Full 2025 First Round NBA Mock Draft 1.0 w/Trades:
How Draft Night Trades will change the entire Draft
The 2025 NBA Mock Draft is less than three weeks away, so why not take a crack at predicting some of the biggest trades and possible risers/fallers in this year’s class?
Cooper Flagg | Dallas Mavericks | Comp: Jayson Tatum
Cooper Flagg is by far the best prospect in this year’s class. At 6’9, the two-way wing showed NBA ready defense with the basketball IQ of a ten-year veteran. Similar to Jayson Tatum’s emergence into the NBA, Flagg will be taking his talents to a team that is already in championship mode. With elite defensive abilities, high offensive IQ and tremendous ability to find his fellow teammates, Flagg will play a major role in his rookie season as the Mavericks look to re-enter Finals conversations.
Dylan Harper | San Antonio Spurs | Comp: Cade Cunningham
Dylan Harper took the college basketball world by storm this past season, drawing comparisons to players such as James Harden and Cade Cunningham. At Rutgers, Harper was one of the top freshmen in terms of finishing at the rim percentages while also showcasing elite playmaking abilities and three level scoring. Unfortunately, starting his career with the Spurs could cause for some development issues as San Anotnio already has a dynamic guard duo in De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. As for San Antonio, the Spurs hold the cards in any future deal for Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Whether that’s adding Dylan Harper or Stephon Castle to get a deal done or potentially pivoting to keeping both while trading De’Aaron Fox. Regardless, San Antonio is on the brink of rebuilding it’s dynasty sooner rather than later.
Ace Bailey | Washington Wizards (via 76ers) | Comp: Tracy McGrady/Michael Porter Jr
With our first projected trade of the day, the Washington Wizards trade the 6th and 18th overall picks to the Philadelphia 76ers for the 3rd overall pick (players TBD). As recent reports have come out surrounding the Wizards, who have a large number of players on current rookie deals, could look to consolidate picks in an effort to land a high upside prospect without having to add multiple additional rookie contracts. In this case, trading up for Rutgers star wing Ace Bailey could be the exact player they’re looking to move up for. While at Rutgers, Ace showcased an elite offensive game, scoring from wherever he wanted at any time. Though some scouts question his playmaking, defensive IQ and shot selection, the upside on Ace is beyond the average prospect. As currently constructed, the Wizards would walk into next season with a young core consisting of Ace Bailey, Bub Carrington, Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly.
VJ Edgecombe | Charlotte Hornets | Comp: Victor Oladipo
VJ Edgecombe is one of the more intriguing two-way prospects in this year’s draft class. With elite athleticism and pest like defensive abilities, Edgecombe is the perfect fit alongside Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Though a bit inconsistent at times offensively, Edgecombe’s upside as a high caliber two-way shooting guard could be valued as the perfect third option to Charlotte’s young core. For Charlotte, Edgecombe’s fit alongside LaMelo, Miller, Miles Bridges and Tidjane Salaun could be seen as the missing piece to finally focus on building a playoff roster.
Jeremiah Fears | New Orleans Pelicans (via Utah) | Comp: Damian Lillard
Jeremiah Fears is one of the biggest risers of the 2025 draft class, showcasing an elite level of offensive upside, specifically with his ability to finish at the rim, create his own space and hit tough shots. With our second trade of the day, the Utah Jazz would send John Collins, Collin Sexton, the 5th and 21st picks to New Orleans for the 7th pick, CJ McCollum and Herb Jones. New Orleans is in need of a point guard and have been open to the idea of trading anyone on its roster. This deal provides Utah with a high upside 3/D wing in Herb Jones along with CJ McCollum’s $30.6M expiring contract. As for New Orleans, the Pelicans land Collin Sexton to replace CJ McCollum’s role, John Collins for its much-needed starting big man spot, an additional first round pick and Jeremiah Fears who could develop quicker with Dejounte Murray recovering from a torn Achilles.
Tre Johnson | 76ers (via Washington) | Comp: Allan Houston
Tre Johnson is an interesting prospect who I personally have not valued as high as others. With an elite scoring ability and highly efficient three-point shot, Johnson has drawn comparisons to players such as Allan Houston, Cam Thomas and even Devin Booker. Though playmaking and defense are a bit of concern, multiple reports stated the 76ers have shown a willingness to add Tre Johnson to its current roster. Adding Johnson to its core of Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain could be seen as a future move, with the health of Joel Embiid and regression of Paul George both being concerns.
