2025 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Projecting First Round after trade deadline passes

As the NBA trade deadline passes, the next opportunity for professional teams to add talent comes at the end of June when a new crop of rookies enter the draft. With multiple trades involving those picks, along with a fresh set of needs on each roster, it is time for an updated look.

The NBA mock draft will continue to shift over the coming months, with more games to put on film and offseason workouts ahead. The NBA standings will also continue to shift after the rash of big moves.

Entering the NBA All-Star break, here is the latest projections for what the 2025 NBA Draft could look like, with first round selections based on current standings and team needs.

1. Washington Wizards: Cooper Flagg, Duke

The Washington Wizards were bad enough before the trade deadline that adding veteran leadership like Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart could improve their record without moving them far in the race for the No. 1 pick.

Read more on Cooper Flagg here.

2. New Orleans Pelicans: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

The New Orleans Pelicans had no plans to pick this high in the 2025 NBA Draft, but injuries have derailed their season and left them little option. After selling off pieces at the trad deadline, they are fully committed to the tank.

3. Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

The Utah Jazz played facilitator during the trade deadline, helping some of the biggest NBA deals get over the line by absorbing salaries as they continue to tank for a top 2025 draft pick.

Read more on Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey here.

4. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

The Charlotte Hornets sold off their center, bringing in more young offensive talent to a group already lopsided toward that end of the court. The vision for what they hope to become has not yet crystalized.

5. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

The Toronto Raptors did an interesting bit of business at the trade deadline when they added veteran wing Brandon Ingram, which should not take them out of the running for a top draft pick in the offseason.

6.Brooklyn Nets: Liam McNeeley, UConn

The Brooklyn Nets stood still over the final days of the NBA trade deadline, holding onto coveted wing Cameron Johnson who could now play a role in their future plans to rebuild the roster.

7. Oklahoma City Thunder*: Kon Knueppel, Duke

The Oklahoma City Thunder did little but sure up the end of the bench at the trade deadline, but have plenty runway to improve through the draft even as the top team in the NBA regular season thus far.

Read more on Kon Knueppel here.

8. Chicago Bulls: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

The Chicago Bulls sold some of their pieces, kept others, and largely got back their own assets and some contracts which promise to help a tanking effort in what looks like an extended rebuild.

Read more on Jeremiah Fears here.

9. Portland Trail Blazers: Egor Demin, BYU

The Portland Trail Blazers remained quiet over the past few weeks in trade rumors, thanks largely to their red-hot performances on the court which come as a surprise for a team considered one of the tankers.

10. San Antonio Spurs*: Asa Newell, Georgia

The San Antonio Spurs were able to land their point guard of the future without giving up the Atlanta Hawks pick they own, giving them two potential lottery swings to capitalize on this offseason.

11. San Antonio Spurs: Ben Saraf, Israel 

With De’Aaron Fox in the fold next to Victor Wembanyama, there are a number of directions the Spurs can look, from a consolidated move up the board to a pair of high-upside picks in this range.

12. Houston Rockets*: Khaman Maluach, Duke

The Houston Rockets only made moves on the fringe this trade deadline, hoping to see what the young roster can pull off in the postseason before making larger moves which impact the future.

13. Atlanta Hawks*: Derik Queen, Maryland

The Atlanta Hawks sold off pieces which held value at the trade deadline, allowing them to place full focus on the future of Trae Young beyond this season and the roster best suited to surround him.

14. Miami Heat*: Tre Johnson, Texas

The Miami Heat got out of the Jimmy Butler business, facilitating a deal which landed them with a potential lottery pick alongside Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson. The new direction of the franchise is underway without a tank.

Picks 15-30

15. Orlando Magic: Nolan Traore, France
16. Minnesota Timberwolves*: Noa Essengue, France
17. Dallas Mavericks: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina (read more)
18. Oklahoma City Thunder*: Noah Penda, France
19. Utah Jazz*: Labaron Philon, Alabama (read more)
20. Brooklyn Nets*: Ian Jackson, North Carolina (read more)
21. Oklahoma City Thunder*: Adou Thiero, Arkansas
22. Indiana Pacers: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
23. Atlanta Hawks*: Jase Richardson, Michigan State
24. Orlando Magic*: Hugo Gonzalez, Spain
25. Brooklyn Nets*: Alex Karaban, UConn
26. Brooklyn Nets*: Danny Wolf, Michigan (read more)
27. Washington Wizards*: Boogie Fland, Arkansas
28. Boston Celtics: Johni Broome, Auburn (read more)
29. Phoenix Suns*: Joson Sanon, Arizona State
30. Los Angeles Clippers*: Rasheer Fleming, St. Joseph’s