The 2025 NBA Finals are behind us, and the focus shifts to the NBA draft, where off-court discussions and new information continue to shape expectations.
Duke`s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers` Dylan Harper are widely projected as the top two picks, expected to be selected by the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, respectively. Beyond the top two, the draft board becomes less predictable.
Leading up to the two-day draft event, the Philadelphia 76ers hold the third overall pick. VJ Edgecombe is considered the likely choice, though Ace Bailey might potentially be available lower on the board.
Teams are actively engaged in trade discussions. A recent significant move saw the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets complete a three-team trade. Boston sent Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick to Atlanta. Brooklyn received Terance Mann and Atlanta`s 22nd pick, while Boston acquired Georges Niang and a second-rounder.
ESPN draft analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo are continuously tracking team strategies and player information, providing updates to this mock draft based on the latest intel.
1. Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke | Freshman | TS%: 60.0
Height without shoes: 6-7¾ | Weight: 221 | Standing reach: 8-10½ | Wingspan: 7-0
Cooper Flagg recently visited Dallas, meeting with the team and touring their facilities. He left a strong impression on the Mavericks` front office. It is widely anticipated that Dallas, having unexpectedly moved up in the lottery, will select Flagg first overall.
Expected to enter the NBA at 18, Flagg is poised to contribute immediately to a Mavericks team aiming for competitiveness next season. His development could be accelerated by joining a winning environment. Dallas also needs playmaking support early on, as Kyrie Irving recovers from an ACL injury. Flagg`s versatile skills on both ends of the court provide a solid foundation for his professional career, which begins with high expectations.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers | Freshman | TS%: 59.3
Height without shoes: 6-4½ | Weight: 213 | Standing reach: 8-6 | Wingspan: 6-10½
Dylan Harper is considered a virtual certainty for the second pick, with other teams reporting that the Spurs have shown no interest in trading the selection. San Antonio is taking a patient approach to building its roster around Victor Wembanyama, viewing Harper as a core piece. Harper has visited the Spurs and privately met with the front office, indicating strong enthusiasm for joining the team as it seeks to regain championship contention.
The 19-year-old`s combination of physical size, shot creation, passing ability, and finishing skills makes him a highly sought-after lead guard in today`s NBA. His sturdy build is well-suited for the physical demands of playoff basketball. The difficulty in finding players with his offensive potential has made the Spurs reluctant to pass on this opportunity.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor | Freshman | TS%: 56.1
Height without shoes: 6-4 | Weight: 193 | Standing reach: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-7½
VJ Edgecombe is likely to be selected third overall due to his significant talent. This projection is also influenced by reports that Ace Bailey is determined to avoid teams in this draft range, potentially creating a difficult situation for the 76ers if they were to consider drafting a player unwilling to play for them.
Sources suggest Edgecombe was visibly nervous during his private workout in Philadelphia and struggled with his shooting in a one-on-one setting. However, his performance in interviews and meetings, which the front office highly values, made a strong positive impression.
While Edgecombe`s fit in the 76ers` backcourt alongside Tyrese Maxey doesn`t seem perfectly seamless, he possesses considerable upside. His high-level explosiveness, combined with promising flashes as a passer, shooter, and defender, offers significant developmental potential for Philadelphia.
4. Charlotte Hornets
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke | Freshman | TS%: 64.8
Height without shoes: 6-5 | Weight: 219 | Standing reach: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-6¼
If VJ Edgecombe, a player the Hornets reportedly rate highly, is selected at No. 3, Charlotte will likely consider trade-down scenarios or choose from players like Kon Knueppel, Jeremiah Fears, Ace Bailey, and Tre Johnson. The fact that Fears and Bailey haven`t worked out for the Hornets doesn`t appear to be a major obstacle to their consideration.
Rival teams anticipate that Charlotte will prioritize Knueppel`s strengths: strong perimeter shooting, playmaking ability, leadership, and his potential fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Selecting Knueppel would represent a safer choice for the Hornets, following their higher-risk selection of Tidjane Salaun at No. 6 in the previous draft.
Knueppel scores well in analytical draft models. However, the Hornets might weigh whether they could still acquire him by trading down a few spots and gaining additional draft assets.
5. Utah Jazz
Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma | Freshman | TS%: 57.0
Height without shoes: 6-2½ | Weight: 179 | Standing reach: 8-2½ | Wingspan: 6-5¼
Under the new leadership of Austin Ainge, the Jazz are unlikely to feel tied to previous draft picks who haven`t established themselves as sure long-term prospects.