Kon Knueppel | Utah Jazz (via New Orleans) | Comp: Klay Thompson/Joe Harris
Kon Knueppel may be one of the most undervalued prospects in the 2025 draft class. Showcasing an elite floor spacing ability and solid defensive upside, Knueppel could be the modern Klay Thompson. As I personally have mentioned before, Knueppel has tons of similarities to Klay Thompson, whether that be his catch-and-shoot ability from three, his defensive presence from the perimeter or even just his physical frame at 6’7. Where I see a modern Klay Thompson is within Knueppel’s underrated shot creation and at the rim finishing ability. Klay was always known as an elite player who really never had to put the ball on the floor whereas Knueppel showed flashes of creating his own shot during Cooper Flagg’s two game absence due to an ankle sprain. Knueppel is also an underrated playmaker, averaging roughly three assists per game as the third option ball handler. For Utah in this scenario, adding CJ McCollum, Kon Knueppel and Herb Jones is a major improvement to put alongside star forward Lauri Markkanen. With a loaded collection of future draft capital, Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz could be seen as the next rebuilding franchise to begin shopping for a star level talent.
Khaman Maluach | Brooklyn Nets | Comp: Mark Williams/Myles Turner
There’s no team in this draft that needs more young talent than the Brooklyn Nets. With its only bright spot being Cam Thomas, the Nets are in a perfect situation of best available prospect per positional need. In this case, checking off its future starting big man is the first step in Brooklyn’s rebuild. Khaman Maluach was an absolute force defensively for the Blue Devils. At 7’2, Malauch showcased an elite level of rim protection and post defense while also showing flashes of stretch five floor spacing abilities. Malauch could be seen as one of the highest upside projects in this year’s draft as the 19-year-old has only been playing basketball for less than five years. With the Nets off-season looming and Nic Claxton’s future being in question, landing this year’s best available big man could be seen as the first step in Brooklyn’s long draft night possibilities.
Kasparas Jakucionis | Toronto Raptors | Comp: Austin Reaves
Kasparas Jakucionis is yet another interesting prospect I have personally not valued too high. The 6’6 guard resembles a modern combo guard archetype, similar to Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves. At Illinois, Jakucionis showcased a high-level playmaking ability along with above average rebounding abilities at the guard position. Though a bit inconsistent with his shooting, Jakucionis had flashes of being a very solid shot creator and three-point shooter. For Toronto, Jakucionis could be the possible Immanuel Quickley replacement as rumors of Toronto’s star aspirations have begun to be reported. With players such as RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley being mentioned as possible trade candidates, Jakucionis could make perfect sense with the 9th overall pick.
Carter Bryant | Brooklyn Nets (via Houston) | Comp: OG Anunoby/Kelly Oubre
Carter Bryant is another prospect who rapidly rose up draft boards after an elite combine. At 6’8 225lbs, Bryant at the age of 19 already has one of the most NBA ready physical body frames in this draft class. Though production on the offensive end statistically is not eye popping, Bryant shot an impressive 37.1% from three and showcased elite defensive abilities. With Brooklyn moving up, the Nets would trade the 19th overall pick, a 2027 unprotected first round pick (via Knicks) and a 2029 top ten protected first round pick (via Knicks) for the 10th overall pick. Reported earlier this week by Kevin O’Conner, the Rockets could look to move the 10th pick for a similar package the San Antonio Spurs received last year for Rob Dillingham. In that deal, the Timberwolves traded a 2030 unprotected first round pick and a 2031 top one protected first round pick. Houston has also been rumored for just under a year as heavy suitors for Phoenix Suns superstar guard Devin Booker. This package provides Houston with a nine pick move back as well as two additional valuable draft picks to include in a deal with Phoenix’s picks when the time comes for Booker departure.
Egor Demin | Portland Trailblazers | Comp: Josh Giddey
Egor Demin was one of this year’s most intriguing prospects throughout the first month of college basketball. Being projected as high as fourth overall at one point, Demin is by far the best playmaker in this year’s draft. Though inconsistent as a shooter and scouts showing concerns with his physicality, Demin could be seen as a high upside swing for a young and overachieving Portland team. With Anfernee Simons, Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant all seen as potential trade candidates this year, Portland like Utah, could be another young up and coming team ready to pounce on a star in the near future. With a young core consisting of Egor Demin, Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan, Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija, the Trailblazers would be forming an incredibly exciting young group with play-in aspirations for next season.
