Key Trades and Highlights from the 2025 NBA Draft

The 2025 NBA Draft wasn’t just about welcoming new talent; it marked the beginning of a flurry of offseason trades that reshaped team rosters. As the league’s franchises maneuvered for future gains, they made significant player transactions while Commissioner Adam Silver announced each pick.

Spurs Deal Second-Round Pick to Pacers

The night kicked off with a minor trade as the San Antonio Spurs dealt their No. 38 pick to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a future second-round pick and cash considerations. This move set the stage for further trades as teams positioned themselves for the draft.

Hornets Trade Mark Williams to Suns for Valuable Picks

One of the night’s highlight trades occurred as the Charlotte Hornets officially moved center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns. After failing to trade Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers previously, this deal netted Charlotte the No. 29 pick and a 2029 first-round pick, which is top-five protected.

• Williams joins a revamped Suns squad alongside new center Khaman Maluach, drafted with the 10th overall pick.
• The Hornets seized the opportunity to draft Liam McNeeley, a UConn freshman, at 29.

This move reflects the Suns’ intention to strengthen their frontcourt after their recent acquisition of Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks from the Houston Rockets.

Cedric Coward Joins Memphis; Yang Hansen Lands in Portland

The Memphis Grizzlies made waves by selecting Washington State’s Cedric Coward with the No. 11 pick, originally held by Portland. This acquisition was made possible through a trade that involved a 2028 first-round pick from Orlando and two second-round picks.

• The Portland Trail Blazers, who moved down to No. 16, controversially chose Chinese player Yang Hansen.

Derik Queen Heads to New Orleans

In another significant trade, the Atlanta Hawks sent the 13th pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for the 23rd pick and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick. The Pelicans selected Derik Queen from Maryland to bolster their young roster, adding him to the talents of Jeremiah Fears, picked at 7th overall.

Walter Clayton Jr. Joins Ace Bailey in Utah

The Washington Wizards traded the No. 18 pick to the Utah Jazz for the No. 21 pick, alongside the No. 43 pick and two second-rounders in 2031 and 2032. This allowed Utah to draft Walter Clayton Jr., who was instrumental in Florida’s national championship run, pairing him with fellow rookie Ace Bailey.

Thunder Moves Back Again

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the defending champions, continued to play the long game by trading their No. 24 pick to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for the Spurs’ 2027 first-round pick, which includes protections. Sacramento utilized this pick to select Nique Clifford from Colorado State.

Conclusion: A Night of Movement

The 2025 NBA Draft proved pivotal, filled with exciting trades that not only shifted player dynamics but also set the stage for upcoming seasons. From securing future picks to acquiring key players, teams are clearly focused on building for the future.

For ongoing coverage and updates on the NBA draft and trades, visit NBA.com.