Given the Jazz`s need for potential star power, selecting a talent like Jeremiah Fears makes sense. He had an impressive season at Oklahoma, standing out as one of the youngest players in college basketball at 18. His combination of size, speed, pace, shotmaking, and shot creation provides significant long-term upside. Fears can penetrate defenses to create opportunities for teammates, finish effectively in the paint, and draw fouls.
The Jazz had their first private workout with Fears recently. He is also reportedly receiving considerable interest from the New Orleans Pelicans at No. 7 and the Brooklyn Nets at No. 8, should he not be picked earlier. The Charlotte Hornets are also considering him at No. 4, despite already having LaMelo Ball as their starting point guard.
6. Washington Wizards
Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers | Freshman | TS%: 54.0
Height without shoes: 6-7½ | Weight: 202 | Standing reach: 8-11 | Wingspan: 7-0½
Ace Bailey, ranked No. 3 on our overall prospect board, is notably the only top U.S. prospect who has not visited an NBA team facility for a workout. He has reportedly declined invitations from Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Utah, seemingly preferring teams selecting outside the top five, particularly Washington, New Orleans, and Brooklyn (picks 6-8). This potential draft slide could cost him a significant amount in his initial contract.
Bailey`s representatives have stated they feel “confident going into the draft process,” which most NBA teams interpret as an indication that he has received assurances from a team perceived as more advantageous in the long term. Factors such as location, playing time, role, opportunity, and development are likely being considered.
While unusual, this strategy is not unprecedented. Last year, Alex Sarr reportedly discouraged the Atlanta Hawks from drafting him first overall and ultimately landed with Washington at No. 2, as he had hoped. Despite the negative attention, other agents are closely observing Bailey`s approach, recognizing the potential benefits of guiding clients to more favorable situations with an eye on maximizing long-term earning potential, potentially recouping first-contract losses through a larger second contract if he reaches his high ceiling as an All-Star caliber scoring wing.
7. New Orleans Pelicans
Khaman Maluach, C, Duke | Freshman | TS%: 74.7
Height without shoes: 7-0¾ | Weight: 252 | Standing reach: 9-6 | Wingspan: 7-6¾
Rival teams continue to speculate whether the Pelicans might attempt to trade up for Ace Bailey. However, if both Bailey and Jeremiah Fears are unavailable at No. 7, Khaman Maluach is strongly being considered here. Also seen as a possibility for the Nets at No. 8, Maluach is viewed by some teams as the most likely prospect in the 3-8 range to experience a slight draft drop if an unexpected player is selected ahead of him, though likely only a few spots.
Maluach addresses a clear need for many teams: a true center capable of anchoring the defense in the paint, with significant potential for physical and skill development. He plays with high intensity and is well-regarded by coaches and teammates for his character off the court.
His ability to protect the rim, defend effectively in various pick-and-roll coverages, provide vertical spacing as a roller and cutter, and sprint aggressively in transition will appeal to any team seeking a long-term center prospect.
There have also been persistent reports regarding Derik Queen in the past 24 hours. Teams point to Pelicans executive Troy Weaver`s long-standing connections to prospects from the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) area, as well as the fact that his son, Thomas, served as a Graduate Assistant on the Maryland coaching staff last season. Weaver was part of the Wizards front office until April, giving him ample opportunity to observe Queen`s impressive skill level and talent at Maryland throughout the season.
8. Brooklyn Nets
Tre Johnson, SG, Texas | Freshman | TS%: 56.1
Height without shoes: 6-4¾ | Weight: 190 | Standing reach: 8-5 | Wingspan: 6-10¼
Many teams initially projected Tre Johnson to be selected in a somewhat narrow range, between picks 4 and 6. However, realistic scenarios exist, such as this one, where he might slide out of that group.
While this would be a slight fall for Johnson, most around the league would be surprised to see him picked any later. He remains part of a generally agreed-upon group of prospects in the 3-8 range and would present a strong case as the best player available for the Nets. Following the trade involving Kristaps Porzingis, Brooklyn now holds five first-round picks, including the 22nd pick acquired from Atlanta.
The Nets have indicated to other teams that they are unlikely to trade down from this pick, ensuring they land a player they have targeted throughout the draft process. The prospect of potentially drafting five players in the first round is being considered. Brooklyn offers a significant opportunity for young players to compete for immediate playing time under coach Jordi Fernandez, who is known for developing young talent.
9. Toronto Raptors
Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm | Germany | TS%: 61.1
Height without shoes: 6-10 | Weight: 204 | Standing reach: 9-2 | Wingspan: 7-1
Noa Essengue`s pre-draft activities began after the German league playoffs. He reportedly traveled to Toronto for a private workout before heading to New York for media events for green room participants. He is also expected to meet with the Nets while in New York and has attracted considerable interest from the Suns, who might select him if he is available at No. 10.
