2025 NBA Draft Live: Picks, Grades & Trades | Round 2 Underway

Brooklyn, NY – The 2025 NBA Draft has delivered on its promise of drama, surprises, and franchise-altering decisions. As of Thursday afternoon, the first round is complete, and the second round is well underway at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. In what was a night filled with anticipation, the Dallas Mavericks secured the player they coveted, while several teams pulled off blockbuster trades that have completely reshaped their futures.

The Top of the Board: A Maverick's Dream

To begin with, the Dallas Mavericks, against all odds, won the draft lottery and secured the No. 1 overall pick. With this incredible opportunity, they selected Cooper Flagg, the highly touted forward from Duke. Flagg is widely regarded as an elite two-way player, someone who can immediately impact winning on both ends of the court. His versatile skillset, which includes dominant defense and improved shooting, makes him a perfect fit for a Mavericks team looking to build on its recent success. Ultimately, Flagg’s selection was a home run for Dallas, giving them a cornerstone for the future.

Following the Mavericks' pick, the San Antonio Spurs, building around their superstar Victor Wembanyama, selected Dylan Harper from Rutgers. Harper, a talented combo guard with a natural feel for the game, is seen as the ideal perimeter scoring partner for Wembanyama. Therefore, this duo could form one of the league’s most dominant inside-out tandems for the next decade. Subsequently, at No. 3, the Philadelphia 76ers made a solid pick, choosing VJ Edgecombe, a physically gifted wing from Baylor. While not a spectacular pick in some experts' eyes, Edgecombe's athleticism and defensive potential are undeniable.

Shocking Trades Reshape the League

However, the real excitement on Draft Night wasn't just about the picks themselves—it was about the flurry of trades that sent shockwaves across the league. For instance, in a move that blindsided many, the Phoenix Suns acquired veteran center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. In exchange, the Hornets received the No. 29 pick (UConn’s Liam McNeeley), a 2029 first-round pick, and guard Vasilije Micic. This trade clearly signals the Suns’ intent to compete now by adding a proven player to their roster.

Furthermore, another significant trade saw the New Orleans Pelicans move up to No. 13 to acquire Maryland center Derik Queen. They sent the No. 23 pick and a valuable 2026 first-rounder to the Atlanta Hawks to make the move. This decision has been met with mixed grades, with some analysts questioning the fit next to Zion Williamson. Nevertheless, the Pelicans are betting on Queen's polished low-post scoring to add a new dimension to their offense. In addition to these deals, the Memphis Grizzlies traded up to No. 11 for Cedric Coward, while the Utah Jazz moved up to No. 18 for Walter Clayton Jr.

First-Round Grades and Notable Slips

Upon reviewing the first round, the general consensus is that a few teams emerged as clear winners. The Mavericks, Spurs, and Wizards (who selected Tre Johnson at No. 6) all received "A" grades for their selections. On the other hand, the Pelicans' decision to trade up for Derik Queen has been widely criticized, with some experts giving it a "C+" grade, suggesting it carries significant risk.

Perhaps the most talked-about player of the night was Ace Bailey, the talented forward from Rutgers. Despite being a consensus top-five prospect, Bailey shockingly fell to the Utah Jazz at No. 5. Interestingly enough, reports suggested that Bailey's camp had tried to steer him away from certain teams by having him skip pre-draft workouts. In the end, the Jazz took him anyway, betting on his significant upside. This bold move was met with an "A" grade from some analysts, who believe the Jazz snagged a potential superstar.

Second Round Underway: Best Available Talent

As the 2025 NBA Draft progresses into its second round, a number of intriguing prospects remain on the board. For example, Rasheer Fleming, the versatile forward from Saint Joseph's, is a top name available. His defensive prowess and improved shooting make him a prime target for teams looking for a second-round steal. Another notable player still available is Maxime Raynaud, the skilled big man from Stanford. Although concerns about his athleticism linger, his offensive skill set is undeniable.

Similarly, other players like Duke's Tyrese Proctor, a guard with high basketball IQ, and Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner, a consensus All-American center, are waiting to hear their names called. The second round is a critical opportunity for teams to find hidden gems, much like Nikola Jokic or Jalen Brunson in previous drafts.

The Boston Celtics' Picks

Meanwhile, after a series of offseason trades that reshaped their roster, the Boston Celtics entered the draft with multiple picks. With their first-round pick, they selected Hugo Gonzalez, a forward from Spain. As the second round unfolds, they will have another opportunity to add talent to their roster and build depth.

How to Watch the Rest of the Draft

To conclude, if you want to keep up with the action, the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft is being broadcast live on ESPN and can be streamed on ESPN+ or Fubo. The live updates and trades are happening in real-time, so be sure to stay tuned for the final results and analysis.