In the latest edition of our NBA Mock Draft, the San Antonio Spurs make the bold trade for Kevin Durant, as it creates chaos on a memorable draft night.
As we inch closer and closer to the 2025 NBA Draft, which is now less than three weeks away, there’s growing speculation that the opportunity will be available for some transactional fireworks. At the center of it all could be the San Antonio Spurs. In our latest NBA Mock Draft, we draw up a Spurs trade that could not only alter the trajectory of the franchise as a whole but also the league altogether.
The Spurs trade for Kevin Durant
In what could come as a true NBA Draft night shock, the Spurs could pull off a trade for Kevin Durant. With the momentum behind the rumors that have built over the last few days, it should not be a surprise if this type of deal comes to fruition. This hypothetical deal would be costly, but the Suns’ asking price is probably going to be high for KD, especially if there’s a relatively fair market for him.
A package centered around Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, the 14th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and then a future protected first-rounder should probably be enough to pry KD away from Phoenix. This is a deal that would add plenty of intrigue on draft night and put the Spurs in a very interesting place heading into the rest of the offseason.
As this mock KD trade to San Antonio sends shockwaves across the league on draft night, we explore how it could impact the rest of the draft board in our latest NBA Mock Draft.
1. Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
No matter how much chaos the Spurs can create with such a big trade, I can’t imagine much would change with the Dallas Mavericks’ approach to the NBA Draft. With the No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg is overwhelmingly expected to be the selection here. There isn’t much, if anything, that should push the Mavs off this plan. Flagg seems to be as close to a can’t-miss prospect as there is in this draft class.
2. San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
By trading Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, it will naturally open the door for Dylan Harper on the wing. As an intriguing combo guard, the hope for the Spurs is that he would be a natural fit alongside De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. That’s far from a foregone conclusion, but it would be foolish for the Spurs not to, at the very least, experiment with this plan. Plus, the addition of Kevin Durant does give them some leeway with this selection.
3. Philadelphia 76ers – Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
Even though there have been whispers that the Philadelphia 76ers may explore the option of trading the No. 3 pick, or perhaps even going off-chalk with this selection, I can’t imagine a scenario where Ace Bailey is not the pick. He’s too talented a player, and the 76ers aren’t necessarily in a position where they can afford to mishandle this golden opportunity.
4. Charlotte Hornets – V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
The Charlotte Hornets could end up exploring a few other options with this pick, but I’d be surprised if V.J. Edgecombe wasn’t ultimately the selection. At this point, the top 4 of this draft class have pretty much separated themselves from the rest of the pack, at least in my opinion. In many ways, Edgecombe could be a worthy fit next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. If he hits his ceiling as a dynamic two-way player, the Hornets would be very happy with this selection.
5. Utah Jazz – Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
Many believe that the 2025 NBA Draft truly begins with the Utah Jazz at No. 5, but the more and more I think about what the Jazz may do, I do believe that Jeremiah Fears is the pretty clear selection. That’s not to say that the Jazz can’t go in a different direction, but I do believe Fears would be a great fit next to Lauri Markkanen. Adding Fears also helps a team that is in desperate need of a lead guard.
6. Washington Wizards – Tre Johnson, G, Texas
The Washington Wizards need to hit a home run with this selection. Unfortunately, it’s going to be difficult to find a player that’s going to have the level of impact on the franchise that they need, or would like. One intriguing player who could capture the attention of the fan base is Tre Johnson. A prospect with the potential to be a dynamic scorer at the next level, Johnson could be a strong consideration at this point in the top 10.
7. New Orleans Pelicans – Kon Knueppel, G, Duke
At least for now, the plan for the New Orleans Pelicans does seem to revolve around Zion Williamson. Under that assumption, it would be safe to suggest the Pelicans could end up drafting a player like Kon Knueppel with the No. 7 pick. As a wing player who is considered one of the best pure shooters in this draft class, he’s a prospect who could offer plenty of value in a supporting role for New Orleans.
8. Brooklyn Nets – Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
In this very early stage of their rebuild, the Brooklyn Nets should be prioritizing accumulating talent. Taking a huge flier on a prospect like Carter Bryant could be viewed as a worthy move for the Nets. Bryant has just begun to scratch the surface of his potential, and his athleticism and pure basketball skills jump off the screen. If he can put it all together at the next level, he could be a very good player in the future.
9. Toronto Raptors – Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
In what could end up being a dream outcome for the Toronto Raptors, if Khaman Maluach is still on the board at No. 9, it would make for an easy decision. Maluach fits perfectly with what the Raptors are building, and the hope is that he will emerge as a defensive anchor for the team heading into the future. As an intriguing offensive talent, there’s a ton of upside with this selection for the Raptors.