Essengue`s physical attributes – length, mobility, and defensive versatility – align well with the Raptors` team identity, although his inconsistent perimeter shooting could pose challenges for floor spacing around players like Scottie Barnes. His youth, natural talent, strong defensive instincts, and rapid improvement over the past season suggest a high potential upside, making him an appealing prospect for teams in this part of the draft.
10. Phoenix Suns (via Houston)
Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona | Freshman | TS%: 59.9
Height without shoes: 6-6½ | Weight: 214 | Standing reach: 8-10 | Wingspan: 6-11¾
Carter Bryant has had a positive pre-draft process and appears destined for the late lottery. He has garnered interest from Phoenix following their trade into the No. 10 spot. Toronto at No. 9 and Atlanta at No. 13 are also seen as potential landing spots.
Other teams are trying to assess the Suns` strategy after they acquired this pick by sending Kevin Durant to the Rockets. With multiple high-usage scorers now on the roster, some rival teams expect Phoenix to target a defensive-minded frontcourt player to complement their potentially crowded backcourt. Bryant and Collin Murray-Boyles fit this description and are considered options for the Suns.
While Bryant isn`t expected to be a primary offensive creator immediately, his ability to shoot from long range, contribute as a passer, and defend multiple positions gives him a realistic path to becoming a consistent lineup piece.
11. Portland Trail Blazers
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois | Freshman | TS%: 59.8
Height without shoes: 6-4¾ | Weight: 205 | Standing reach: 8-3½ | Wingspan: 6-7¾
Pinpointing Kasparas Jakucionis`s precise draft spot has been challenging, partly because few teams in this range have pressing backcourt needs and due to uncertainty surrounding potential trades. Most projections place him between picks 11 and 14, with the Trail Blazers and Bulls mentioned as possibilities.
Following Portland`s trade of Anfernee Simons and acquisition of an older guard in Jrue Holiday, which seems to clear space for Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe in the backcourt, there might be more opportunity for the Blazers to develop a younger backcourt player, especially one who can space the floor effectively. The emergence of Donovan Clingan makes it less likely Portland will use this pick on a center.
Jakucionis`s unselfishness, playmaking ability, and size, allowing him to play both on and off the ball, make him a relatively easy fit in most situations. His long-term potential is appealing, especially considering he recently turned 19.
12. Chicago Bulls
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina | Sophomore | TS%: 64.0
Height without shoes: 6-6½ | Weight: 239 | Standing reach: 8-10 | Wingspan: 7-0¾
Collin Murray-Boyles` draft range is difficult to predict, with most estimates placing him between picks 10 and 16. This range includes several teams known for valuing analytics, such as Atlanta, Oklahoma City, and Memphis. NBA teams report that Murray-Boyles rates highly in their analytical models due to his strong passing, ability to draw fouls, efficiency on 2-point shots, defensive playmaking, and youth. These traits are attractive to several teams in this range.
Chicago has a clear long-term need in the frontcourt, with Nikola Vucevic entering the final year of his contract and no other big men seen as definite long-term solutions. Joan Beringer, Derik Queen, Danny Wolf, and Thomas Sorber are viewed as potential options. There is also speculation that the Bulls might simply select the best player available if a backcourt player like Kasparas Jakucionis is still on the board.
Murray-Boyles`s toughness, unselfishness, defensive versatility, and playmaking provide him with a high floor, even if his relative lack of size and perimeter shooting might make him a situational player in certain lineups.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU | Freshman | TS%: 51.3
Height without shoes: 6-9¼ | Weight: 199 | Standing reach: 8-9½ | Wingspan: 6-10¼
Egor Demin is another player whose draft position has been hard to nail down. He has worked out for most teams within the top 20. Teams believe he is a possibility for Toronto, Portland, and Chicago, and potentially a sleeper target for Brooklyn. It is also possible he could slip further, in which case a team like the Hawks might decide to take a chance on his talent, especially if he`s the best player available.
Atlanta made a notable move with the trade acquiring Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team deal that also sent their 22nd pick to Brooklyn. This development suggests it`s less likely Atlanta will target a big man at this spot, as Porzingis effectively fills a role similar to Clint Capela`s minutes and provides a different dynamic in the frontcourt.
