2025 NBA Draft live updates: Picks, analysis of first round

It’s the day that all struggling NBA franchises have been dreaming of. The NBA draft , now a two-day event that gives the worst teams in the league a chance to catch lightning in a bottle and a deep dive into other teams who have no idea what they are doing.

Duke freshman and national player of the year Cooper Flagg was selected as the top pick by the Dallas Mavericks , tabbing him as the future face of the franchise in the post-Luka Dončić era. He is expected to wear No. 32 for Dallas.

“I think just hearing my name get called," Flagg said when telling ESPN about what has made the night special. "Sharing that moment with my mom, my dad and two brothers. That’s a moment I am going to remember for the rest of my life. … It was a blur as soon as I heard it happen.”

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The forward from Newport, Maine, spent just one season with the Duke Blue Devils . Flagg's season ended with a loss to Houston in the Final Four.

The do-it-all young star led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary.

It is unclear how the rest of the draft will unfold after Flagg as NBA commissioner Adam Silver continues to take the podium at Barclays Center in New York.

Several trades have a chance to change the landscape of the league. Kevin Durant orchestrated his exit from the Phoenix Suns after two seasons and was shipped to the up-and-coming Houston Rockets , and Kristaps Porzingis was dealt to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team swap as the Boston Celtics continued their post-championship salary dump.

One of those teams in the Porzingis deal is the Brooklyn Nets , who now have five first-round picks (No. 8, No. 19, No. 22, No. 26, No. 27), plus a second rounder at No. 36) and could make some serious noise to move up or use its assets to broker a deal for an established star. Also, look out for the world champion Oklahoma City Thunder , who have two first-round picks and a total of 11 first-round picks through the 2030 season, keeping their title-chasing window open for years to come.

USA TODAY Sports has everything you need to know about the 2025 NBA Draft:

No. 19 Brooklyn Nets, Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France)

Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He’s quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. - Jeff Zillgitt

No. 18. Washington Wizards, Walter Clayton, Florida

The Jazz went with another bucket getter who can create his own shot in Clayton, who helped the Florida Gators win the national championship and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. He had 34 points in the national semifinals against Auburn and 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the championship victory against Houston. He also scored 30 points in a regional final against Texas Tech and was 21-for-42 from the field in the Gators’ final three games. - Scooby Axson

No. 17 Minnesota Timberwolves, Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League)

After consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves are getting a boost of athleticism in the low block. Beringer had gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn’t have a lot of experience but his potential, especially as a rim protector, made him a first-round prospect. Another player who improved throughout the season. He has played basketball for only four years. - Lorenzo Reyes

No. 16 Portland Trail Blazers (from Memphis), Yang Hansen, Qingdao (China)

The 7-2 center was named the Chinese Basketball Association Rising Star in his first two seasons and averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 2024-25. - Jeff Zillgitt

No. 15 Oklahoma City Thunder, Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

At this point, the world champion Thunder are collecting assets, as all of their core players plan to run it back for years to come. General manager Sam Presti has assets to play with if they want to wheel and deal, including nearly a dozen first-round picks from here to the end of the decade.

Sorber, a forward-center, required surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15 and missed the rest of the season. But Sorber is a stellar inside threat who’s just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame. — Scooby Axson

No. 14 San Antonio Spurs, Carter Bryant, Arizona

Their second pick of the night, the Spurs get more athleticism at forward, and continue building a solid, young core. The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. - Lorenzo Reyes

No. 13 Atlanta Hawks, Derik Queen, Maryland

An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand and has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He has good hands, footwork and the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to eventual champion Florida. - Jeff Zillgitt

No. 12 Chicago Bulls, Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

The Bulls have been stuck in the play-in window, but their play improved toward the end of the season as point guard Josh Giddey commanded the offense. Now, Chicago is getting a competitive and active young player. The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up. - Lorenzo Reyes

No. 11 Memphis Grizzlies (from Portland), Cedric Coward, Washington State

Coward, is an experienced player who can contribute right away. He started his college career at Division III Willamette University, transferred to Eastern Washington and then to Washington State. He played in just six games in 2024-25 with a shoulder injury ending his senior season in November. Coward has great size for a guard, is solid on catch-and-shoot 3s and has the ability to get to the rim. - Jeff Zillgitt