10. Houston Rockets (via PHO) – Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
The Houston Rockets may be hoping to strike a star trade of their own this offseason, but if Kasparas Jakucionis is still available at No. 10, he’d be a pretty clear fit for the team. The Rockets have a talented core, but have a huge hole at the point guard position. Jakucionis could help the team answer some of their big-picture, long-term questions at the point guard position.
11. Portland Trail Blazers – Egor Demin, F, BYU
As the Portland Trail Blazers continue to try and build off the success from the second half of this past season, Egor Demin could be an intriguing target for the franchise. He’d help fill a need on the wing that could arise for the team, and offer some playmaking assistance to a young, developing backcourt. With his skill set, Demin has to be considered one of the most versatile prospects in this draft class.
12. Chicago Bulls – Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Even with the long-term questions that surround this team, I do believe that the most realistic outcome for the Chicago Bulls heading into the NBA Draft revolves around them adding a big man with this late lottery pick. If available, it’s a no-brainer for the team to take a calculated gamble on Derik Queen. As one of the most put-together offensive bigs in this class, the Bulls would be getting a pretty polished offensive threat in the paint.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) – Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
There’s a chance the Atlanta Hawks will be seeking some depth in the frontcourt. One versatile big man who may be rising up draft boards that could make sense for the Hawks is Danny Wolf. He’s not a traditional big man, but could offer a nice change of pace for any team in the frontcourt. There are questions about his defensive capabilities, but he’s unique enough on the offensive end of the floor where such a selection could be worth the gamble.
14. Phoenix Suns (mock trade from SA) – Thomas Sorber
In a mock trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Spurs, the Phoenix Suns would land the No. 14 pick. There are rumors that the Suns are looking for a big man, so it would make sense for Phoenix to use this selection on a center. One underrated big man from this year’s draft class is Thomas Sorber. If he’s still on the board here, he could be a prospect that makes a ton of sense as the Suns look to retool around Devin Booker.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA) – Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
Looking to solidify the depth on their roster, especiallay considering how much of their roster in the fture will be dictated by the crippling CBA rules, the Oklahoma City Thunder could find value in selecting a prospect like Nique Clifford. From all indications, Clifford could be a draft-and-play type of contributor for the Thunder.
16. Orlando Magic – Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
Heading into the offseason, the Orlando Magic have two distinct needs – a scorer on the wing and a natural playmaking guard. I can’t imagine both are going to be answered via the draft. One player who could help fill the void of one of those spots is Labaron Philon. With the potential to be a difference-making playmaker down the line, Philon would make sense as a selection here.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) – Cedric Coward, G, Washington State
It’ll be tough for the Minnesota Timberwolves to find a player at this point in the NBA Draft that would be able to make a huge difference in year one, but there’s reason to believe that Cedric Coward could be worth the gamble. As a promising prospect with excellent size and potential, Coward could be the type of selection that may pay off in a big way a couple of years down the line.
18. Washington Wizards (via MEM) – Will Riley, F, Illinois
After taking a chance on a largely offensive-minded talent with Tre Johnson, it wouldn’t be surprising for the Washington Wizards to take a look at a more well-rounded wing player like Will Riley. His ceiling isn’t nearly as high as Johnson’s is, but he does have some underrated potential as a player who could evolve into a strong contributing part of Washington’s long-term puzzle.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) – Noa Essengue, F, France
With the potential of four first-round picks in this year’s NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets will have to be willing to take some big chances. Here at No. 19, we could see them take the first of those big swings. Noa Essengue, who is far from a polished prospect, could make sense as one of those gambles for Brooklyn. He’d offer some two-way promise for the team heading into the future.
20. Miami Heat (via GS) – Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
As the Miami Heat explore what may be next for the franchise, I can’t help but wonder if Collin Murray-Boyles could be a near-perfect fit for the team. Murray-Boyles is the type of versatile wing player that the Heat generally love, and if still available at No. 20, he could be viewed as one of the late-round steals in this draft class. He’ll need to work on his shooting, but the potential on the defensive end of the floor is what will appeal to Miami.
