2025 NBA Mock Draft: Kevin Durant trade shakes up first round, leaves Suns with complicated decision at No. 10
The latest Kevin Durant trade saga has finally reached a conclusion, and the fallout of KD going to the Houston Rockets directly affects the 2025 NBA Draft. The Phoenix Suns added promising young guard Jalen Green in the trade, along with the No. 10 pick in the draft (which actually was originally theirs), which means they have a complicated selection to make. Do they take a gamble on a young prospect with an eye toward the future or take a more seasoned player who can contribute immediately? Their choice might give a solid indication about the direction of the franchise moving forward.
As for the rest of the league, you need look no further than the NBA Finals to see just how important draft scouting can be. Both Oklahoma City and Indiana have used late picks to add crucial pieces to their roster. Thunder super-sub Aaron Wiggins was taken 55th in the 2021 draft, while All-NBA forward Jalen Williams (12th) has far outperformed his slot. Meanwhile the Pacers took starting guard Andrew Nembhard with the 31st overall pick in 2022 and snagged Ben Sheppard, who has contributed significant minutes during the postseason, with No. 26 in 2023.
It just goes to show that even in a 2025 draft where there's absolutely no mystery about the No. 1 overall pick -- the Dallas Mavericks will be selecting Cooper Flagg on Wednesday -- there are still plenty of diamonds to be found that will likely impact playoff races for years to come.
Outside of the first three picks (maybe the first two, given how Ace Bailey's stock may be falling), there's really no set pecking order in terms of talent. Texas guard Tre Johnson is as high as No. 3 in one of our CBS Sports Mock Drafts, whereas I have him sixth. I'm a bit lower on him than some talent evaluators, but here are a few players I seem to be higher on than most:
- Carter Bryant
- Kasparas Jakucionis
- Nique Clifford
- Will Riley
- Rasheer Fleming
Are they all going to turn out to be superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (drafted 11th) and Tyrese Haliburton (12th)? History says no. But as the picks get lower, you're just looking for that hidden gem who could end up changing the fortunes of your franchise for years to come. Someone will find them, but who will it be?
Here's my latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft.
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