No. 10 Phoenix Suns (from Houston), Khaman Maluach, Duke

This pick was part of the trade that shipped Kevin Durant to the Rockets , so Houston selected on behalf of Phoenix, which gets much-needed height. Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. — Lorenzo Reyes

No. 9 Toronto Raptors, Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

Although he’s a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC's No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament. He is the Gamecocks' first lottery pick. — Jeff Zillgitt

No. 8 Brooklyn Nets, Egor Demin, BYU

For the first of the five first-round picks they entered the night with, the Nets are looking to bolster their production along the wing. Demin is a Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. — Lorenzo Reyes

No. 7 New Orleans Pelicans, Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

Fears is quick on the dribble, has strength going to the rim, can finish and draws fouls. He operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer but needs to improve his 3-point shot. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. — Jeff Zillgitt

No. 6 Washington Wizards, Tre Johnson, Texas

Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer, with the ability to blow by defenders with ease and should fit in well with a Wizards team that is desperately in need of a spark of any kind. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. — Scooby Axson

No. 5 Utah Jazz, Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Bailey has prototypical size for a wing in the NBA, but there have been questions about him since he decided not to work out for teams, and reportedly put together a wish list of possible destinations instead of being content with being drafted. Bailey’s game on the court starts with his shooting; he is not great from long distance but can have an impact in the mid-range and score with the best of them. Shot selection is a concern, and his success will depend on how he is used. But he displays an array of shots to get his points, whether it’s floaters, catch-and-shoot off the break, or going to the rim. — Scooby Axson

No. 4 Charlotte Hornets, Kon Knueppel, Duke

The Hornets need shooting, and Knueppel can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. — Jeff Zillgitt

No. 3 Philadelphia 76ers, VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

The first thing you notice about Edgecombe is his supreme athleticism and a strong, NBA-ready frame. That means he will put a lot of players on a poster with his jumping ability and can use his quickness to be a pest on the defensive end. The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. — Scooby Axson

More: Baylor freshman VJ Edgecombe with No. 3 pick

No. 2 San Antonio Spurs, Dylan Harper, Rutgers

The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper’s best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. But the Spurs suddenly have a surplus at guard with De’Aaron Fox — whom they acquired in a midseason trade — and Stephon Castle already in the fold. San Antonio could look to move one of them later in a corresponding move. — Lorenzo Reyes

No. 1 Dallas Mavericks, Cooper Flagg, Duke

The do-it-all young star led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He led Duke to an impressive season, which included the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. — Jeff Zillgitt

More: Flagg goes No. 1 to Dallas to help jump start post-Luka Dončić era

What time does the NBA draft start tonight

The NBA Draft starts Wednesday, June 25 at 8 p.m. ET. The draft is being held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Day 1 of the draft can be viewed on ESPN and ABC.

Where to watch NBA draft

• Time: 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT)
• Location: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, New York)
• TV: ABC and ESPN
• Stream: Fubo , Sling TV

Watch the NBA Draft with Fubo

First trade of the night

The San Antonio Spurs are trading the No. 38 pick (second round) in tonight's NBA draft to the Indiana Pacers for a future second-round pick and cash, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

2025 NBA Draft order: Round 1

1. Dallas Mavericks
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. Charlotte Hornets
5. Utah Jazz
6. Washington Wizards
7. New Orleans Pelicans
8. Brooklyn Nets
9. Toronto Raptors
10. Phoenix Suns (via Houston Rockets )
11. Portland Trail Blazers
12. Chicago Bulls
13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings )
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks )
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami Heat , L.A. Clippers)
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando Magic )
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit Piston, New York Knicks , Portland Trail Blazers , New Orleans Pelicans )
18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis Grizzlies )
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee Bucks , New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons , Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans )
20. Miami Heat (from Golden State Warriors )
21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves )
22. Atlanta Hawks (via L.A. Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans)
23. New Orleans Pelicans (from Indiana Pacers )
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via L.A. Clippers)
25. Orlando Magic (via Denver Nuggets )
26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York Knicks)
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston Rockets )
28. Boston Celtics
29. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers , Utah Jazz )
30. L.A. Clippers (via Oklahoma City Thunder)

