NBA Draft Shockers: Biggest Trades and Surprises from Draft Night 2025

By Edcel Panganiban June 29, 2025 14:13

The 2025 NBA Draft delivered a night full of jaw-dropping trades, unexpected picks, and strategic maneuvers that left fans and analysts buzzing. From blockbuster deals involving All-Stars to surprising selections deep in the first round, this draft reshaped several franchises’ futures in a way few anticipated. Here’s a detailed look at the biggest trades and surprises that defined draft night 2025.

Blockbuster Trades Set the Tone

The trade market was red-hot leading up to and during the draft. The Houston Rockets made waves by acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster deal, instantly altering the championship landscape. This move also affected draft positioning, with the Suns selecting Duke center Khaman Maluach at No. 10 overall, a pick originally belonging to Houston.

The Boston Celtics were especially active, sending out Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons, and trading Kristaps Porziņģis to the Atlanta Hawks, where he joined Trae Young. These deals not only shook up the rosters but also freed salary cap space for Boston, signaling a potential rebuild or retool around younger talent.

One of the most impactful trades on draft night involved the Charlotte Hornets sending promising young center Mark Williams to the Suns. Phoenix, eager to bolster their frontcourt, also acquired second-round picks from the Brooklyn Nets, who themselves were busy stockpiling assets.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Bold Move

In a surprising maneuver, the Memphis Grizzlies traded up five spots with the Portland Trail Blazers, moving from No. 16 to No. 11. To make this happen, Memphis parted with an unprotected first-round pick originally from the Orlando Magic, along with additional second-round picks. The Blazers used the No. 16 pick to select Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1 center known for his exceptional passing and length, who was ranked No. 35 on many draft boards but became the biggest surprise of the first round.

Yang’s selection stunned many, as he was not expected to go that high. “Getting picked 16th was a big surprise,” Yang said through an interpreter, reflecting the unexpected nature of his rise. His professional experience overseas and unique skill set make him a fascinating prospect for Portland’s rebuilding efforts.

New Orleans Pelicans’ Aggressive Strategy

The Pelicans made headlines by trading up 10 spots to No. 13 to select Derik Queen, pairing him with their earlier pick Jeremiah Fears at No. 7. This aggressive move cost New Orleans valuable draft capital, including a first-round pick in 2026, sparking debate about whether the gamble was worth it. Draft analyst Jonathan Givony noted, “The Pelicans clearly telegraphed their interest in Queen, which hurt their leverage. They gave up a potentially high pick for a player who was rated significantly lower on some boards.”

Brooklyn Nets’ Youth Movement

The Nets, controlling five first-round picks, opted to draft all five rookies, signaling a full-scale youth movement. This bold approach could accelerate their rebuild, but also carries risk given the inexperience of the incoming class. Brooklyn’s willingness to invest heavily in unproven talent shows a commitment to long-term growth rather than short-term fixes.

Hidden Gems and Value Picks

Several teams found value picks that could become future stars. The Utah Jazz traded up to No. 18 to select Walter Clayton Jr., a point guard with intriguing shot-making ability in a draft class light on floor generals. Despite initial skepticism, Jazz executives believe Clayton’s skill set fits their system well.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks’ decision to trade down to No. 23 and select Asa Newell proved savvy, as they gained a projected top-10 pick in 2026 in the process. This move was praised for its strategic foresight, even if some questioned the immediate value of Newell compared to other prospects.

The 2025 NBA Draft was defined more by its trades than by the picks themselves. With sixteen first-round picks changing hands and several franchises reshaping their rosters overnight, the ripple effects will be felt for years. From the Suns’ acquisition of Kevin Durant and Mark Williams to Memphis’s bold trade-up and Brooklyn’s youth infusion, draft night was a masterclass in NBA front-office chess.

As teams begin integrating their new talent, the biggest question remains: which of these moves will pay off? For now, the draft has set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable NBA season ahead.