa Essengue | Toronto Raptors (via Hawks) | Comp: Pascal Siakam
After some impressive measurements yesterday, Noa Essengue is continuously named as a potential top ten pick in this year’s draft. Standing at 6’10 barefoot with an almost 7’1 wingspan, Essengue’s game is rapidly being recognized as an elite level high upside prospect. For a Toronto team already crammed at the wing position, this move may not seem as valuable until the Raptors figure out what they want to do with RJ Barrett. Of course, some teams draft purely based on best available, and it is without a doubt if available at 13 that Essengue is the best available.
Collin Murray-Boyles | San Antonio Spurs | Comp: Draymond Green
With the final pick in the 2025 NBA draft Lottery, the San Antonio Spurs decide to keep the pick after missing out on the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, selecting University of South Carolina power forward Collin Murray-Boyles. A pest of a defender from anywhere on the floor, the Spurs add two prospects that solve opposite needs. With Boyles, the Spurs would land one of this year’s best defensive prospects, who has been compared to Draymond Green. Adding Boyles to the young core of Fox, Castle, Knueppel, Sochan and Wemby, the Spurs would still sit in the driver’s seat as the favorites to land Giannis Antetokounmpo if and when he becomes available after the 2025-26 season.
Nique Clifford | Oklahoma City Thunder | Comp: Kyle Kuzma/Josh Hart
Though I almost had Brooklyn trade Cam Johnson for this pick, it makes more sense for Brooklyn to look into Cam Johnson trades over the off-season, especially with a team like Oklahoma City who is currently struggling against an underwhelming Indiana Pacers team. With OKC keeping the 15th pick, it would be very smart to stay away from high upside project players and instead add ready to go NBA level talent. Nique Clifford is just that, as the combo guard who can also play the wing lit up the college scene with an impressive 18.9 points per game, 9.6 rebounds per game and 4.4 assists per game. As an immediate plug and play role player, Clifford would provide an improvement to OKC’s extremely youthful bench.
Asa Newell | Chicago Bulls (via Magic) | Comp: Jonathan Isaac
After trading Coby White for a solid return, the Chicago Bulls select Georgia forward Asa Newell. With Chicago’s main need being center but none worthy of taking this high, it seems fitting for Chicago to select the possible Patrick Williams replacement. At 6’11, Newell has been compared to Magic forward and former lottery pick Jonathan Isaac, who is well known as one of the league’s premier defenders when healthy. With an offensive game still needing some work, landing Newell to put alongside Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey could be a fun start to Chicago’s rebuild.
Liam McNeeley | Minnesota Timberwolves | Comp: Corey Kispert
After also missing out on the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, the Minnesota Timberwolves decide to draft Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s replacement, as it is rumored NAW will likely be leaving in free agency. Adding McNeeley is a bit of a risky move, as the former projected lottery pick was once considered to be the best floor spacer in this year’s draft. Though an incredibly bad inefficient season, McNeeley’s upside is still something teams will consider with these mid first round picks.
Cedric Coward | Philadelphia 76ers (via Wizards) | Comp: Herb Jones
With the 76ers second pick of the first round, Daryl Morey decides to select a high-risk high reward prospect in Cedric Coward. The Washington State senior only played six games this season but showcased an elite 3/D level of play that is expected to translate very well in the NBA. After suffering a torn labrum six games into his final season, Coward averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 blocks and shot 55.7/40.0/83.9 shooting splits. Though a small sample size, Coward put up very similar numbers the year prior, where he played 32 games total. After selecting the rawest prospect in Khaman Maluach, adding a win now piece in Cedric Coward could be viewed as Philadelphia’s pick to add depth to its hopeful contender.
Will Riley | Phoenix Suns (via Nets) | Comp: Cam Johnson
With Kevin Durant officially gone, the Phoenix Suns select Will Riley. Riley, who has been compared to Cam Johnson, could be viewed as Phoenix getting back to its roots. With the additions of Jalen Green and Nic Claxton, Phoenix would walk into the 2025-26 season with a core of Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Will Riley, Ryan Dunn, Nic Claxton, Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, the 29th pick and of course Bradley Beal (who Phoenix is trying to move away from). Riley’s elite floor spacing and versatility as a 3/D role player is extremely valuable for a team looking to keep its superstar happy.
Nolan Traore | Miami Heat | Comp: Tony Parker
What could be one of the steals of this draft, Miami selects former top five projected pick Nolan Traore. Traore began his season overseas looking like a complete bust, until his recent one-to-two-month resurgence began. Showcasing elite levels of playmaking, finishing at the rim and defensive upside, Traore is exactly the type of player Miami has built its culture around. Though a bit of a risk for a Miami Heat team currently stuck in the middle, Traore’s upside could be exactly what Miami needs, forming a young core of Traore, Herro, Kel’el Ware and Bam Adebayo.
Jase Richardson | Utah Jazz | Comp: CJ McCollum
Utah is in a very interesting position as Danny Ainge is known to work his magic with draft picks. After selecting Tre Johnson at 5th overall, who has questionable defensive and playmaking upside, the Jazz select Michigan State guard Jase Richardson. Adding a young duo at the guard positions who off-set one another’s flaws may be the best scenario for Utah, who currently has depth such as Jordan Clarkson and John Collins who could net back some valuable assets. Richardson, who was a freshman standout at MSU, showcased an elite level of catch-and-shoot three-point shooting, defensive upside and ability to play as an off-ball guard. With a young core of Jase Richardson, Keyonte George, Tre Johnson, Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler and Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz fans should finally be excited about what they’re building.