2025 NBA Draft odds

*All odds provided via BetMGM (odds as of Monday, June 23):

• Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke (-10000)
• San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers (-2500)
• Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor (-285)
• Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel, Duke (+150)
• Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas (+160)
• Washington Wizards: Ace Bailey, Rutgers (+220)
• New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma (+200)
• Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach, Duke (+400)
• Toronto Raptors : Khaman Maluach, Duke (+240)

NBA draft projections 2025

USA TODAY : Kon Knueppel and Kharman Maluach each go in top 10

Flagg is obviously the top prospect in the draft, but he had a lot of help around him, particularly his teammates Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, who USA TODAY Sports has going in the top 10. Regarding Knueppel, USA TODAY Sports writes, "He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws." Knueppel is predicted to go seventh overall to the New Orleans Pelicans .

Maluach is expected to go right after to the Brooklyn Nets . USA TODAY Sports writes: "Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly."

More draft projections and predictions from USA TODAY Sports' Jon Hoefling.

2025 NBA Draft prospects

Presumptive No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg will dominate the proceedings. However, here is a list of 20 other prospects to know ahead of Round 1, with the top five listed below.

1) Dylan Harper, Rutgers

• Position: G
• Height: 6'5"
• Weight: 213
• Strengths: Big frame for a guard, great playmaker, good shot creator, solid finisher

2) Ace Bailey, Rutgers

• Position: G
• Height: 6'8"
• Weight: 203
• Strengths: Long frame, elite scorer from all around the court, high-energy defender

3) VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

• Position: G
• Height: 6'4"
• Weight: 193
• Strengths: Athleticism, great on-ball defender

4) Tre Johnson, Texas

• Position: G
• Height: 6'5"
• Weight: 190
• Strengths: Scoring, high-energy defender

5) Kon Knueppel, Duke

• Position: G
• Height: 6'5"
• Weight: 219
• Strengths: Shooting, solid playmaker and defender, can fit into practically any role placed on him

How many rounds in NBA draft?

The NBA Draft consists of two rounds with the first round taking place on Wednesday night, followed by the second round on Thursday. In total, there will be 59 picks across the draft.

Note: The New York Knicks lost their 2025 second-round pick in December 2022 after the NBA ruled it engaged in free agency discussions with Jalen Brunson prior to when they were allowed to occur the previous offseason. — Mark Giannotto.

Who has first pick in 2025 NBA Draft?

The Dallas Mavericks own the No. 1 pick after winning the draft lottery with just a 1.8% chance. They are widely expected to select Duke's Cooper Flagg.

What channel is the NBA Draft on tonight?

ABC and ESPN will be televising the entirety of the draft's first round. The second round will be avaiable to watch on ESPN Thursday night.

How to stream the NBA Draft

The 2025 NBA Draft will be available to stream across Fubo , which offers a free trial to new users, as well as Sling TV .

Cooper Flagg: How will Duke star fare in NBA?

USA TODAY Sports Lorenzo Reyes states: "Given his size and skill set, and given his ability to play multiple positions on the floor, Flagg should be an instant contributor for the Mavericks and will enter the season as the odds-on favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year. He’s a player with an already-polished portfolio that includes ball handling, passing, rebounding and scoring, all of which means he can find different ways to impact games. And it’s not just against college kids; Flagg’s experience scrimmaging against Team USA — when he was just 17 years old — drew praise from LeBron James, Kevin Durant and others.

"With Kyrie Irving (torn anterior cruciate ligament) set to miss most of the season, Flagg could be asked to assist Dallas with distribution and playmaking, but his best fit is as a versatile wing who can blossom into a consistent All-Star, with a potential arc like that of a fellow Blue Devil, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum."

USA TODAY Sports' Steve Gardner has more on Cooper Flagg and expert predictions around the draft.

Ace Bailey projections: Predictions for Rutgers star

USA Today : No. 8 pick to the Brooklyn Nets

Staff writes: "Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn’t easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC. He is the only U.S. player who has not worked out for any teams, and his approach to the draft could impact where he is drafted."