21. Utah Jazz (via MINN) – Noah Penda, F, France
Taking a point guard with their first selection in the first round, the Utah Jazz could elect to add to their frontcourt with this second pick. Noah Penda could be considered an interesting selection for Utah. A prospect who still hasn’t hit his ceiling as a player, Penda’s size, versatility, and defensive prowess could be a welcome addition for the Jazz. As they continue to figure out what lies ahead for their future, Penda could end up evolving into a player who could be a foundational piece for the future.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) – Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
With a second first-round pick, the Atlanta Hawks could take a flier on Jase Richardson. As a prospect whose draft stock has taken a hit over the last few weeks, snagging Richardson this late in the first round could be considered a huge steal. Even if he’s just a microwave scorer off the bench, Richardson could be worth the selection here for the Hawks. And if he does develop into a much better and more polished player, Atlanta would be big winners here.
23. Indiana Pacers – Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s
The Indiana Pacers are flying high. No matter how their season ends in the NBA Finals, there’s little their fan base should be upset about. The good news is that the Pacers should be good for a while. If they make the right personnel moves in the next couple of years, there’s not much stopping this team from remaining in the title picture for the foreseeable future. One smart addition with this late lottery pick that could emerge is Rasheer Fleming. A promising player with two-way potential, Fleming could be a valuable frontcourt addition for the Pacers.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder – Walton Clayton Jr., G, Florida
To be perfectly honest, the Oklahoma City Thunder don’t necessarily have a need for a second first-round pick, but Walton Clayton Jr. could be worth the gamble if they have to make this pick. As a winning player with experience, Clayton Jr. could be the type of contributor that makes sense for a championship-contending team. And maybe if the Thunder have to start making some tough financial decisions, the addition of Clayton Jr. could make even more sense.
25. Orlando Magic (via DEN) – Liam McNeeley, F, UCONN
The Orlando Magic took a chance on a prospect who has some long-term playmaking promise. With this second late first-round pick, the Magic could take a shot on a wing player whose draft stock has taken a historic tumble throughout the last few months. Once considered to be a lottery pick, Liam McNeeley is probably going to be taken in the 20s. Maybe the Magic take a chance on his potential when his value is at an all-time low?
26. Brooklyn Nets (via NY) – Ben Saraf, G, Israel
Ben Saraf could be another strong piece for the Brooklyn Nets’ rebuild. Even though there are legit questions about his potential and development, he has good size for a guard and has shown true playmaking promise. In the right situation, there’s a reason to believe that he could emerge as a much-needed answer to their backcourt questions. Saraf will need to continue to develop as an offensive scorer and on the defensive end of the floor, but there is some promise as one of the more unknown draft prospects.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) – Yaxel Lendeborg, F, UAB
If the Nets are willing to take a gamble on a late rising prospect, Yaxel Lendeborg could be a target with the No. 27 pick. Lendeborg is coming off a breakout season with the Blazers and has shown promise as a versatile forward who could do a little of everything – from initiating the offense to emerging as a 3-point threat on the perimeter. If he continues to develop, there’s a chance he could emerge as a real steal for the Nets this late in the first round. On a Nets team that has time and opportunity to develop young talent, Lendeborg could be a natural fit as they head into a new era of Nets basketball.
28. Boston Celtics – Joan Beringer, C, France
With the potential chances that could be awaiting the Boston Celtics during the offseason, it would make sense to solidify some of their depth. Particularly in the frontcourt, the Celtics could look to make a much-needed addition with their late first-round pick in the NBA Draft. One prospect who could make a ton of sense as a developmental project for the team is Joan Beringer. With the size and raw talent that would theoretically appeal to Boston, Beringer would be a smart play for any team looking for some depth and potential promise down the line at the center position.
29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) – Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn
Another prospect who could make sense for the Phoenix Suns, after they elected to take a chance on Thomas Sorber earlier in this mock draft, is Tahaad Pettiford. Even though he’s a bit undersized for his position, there’s hope that Pettiford’s explosiveness as an offensive threat would make him a worthy target for any team looking for some added depth in the backcourt. That’s why Pettiford could make sense for Phoenix. If the Suns feel strongly about a revamped core of Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Devin Booker, and Thomas Sorber, there could be a path where taking a risk on Pettiford could be worthwhile.
30. LA Clippers (via OKC) – Asa Newell, F, Georgia
With the final pick in the first round, the LA Clippers could take Asa Newell. A prospect who has certainly fallen down draft boards over the last couple of months, but also a player who could have value for a team in the right situation. Would the Clippers be the right situation? It’s hard to predict, but Newell’s athleticism and defensive capabilities could make him an appealing option for a team that will be looking to reemerge as a legitimate championship contender in the Western Conference next season. Maybe Newell is a bit more ready to contribute as a prospect than most seem to believe.
