NBA Draft Lottery 2025: Which Teams Will Trade Up for Top Picks?

By Edcel Panganiban June 13, 2025 11:54

As the 2025 NBA Draft draws near, trade rumors are heating up around the league, with several teams actively exploring opportunities to move up in the lottery and secure coveted top picks. The draft class is headlined by Duke forward Cooper Flagg, the clear No. 1 pick, but the intrigue lies in the battle for the Nos. 2 through 10 selections, where multiple franchises are positioning themselves for aggressive moves.

Among the most notable teams eyeing a jump in the draft order are the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets, and Orlando Magic. These clubs possess multiple assets and draft capital, giving them leverage to negotiate trades that could reshape their futures.

The Boston Celtics, currently holding the No. 28 and No. 32 picks, are quietly evaluating point guard prospects and weighing trade-up scenarios. With a roster burdened by luxury tax concerns and a need for cost-controlled talent, Boston’s front office is considering packaging future picks to move up into the late lottery. According to league sources, the Celtics have conducted extensive background work and workouts on prospects like Dylan Harper and Jeremiah Fears, signaling a clear interest in adding a rotation-level guard on a rookie scale contract. This approach aligns with their offseason plan to potentially trade Jrue Holiday and reduce payroll while replenishing the roster with young, affordable talent.

The Philadelphia 76ers, sitting at No. 3, have engaged the San Antonio Spurs, who hold the No. 2 pick, in trade discussions. The Spurs’ backcourt is crowded with De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, and recent top pick Stephon Castle, leading to speculation that they might be open to moving down. The Sixers are reportedly eager to move up to secure Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, a player they view as a perfect complement to emerging star Tyrese Maxey. Philadelphia’s front office, led by Daryl Morey, is known for bold draft maneuvers, and moving up one spot could provide a significant boost to their backcourt depth.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets, and Orlando Magic are also active players in the trade-up market. The Thunder hold picks Nos. 15, 24, and 44, while the Nets have a glut of selections at Nos. 8, 19, 26, 27, and 36. The Magic possess Nos. 16, 25, 46, and 57. These teams are reportedly exploring deals to leap into the late lottery, targeting prospects who can accelerate their rebuilds. NBA insider Jake Fischer notes that these clubs are “most likely to trade up in the lottery,” leveraging their multiple picks to secure higher-value talent.

Beyond the top 10, the draft’s depth is impacted by a wave of college players returning to school to capitalize on NIL opportunities, creating a unique dynamic that could depress the talent pool in the mid-to-late first round. This has prompted teams to scout aggressively and consider trades that maximize their chances of landing impact players, especially in the backcourt and wing positions.

Additionally, the possibility of high-profile trades involving veterans, such as the anticipated Kevin Durant move, adds another layer of complexity to draft night. Such deals could alter draft positions and force teams to pivot quickly, making the 2025 draft one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.

In summary, the 2025 NBA Draft lottery is shaping up as a hotbed of trade activity. The Celtics, 76ers, Thunder, Nets, and Magic are among the frontrunners in the race to trade up, each seeking to secure the best available talent to accelerate their rebuilding efforts. With draft night just weeks away, fans and analysts alike should prepare for a flurry of deals that could dramatically reshape the league’s landscape.