Derik Queen | Chicago Bulls | Comp: Alperen Sengun
Derik Queen could be seen as a top eight talent in this draft, but some defensive liability concerns could drop Queen into the late lottery. By far the most gifted offensive big man in this year’s draft, Queen showcased elite offensive ability, whether that be his post offense, playmaking within the post or his ability to put the ball on the floor to create his own shot, Queen’s offensive upside could be the perfect replacement for Nikola Vucevic. For a Chicago team with an important off-season ahead of them, the possibility of adding Queen to a core of Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey and potentially rumored restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, the Bulls future could be brighter than some suspect.
Nique Clifford | Atlanta Hawks | Comp: Kyle Kuzma/Josh Hart
Not many times in a loaded draft class does a fourth-year college prospect land within the lottery but Nique Clifford is a name to keep in mind. Clifford showcased an incredibly high level of all around talent, whether it was his three-level scoring, elite rebounding ability or high IQ playmaking ability. Atlanta has been rumored as a possible trade back team but in the reality that Atlanta holds onto the 13th pick, adding Clifford as its Caris LeVert replacement could be a nice fit for an Atlanta team looking to compete in a weakened Eastern Conference.
Noa Essengue | Phoenix Suns (via San Antonio) | Comp: N/A
Noa Essengue is rising up draft boards due to his international playoff performances. Two games ago, Essengue led his team to a game one victory, putting up 22 points and 14 rebounds. The 6’9 wing has shown two-way versatility and could be seen as one of the more intriguing high upside swings in this year’s draft. With our fourth and final lottery trade, the San Antonio Spurs trade Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, the 14th overall pick and a future first round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Kevin Durant. For Phoenix, this likely means the beginning of the end as the Suns would get back negative value for Durant, who they traded four first round picks and a first round pick swap just two years ago.
Nolan Traore | Brooklyn Nets (via Oklahoma City) | Comp: Tony Parker
Nolan Traore was previously projected as a top five pick before the college basketball season began, coming in as high as second overall and in competition with both Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. Some time has passed and due to a poor start overseas, Traore had fallen in most big boards. Though on a bit of a resurgence, Traore still falls just outside of the lottery, landing with the Brooklyn Nets who in this mock draft will be making its second trade up. In this deal, the Brooklyn Nets send Cam Johnson and the 26th overall pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Isiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, the 15th overall pick and a top ten protected 2026 first round pick (via 76ers). Traore is still one of the higher upside players in this draft, drawing comparisons to players like Tony Parker and Lonzo Ball. Though offensively he has been inconsistent, there is no denying he is one of the best playmakers and defensive guards in this year’s class. For a Brooklyn team in desperate need of a long-term point guard, Traore could be a perfect Jordi Fernandez fit and drafting three players within the top fifteen is probably the best situation Brooklyn could ask for.
Cedric Coward | Orlando Magic | Comp: Trey Murphy/Herb Jones Mix
Cedric Coward is seen as this year’s largest riser, similar to Shaedeon Sharpe in 2022, who was not projected within the top thirty until draft night. Coward has showcased an immense amount of upside even for an upperclassman. At 6’6 with a 7’2 wingspan, Coward shot 55.7% from the field, 40% from three and averaged 17.7ppg, 7.0rpg and 3.7apg. Though his season only lasted six games after suffering a torn labrum, Coward was able to raise the eyes of numerous scouts. With a high defensive motor and crafty offensive game, Coward would be an immediate fit for an Orlando team desperately searching for floor spacing. While Coward provides that floor spacing, he also brings the defensive minded aspect that Orlando is built on. By far one of the best 3/D wings in this year’s class.
Collin Murray-Boyles | Minnesota Timberwolves | Comp: Draymond Green
Collin Murray-Boyles is likely the best pure defender in this draft class. With a knack for low-post playmaking and minimal offensive upside, Boyles for some is projected as a top fourteen pick. Due to these offensive limitations, the Timberwolves land the fallen projected lottery pick as a potential replacement for Julius Randle or Naz Reid, who are both set to be free agents this year. Boyles fits the Minnesota brand of basketball, a gritty and physical defensive minded wing but limitations as an offensive player and undersized power forward could cause for some issues down the line. With that being said, some untapped potential could be unlocked within Minnesota as the 6’7 forward shot 28.6% from three while averaging 16.8 points per game as a sophomore at the University of South Carolina.
Asa Newell | Philadelphia 76ers (via Washington) | Comp: Jonathan Isaac/Jalen Smith
With the 76ers second first round pick thanks to the Washington Wizards, Philadelphia selects the 6’11 projected lottery pick in Asa Newell. Newell has shown versatility on both ends of the floor, showcasing great athleticism for his size as well as being an above average perimeter defender. For the 76ers, this pick along with Tre Johnson could provide Philadelphia with an intriguing youthful core of Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Tre Johnson and Asa Newell, a potential core that could take over once the 76ers decide to move on from Paul George and Joel Embiid.