Given his size, Demin`s potential versatility as a perimeter playmaker stands out in this draft class. The development of his shooting ability, which he has reportedly worked to demonstrate in private workouts, is a crucial swing skill for his future projection.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija | Adriatic | TS%: 61.5
Height without shoes: 6-11 | Weight: 235 | Standing reach: 9-3 | Wingspan: 7-4½
Joan Beringer has had a busy schedule since arriving in the U.S. after his season in Slovenia concluded. He has conducted workouts for teams picking between 8 and 19, including Chicago, Brooklyn, San Antonio, Atlanta, Memphis, Minnesota, and Houston.
The Spurs appear to be strategically building their roster and could look to add depth in the frontcourt at this stage of the draft. Adding another rim protector alongside Victor Wembanyama would help solidify their interior defense.
Beringer`s official measurements last week showed that he has grown significantly over the past year, now standing over 7 feet in shoes. His physical dimensions are similar to those of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Myles Turner at the same age, which helps explain why he is ranked as the best shot blocker in the draft class.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami)
Derik Queen, C, Maryland | Freshman | TS%: 60.0
Height without shoes: 6-9¼ | Weight: 247 | Standing reach: 9-1½ | Wingspan: 7-0½
Derik Queen continues to receive mixed feedback from team workouts. Questions persist regarding his conditioning, shooting form, and consistent engagement, although some teams have been impressed by his performance in 3-on-3 settings. Despite being considered the most offensively skilled big man in the class, he hasn`t appeared to fully maximize areas within his control and, consequently, hasn`t gained significant upward momentum during the pre-draft process.
Partially due to polarizing evaluations, Queen`s potential draft range is considered very wide. The Pelicans, though perhaps a long shot, represent a potential high-end landing spot. However, scenarios like this one, where he falls out of the lottery, are also considered realistic. There are reports that Queen could be selected as high as No. 7, where Pelicans general manager Troy Weaver, who shares DMV roots, is reportedly a big fan. Such a move would significantly alter the draft board.
The Thunder, fresh off winning the championship, are a team without glaring roster deficiencies but have been linked by other teams primarily to big men like Beringer and Sorber. Isaiah Hartenstein is under team control for a few more seasons, but the idea of finding and developing a less expensive replacement is appealing, especially as Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren become eligible for substantial rookie contract extensions this summer.
Selecting Queen here would be a bet purely on talent. The Thunder`s elite defense provides a cushion for potential developmental timelines, and Oklahoma City is better positioned than most teams to absorb such a risk.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando)
Cedric Coward, SF, Washington State/Duke | Junior | TS%: 71.0
Height without shoes: 6-5¼ | Weight: 213 | Standing reach: 8-10 | Wingspan: 7-2¼
Cedric Coward`s draft stock has risen sharply over the past month. Teams have been impressed by his physical attributes, perimeter shooting, and defensive potential, gaining a better understanding of his late-blooming trajectory.
As a young senior turning 22 in September, Coward fits the mold every NBA team is seeking with his size, frame, and career 38% 3-point shooting percentage. He may still have room for growth, considering he was playing Division III basketball just three years ago.
He recently worked out for Memphis, who just acquired the No. 16 pick from Orlando. Coward is also reportedly receiving serious consideration from Phoenix, Chicago, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City. Most teams picking in the 20s are operating under the assumption that he will be off the board by that point.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)
Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown | Freshman | TS%: 58.7
Height without shoes: 6-9¼ | Weight: 262 | Standing reach: 9-1 | Wingspan: 7-6
The Timberwolves have indicated they are open to trading this pick for future assets, depending on which players are available at No. 17.
Thomas Sorber has also seen his draft stock improve despite being sidelined since February due to a toe injury requiring season-ending surgery, which means he will miss summer league play. NBA teams are keen to acquire centers like Sorber, who can provide physicality and rim protection with his strong build and wingspan. The Suns, Bulls, Hawks, Spurs, Thunder, Timberwolves, and Nets are all reportedly interested in adding size to their frontcourts.
Minnesota faces uncertainty in the frontcourt this offseason, as Julius Randle and Naz Reid, who combined for significant minutes, both hold player options that could lead them to explore free agency this summer.
Sorber`s length, basketball IQ, and developing skills give him a chance to become a valuable contributor in the future, even if it takes some time for him to reach his potential.
18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis)
Danny Wolf, PF, Michigan | Junior | TS%: 56.6
Height without shoes: 6-10½ | Weight: 251 | Standing reach: 9-1 | Wingspan: 7-2¼
Danny Wolf has one of the widest projected draft ranges in the first round. He has attracted interest from several teams in the latter half of the lottery as well as numerous potential landing spots in the top 20, including Memphis, Minnesota, and Brooklyn. Washington is another team that might take a chance on him, particularly intrigued by his playmaking ability at his size. On a team like the Wizards, he could potentially receive immediate playing time.
