Every Trade and Surprise From the 2025 NBA Draft: Full Recap
Every Trade and Surprise From the 2025 NBA Draft: Full Recap
By Edcel Panganiban June 29, 2025 14:08
The 2025 NBA Draft delivered a whirlwind of trades, unexpected moves, and intriguing selections that kept fans and analysts on the edge of their seats. From blockbuster pre-draft deals to last-minute second-round maneuvers, the draft underscored how front offices are aggressively shaping their futures. Here’s a comprehensive recap of every major trade and surprise that defined this wild draft night.
Blockbuster Pre-Draft Trades Set the Tone
The offseason’s biggest headline came well before draft night when the Phoenix Suns traded MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. In return, Phoenix received guard Jalen Green, forward Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick (used to select Duke center Khaman Maluach), and an array of future second-round picks. This move signaled Phoenix’s commitment to retooling around youth and flexibility.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics orchestrated a three-team deal with the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets. The Celtics sent Jrue Holiday to Portland and Kristaps Porziņģis to Atlanta, acquiring guard Anfernee Simons and saving significant salary cap space. The Hawks paired Porziņģis with Trae Young, aiming to bolster their frontcourt, while the Nets, who made five first-round picks, focused on accumulating young talent and draft capital.
Draft Night Trades: Aggressive Moves in Round One
Charlotte’s selection of center Mark Williams at No. 29 was quickly followed by a trade sending him to the Suns, who swapped guard Vasilije Micic and the No. 29 pick to Charlotte. This bolstered Phoenix’s frontcourt depth after their Durant trade.
The Washington Wizards traded the No. 18 pick, used on Walter Clayton Jr., to the Utah Jazz in exchange for multiple future second-round picks and the No. 21 pick (Will Riley). This move highlighted Utah’s desire to add young wings with upside.
The Portland Trail Blazers traded the No. 11 pick (Cedric Coward) to the Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 16 pick (Yang Hansen), a 2028 first-round pick, and two second-rounders. Portland’s move reflected a preference for longer-term assets and a player they felt fit better with their timeline.
Second Round Frenzy: Trades and Surprises
The second round was marked by a flurry of trades, with eight reported deals. The Phoenix Suns were particularly active, executing two trades to acquire the No. 31 pick, which they used to draft Rasheer Fleming from Saint Joseph’s. Fleming, a 6-foot-9 forward with a 7-foot-5 wingspan and a 39% three-point shooting percentage last season, was widely regarded as a first-round talent and a steal at 31.
The Suns also swapped second-round picks with the Brooklyn Nets, acquiring the No. 36 pick while sending future second-round picks to Brooklyn. The Lakers moved up twice in the second round, including acquiring the No. 45 pick from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for the No. 55 pick and cash considerations, signaling their intent to add depth and upside.
Other notable second-round trades included the Spurs and Pacers exchanging picks, with the Pacers acquiring the No. 38 pick (Kam Jones) and the Spurs receiving a future second-rounder.
Surprises and Unexpected Picks
Ace Bailey’s slide to No. 5, where the Utah Jazz selected him despite his limited pre-draft workouts and expressed preferences, was one of the draft’s biggest surprises. Bailey’s calm reaction and Utah’s commitment signal a potential long-term fit despite initial uncertainty.
International prospects continued to make waves, with players like Khaman Maluach (No. 10 to Phoenix), Noah Penda (No. 32 to Boston), and Yang Hansen (No. 16 to Memphis) highlighting the global reach of the draft.
Analyst Takeaways
CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone praised Phoenix’s aggressive second-round maneuvers, calling the Fleming pick an “A” for its potential impact. ESPN’s Shams Charania noted the Lakers’ strategic moves to add promising talent late in the draft.
NBA.com highlighted the draft’s historical context, comparing the second round’s surprises to past gems like Nikola Jokić (No. 41 in 2014) and Draymond Green (No. 35 in 2012), fueling hope that hidden gems could emerge from this class.
The 2025 NBA Draft was a showcase of bold front office strategies, with blockbuster trades and savvy pick swaps shaping the league’s future. From Phoenix’s Durant trade to the flurry of second-round deals, teams demonstrated a willingness to take calculated risks and capitalize on opportunities.
As rookies prepare for Summer League and training camps, the true impact of these moves will unfold. For now, fans can revel in a draft night full of drama, surprises, and the promise of new stars rising.
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