Rasheer Fleming | Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn) | Comp: Naz Reid
Rasheer Fleming is by far my favorite upperclassmen in this year’s draft. At 6’9 with a 7’5 wingspan, Fleming shot 50%+ from the field and 40%+ from three last season at St. Joe’s. For Houston, adding Fleming has a potential Jabari Smith Jr replacement could be viewed as a perfect fit. With Jabari being extension eligible, Fleming likely provides the same level of play at a fraction of what Jabari’s extension would cost. Not only would they grab Fleming and two future 1sts from Brooklyn, having the ability to move on from Jabari Smith Jr could net the Rockets back an additional 1-2 first round picks, putting them in prime position for a Giannis or Devin Booker like player.
Liam McNeeley | Orlando Magic (via Miami) | Comp: Corey Kispert
With our first trade outside of the lottery and fifth overall trade, the Orlando Magic package its 25th and 46th overall picks to move up with the Miami Heat for the 20th overall pick. Miami, who only has one pick in this year’s draft, move five spots back while gaining an additional pick in the second round. With the 20th pick, Orlando selects former lottery projected sharp-shooting wing Liam McNeeley. McNeeley struggled immensely with efficiency, shooting just 38.1% from the field and 31.7% from three. Though many expect for his shooting slump to transition better in the NBA, concerns with his efficiency have him dropping in our mock draft. For Orlando, taking the swing on McNeeley makes a ton of sense as Orlando continues to be one of the worst three-point shooting teams over the past three years. The additions of Cedric Coward and Liam McNeeley provide Orlando with much needed floor spacers who also bring versatility on the defensive end.
Will Riley | New Orleans Pelicans (via Utah) | Comp: Cam Johnson
Will Riley has been a riser and faller all year, jumping as high as the projected 17th overall pick and as far down as a top ten pick in the second round. For New Orleans, who made a massive draft night trade, acquiring the 5th and 21st picks along with John Collins and Collin Sexton for Herb Jones, CJ McCollum and the 7th pick, land a perfect wing replacement in Riley. With an incredible conference play and NCAA tournament play, Riley’s abilities as an athletic 3/D wing have drawn comparisons to Trey Murphy and Cam Johnson. Showcasing great floor spacing abilities, athleticism as a defender and an ability to create his own shot as a ball handler, Riley would be a great depth piece to start his career in New Orleans. Some muscle growth is necessary to be considered a key piece, but the talent of Riley has definitely been showcased at a high level.
Thomas Sorber | Atlanta Hawks | Comp: Jonas Valanciunas/Wendell Carter Jr
Thomas Sorber could be viewed as the steal of the draft. Personally, I feel Sorber’s ability as a two-way big man surpasses the upside of lottery projected pick Derik Queen. Both finished their college careers with similar stats, but Sorber’s defensive presence and upside is far beyond what Queen’s is. At 6’10 with an NBA ready frame at 250lbs, Sorber could be the perfect back up big man in Atlanta to start his career. Though coming off of foot surgery, Sorber is expected to be fully healthy for training camp and the start of the regular season.
Jase Richardson | Indiana Pacers | Comp: CJ McCollum
Another faller in this mock draft, Jase Richardson who has been projected as a potential lottery pick falls all the way to 23rd overall. Personally, due to the lack of size and playmaking upside, Richardson reminds me a lot of a CJ McCollum like player. Though undersized as a shooting guard, Richardson is one of the better floor spacers and defenders at the guard position in this year’s draft. With Indiana making it to the Finals with many youthful players not seeing minutes, you’d have to think Indiana looks to add an affordable third star in the near future, opening up minutes potentially for Jase Richardson to play alongside the starting unit. Though a bit of a swing pick due to height concerns, Richardson’s floor spacing, athleticism and defensive abilities are very intriguing for a number of teams outside the lottery.
Danny Wolf | Oklahoma City Thunder | Comp: 7’0 Kyle Anderson
Another interesting upperclassman in this year’s draft, Danny Wolf has an intriguing skillset as an offensive minded big man. With incredible foot work, technique as a playmaker and ability to space the floor, Wolf could be seen as the Isiah Hartenstein replacement when financial implications begin to play a factor in Oklahoma City. For OKC, adding Danny Wolf and Cam Johnson would somehow improve its current roster who just so happens to be the best team in basketball.