Wolf`s unusual combination of size and skill set has resulted in varied evaluations across the NBA. However, he has reportedly received strong reviews in private workouts, which seems to have helped solidify his draft status.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee)
Asa Newell, PF/C, Georgia | Freshman | TS%: 62.0
Height without shoes: 6-9 | Weight: 224 | Standing reach: 8-11½ | Wingspan: 6-11¼
Asa Newell is another player who appears to have boosted his stock during the pre-draft process. He has showcased his physical tools and potential as a shooter, helping teams better understand the versatility he could offer as a stretch-4. However, his draft range remains somewhat wide, with consideration from teams in the back half of the lottery but also scenarios where he could fall into the late teens or early 20s.
The Nets have understandably been one of the busiest teams leading up to the draft, holding picks throughout the first round and multiple selections in the top 40. Most around the league expect Brooklyn to be active in trades this week, although the specific nature of those trades is unclear. Trading up to acquire a second lottery pick is among the scenarios the Nets might explore.
While the team is unlikely to roster six rookies, Brooklyn has hosted workouts for the vast majority of draft prospects, giving them extensive first-hand information on the class. The Nets are also seen as a desirable destination by many player agents due to the potential for playing time and opportunity next season. Newell`s long-term potential could make him an attractive developmental addition here.
20. Miami Heat (via Golden State)
Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn | Freshman | TS%: 53.6
Height without shoes: 6-6¾ | Weight: 214 | Standing reach: 8-3½ | Wingspan: 6-8½
Liam McNeeley has received positive feedback during team workouts, where he has reminded teams of his well-rounded offensive game after a challenging season partially affected by an ankle injury. He has generated interest from teams throughout the back half of the first round, including the Nets, Heat, and Jazz in this range.
Miami is consistently one of the most difficult teams for rival organizations and agents to gauge due to their secretive approach to the pre-draft process. Walter Clayton Jr. is another player who has frequently been linked to this pick.
21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
Hugo Gonzalez, SG/SF, Real Madrid | EuroLeague | TS%: 50.9
Height without shoes: 6-6¼ | Weight: 223 | Standing reach: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-10¾
Hugo Gonzalez`s Real Madrid team is currently competing in the finals of the ACB playoffs, which means he will not be available to conduct any workouts in the U.S. before the draft, as the series could potentially extend past the draft date.
Gonzalez finished the regular season strongly, but his playing time has decreased as the playoffs have progressed. Despite this, he remains a prospect a team in the 20s will likely select due to his impressive physical tools, strong feel for the game, and high-energy defensive approach.
Utah has clear needs on the wing and could provide him with the opportunity needed to reach the significant potential he displayed earlier in his career.
22. Brooklyn Nets (via Atlanta)
Nolan Traore, PG, Saint-Quentin | France | TS%: 51.0
Height without shoes: 6-3 | Weight: 175 | Standing reach: 8-5½ | Wingspan: 6-8
Holding multiple first-round picks, it is not surprising that the Nets might take several chances on talented prospects, hoping to uncover hidden gems with their later selections.
Depending on their earlier picks, the Nets may have a need in the backcourt. This situation would be highly appealing to any point guards projected in this draft range.
After initially being projected as a top-10 pick, Traore`s draft position has dropped due to inconsistent play. However, there is still much to like about his size, ballhandling, creative playmaking, and overall potential. This makes him a worthwhile gamble for a team in Brooklyn`s position at this point in the draft.
23. New Orleans Pelicans (via Indiana)
Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida | Senior | TS%: 61.1
Height without shoes: 6-2 | Weight: 199 | Standing reach: 8-1½ | Wingspan: 6-4
Walter Clayton Jr. has impressed teams with his dynamic shotmaking ability in workouts and has moved up draft boards, especially in a first round considered somewhat light on point guard options. He has fans in front offices selecting higher than this, with potential scenarios placing him in the top 20. His explosiveness and ability to create his own shot are strong assets that suggest he could be a useful bench scorer at minimum.
Minnesota, Miami, and Atlanta are considered potential teams interested in him. If Clayton is available here, he could be a player ready to contribute immediately for a team needing additional backcourt shooting.
The Pelicans have been very active under Joe Dumars recently. They traded CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Wizards, receiving Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the 40th pick in this draft. They acquired this specific pick from Indiana last week, sending the Pacers` 2026 first-rounder back to them to re-enter the first round. This decision to trade with the Pacers led to questions among rival teams about whether the Pelicans might use this pick to try and move up from No. 7. However, New Orleans reportedly has genuine interest in several players projected in this range.