Joan Beringer | Toronto Raptors (via Hawks) | Comp: Rudy Gobert/Nerlens Noel
Originally not the biggest fan of Beringer’s game, after measuring in with a 7’4 1/2 wingspan at 6’11 barefoot, Beringer’s upside as a lob threat and defensive minded big is beginning to draw similarities to Rudy Gobert. Though a bit limited offensively, Toronto is in need of a backup big man as Jakob Poetl’s contract only has two years remaining. Defensively, Beringer could be the anchor of the second unit, with the combination of athleticism and rim protection Toronto needs.
Thomas Sorber | Brooklyn Nets (via Pacers) | Comp: Wendell Carter Jr
Will Sean Marks actually do this? Probably not due to his streaky track record of draft night trades but with a war room of draft capital and a premier big man still on the board, the Nets trade the 26th pick along with two future second round picks for the 23rd pick. Thomas Sorber, who many have compared to Bam Adebayo in terms of his ceiling, is one of the biggest steals of the draft. Similar to Derik Queen, Sorber has similar offensive skills, such as his ability to playmake out of the post, space the floor in the mid-range and dominate the paint. The only difference, Sorber’s upside as a defender is levels ahead of Queen, making Sorber one of the possible steals of the 2025 draft. After trading Nic Claxton in our hypothetical Kevin Durant trade, addressing the big man position will be a need and landing Sorber would cap off one of the best drafts in 2025. After all hope was lost in Brooklyn, Nets fans get to look forward to a youthful core of Jeremiah Fears, Cam Thomas, Carter Bryant, Noah Clowney and Thomas Sorber.
Rasheer Fleming | Detroit Pistons (via Thunder) | Comp: Naz Reid
With yet another trade, Oklahoma City decides to acquire more future draft capital as the Pistons send OKC multiple future second round picks for the 24th overall pick, selecting Rasheer Fleming out of St. Joe’s. Fleming is the definition of a Piston. At 6’9 with an almost 7’5 wingspan, Fleming’s game is centered around floor spacing, rim finishing, athleticism and hard-nose defense on all levels of the floor. With Tobias Harris on an expiring contract and sights set on providing superstar point guard Cade Cunningham with a future star down the line, Fleming could be one of the key 3/D players in Detroit for years to come.
Danny Wolf | Chicago Bulls (via Magic) | Comp: Lauri Markkanen
With the 25th pick, the Chicago Bulls finally get there Nikola Vucevic replacement in Michigan big man Danny Wolf. Wolf has some of the most interesting skillsets in this year’s draft, with some draft guru’s comparing his game to Lauri Markkanen and Nikola Jokic. Though not incredibly athletic, Wolf has elite playmaking for the big man position, as well as incredible post footwork and floor spacing abilities. Another potential late first round steal for any team that can get ahold of him.
Maxime Raynaud | Indiana Pacers (via Nets) | Comp: Brook Lopez
After trading back with the Brooklyn Nets, the Pacers select Maxime Raynaud, who scouts believe is the most NBA ready big man in this year’s class. With Myles Turner’s future up in the air as he is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, landing a big man late in the first round that could make an immediate impact is definitely a need for the potential defending champs. With comparisons to Brook Lopez, Raynaud has a bit of everything to his game on both ends of the floor. Though no elite skillset projected at the NBA level, Raynaud does everything at a solid rate, making him a key rotational piece for a contending team
Bogoljub Markovic | Brooklyn Nets | Comp: Hedo Turkoglu/Lauri Markkanen
With Brooklyn’s final pick in what could be seen as an A+ draft, the Nets select a major sleeper in Serbian stretch four Bogoljub Markovic. With some mentioning Lauri Markkanen, Hedo Turkoglu and even Kristaps Porzingis, Markovic’s upside is through the roof. With the ability to space the floor, finish at the rim, redirect shots defensively and has even shown flashes of above average ball handling for his size, Markovic is one of my picks as sleeper of the draft. By far my personal favorite draft scenario for Brooklyn, who would address every major need at the point guard, wing and center position while adding a possible key stretch four of the future.
Yanick Konan Niederhauser | Boston Celtics | Jaxson Hayes
For the first time all year, Yanick Konan Niederhauser cracks the first round! The 7’0 stretch big man played three years in college and has been one of the most slept on prospects all year. At 7’0, Niederhauser showcased some abnormal upside as an athletic rim runner and rim protector while also showing an ability to handle the ball effectively. For a Boston team in need of depth and veteran replacements, Yanick could be a long-term depth piece and a possible Al Horford replacement. '
Adou Thiero | Phoenix Suns | Comp: Dorian Finney-Smith
With the 29th pick, Phoenix adds one of my personal favorite upperclassmen in Adou Thiero. Showcasing an ability to attack the rim, space the floor, play off-ball and defend at a high caliber, Thiero is seen as a more athletic Dorian Finney-Smith, with some even comparing his style of play to Amen Thompson. For Phoenix, adding players who can help Devin Booker now is the gameplan and Thiero is a player that can make an impact immediately.
Noah Penda | Los Angeles Clippers | Comp: Nicolas Batum
With the final pick in the 2025 First Round, the Los Angeles Clippers select Noah Penda, a 6’8 wing out of France. Penda has an intriguing set of skills, mainly his defensive versatility. Though some upside as a floor spacer, his three-point shooting is still a work in progress. With comparisons to Nicolas Batum, for a Clippers team in need of some youth, Penda fits the mold of the Clippers as a 3/D wing.
As always, thank you for giving this a read. If you’re new, we always appreciate feedback and feel free to drop a follow if you enjoyed!
I will be working on one final mock draft which will be posted the night before draft night.