Noah Penda | Miami Heat (via Orlando) | Comp: Nicolas Batum
Noah Penda has been raved about as one of this year’s highest upside 3/D prospects later into the draft. As a potential hidden gem, Penda still needs to improve as an offensive player, finding ways to score consistently and expanding his all-around offensive game. Miami historically has found gems no matter where they’ve drafted in the past and Noah Penda could be the next high upside swing and success for Miami.
Adou Thiero | Oklahoma City Thunder | Comp: Athletic Dorian Finney-Smith
Adou Thiero is my personal second favorite upperclassman in the 2025 draft class. With downhill scoring ability, the ability to play off-ball while also being able to create his own shot and space the floor, Thiero is viewed as one of the more NBA ready 3/D players in this year’s draft. With comparisons as simple as Dorian Finney-Smith with some even comparing his style of play to Amen Thompson, Thiero’s versatility and athleticism provides whoever drafts him with a premier ready to go wing. Who better to select this possible gem than the Oklahoma City Thunder, who just selected Danny Wolf and traded the 15th pick for Cam Johnson. With a likely rotation of SGA, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isiah Hartenstein, Cam Johnson, Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, Nikola Topic, Danny Wolf and Adou Thiero, the Oklahoma City Thunder would be on the brink of a long-term dynasty, similar to the 90s-2000s San Antonio Spurs.
Maxime Raynaud | Dallas Mavericks (via Brooklyn) | Comp: Brook Lopez
Maxime Raynaud is another big-time riser in this year’s NBA draft. Though not elite in any department, Maxime Raynaud is just an all-around solid big man. Whether it be his ability to block shots, rebound, space the floor, footwork or post offense, Raynaud could be viewed as a modern-day Brook Lopez type player. With our seventh trade of the first round, the Dallas Mavericks trade a future first round pick (likely protected 1-10), to the Brooklyn Nets for the 27th overall pick. For Dallas, rumors and reports have stated Dallas’s desire to package Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington’s expiring contracts for a complimentary guard to fill Kyrie Irving’s void while out rehabbing a torn ACL. If so, the Mavericks in this scenario would draft Gafford’s replacement. Raynaud, who I have linked numerous times to the Boston Celtics with the 28th overall pick, would be selected one pick before Boston, making this move absolutely necessary for Dallas if they feel Raynaud is the prospect they need.
Joan Beringer | Boston Celtics | Comp: Nerlens Noel
Joan Beringer has received a lot of hype, but I personally am not buying it. Though extremely athletic as a rim protector and lob threat, Beringer has a very limited offensive game and a bit undersized to be a full time NBA big man. Similar to Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton, Beringer will need to focus on building strength before being viewed as a full-time caliber big man. For Boston, grabbing a high upside rim protector during a retooling season could be viewed similar to when Boston selected Robert Williams a few years back.
Ben Saraf | Phoenix Suns | Comp: TJ McConnell/D’Angelo Russell
Ben Saraf is an incredibly intriguing prospect. With the necessary style of play for a modern-day combo guard, Saraf has showcased flashes of elite playmaking and an all-around offensive game which could use some improving in all departments. While being extremely crafty as a ball handler and a perfect guard to play through the pick and roll, Saraf’s biggest need to consistent scoring and defensive improvements. For Phoenix, adding two high upside prospects in Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf could be very important in building around superstar guard Devin Booker. Though personally I feel Booker’s time is coming to an end, potentially testing out this combination of youth with Booker and a surrounding cast could be viewed by Booker as his final year.
Hugo Gonzalez | Charlotte Hornets (via Clippers) | Comp: Bogdan Bogdanovic
With the final pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets trade it’s 34th overall pick along with some form of future second round draft capital to the Los Angeles Clippers for the 30th overall pick. With many executives and high profiled reporters stating this year’s draft could have the most movement ever, it’s fitting to end the first round with our eighth and final trade. With that being said, the Charlotte Hornets take a swing on a high upside project player in Hugo Gonzalez, a 6’6 wing with major upside as a floor spacer. Charlotte also has the 33rd overall pick, potentially selecting Creighton big man Ryan Kalkbrenner. In the hypothetical scenario Kalkbrenner at 33 becomes a reality, the Hornets would have built a young core centered around LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Tidjane Salaun, VJ Edgecombe and Hugo Gonzalez. With a well-rounded amount of draft capital and players like Mark Williams, Grant Williams and Miles Bridges, the Hornets similar to Utah and Portland, could be the next youthful team entering the star market.
As always, these picks, trades and analysis is based on personal beliefs, research and realistic possibilities. Picture of the full first round mock draft is below.
Feel free to let us know what you would change in the comments tab below!