USA TODAY Sports' Elizabeth Flores has more projections for Ace Bailey at the NBA Draft.

NBA Draft order: Round 2

1. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah Jazz )
2. Boston Celtics (from Washington Wizards via Detroit and Brooklyn)
3. Charlotte Hornets
4. Charlotte Hornets (from New Orleans Pelicans via San Antonio, Phoenix and Memphis)
5. Philadelphia 76ers
6. Brooklyn Nets
7. Detroit Pistons (from Toronto Raptors via Dallas and San Antonio)
8. San Antonio Spurs
9. Toronto Raptors (from Portland Trail Blazers via Sacramento)
10. New Orleans Pelicans (from Phoenix Suns via Washington)
11. Golden State Warriors (from Miami Heat via Brooklyn and Indiana)
12. Sacramento Kings (from Chicago Bulls via San Antonio)
13. Utah Jazz (from Dallas Mavericks)
14. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Atlanta Hawks)
15. Chicago Bulls (from Sacramento Kings)
16. Orlando Magic
17. Milwaukee Bucks (from Detroit Pistons via Washington)
18. Memphis Grizzlies (from Golden State Warriors via Washington and Brooklyn)
19. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Milwaukee Bucks)
20. New York Knicks (from Memphis Grizzlies via Oklahoma City and Boston)
21. Los Angeles Clippers (from Minnesota Timberwolves via Atlanta and Houston)
22. Phoenix Suns (from Denver Nuggets via Charlotte and Minnesota)
23. Utah Jazz (from Los Angeles Clippers via Los Angeles Lakers)
24. Indiana Pacers
25. Los Angeles Lakers
26. Memphis Grizzlies (from Houston Rockets)
27. Orlando Magic (from Boston Celtics )
28. Cleveland Cavaliers
29. Houston Rockets (from Oklahoma City Thunder via Atlanta)

NBA second-generation golden era continues with 2025 NBA Draft

(Jase) Richardson will join a growing NBA trend this week when he becomes the league's latest second-generation player. He and Rutgers guard Dylan Harper , the son of longtime NBA player Ron Harper, are projected to be first-round picks ahead of the 2025-26 season. It would be the seventh time in eight years multiple players were drafted with a father who played in the NBA.

The rise can be attributed to a variety of reasons, according to experts, from genetics to exposure, access and socioeconomic factors thanks the rising cost of youth sports . The number of NBA alumni is also bigger now with the league more than 75 years old. But the pattern is more distinguishable than ever.

This past season, there were at least 33 second-generation players who appeared in an NBA game (or more than 7% of the league’s players). Of the 30 NBA teams, 21 had at least one second-generation player on their roster at some point.

Read more on second-generation NBA players and their golden era by Mark Giannotto.

Khaman Maluach and navigating Trump's visa ban

A quirk related to Maluach’s visa situation will play out on Wednesday night at the 2025 NBA Draft. The NBA is preparing for the complicated scenario that would be triggered if Maluach were to be taken by the Toronto Raptors with the No. 9 overall pick.

Given the current Trump administration policy related to South Sudan, Maluach would have to apply for a United States tourism visa and a waiver to South Sudan’s visa ban any time he enters the United States if he plays for the Raptors, according to the NBA. That would also be in addition to having to obtain a Canadian work visa. The Raptors had to cross the United States border from Canada for road games 19 times based on their 2024-25 schedule.

USA TODAY Sports' Mark Giannotto dives into Khaman Maluach's situation around the draft and visa bans .

NBA Mock Drafts: AI predicts top picks

USA TODAY Sports Jack McKessy asked ChatGPT to predict the first 14 selections in Thursday's draft. Here is the full list with the top three below.

1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

ChatGPT wrote: "Unanimous top pick; versatile two-way star, Wooden winner."

2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers

It wrote: "Elite driver and scorer, shooting remains a question; consensus No.  2."

3. Philadelphia 76ers: V.J. Edgecombe, G/F, Baylor

It wrote: "Athletic playmaker and defensive force; top fit for Philly"

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 NBA Draft live updates: Picks, analysis of first round