Draft day has arrived, and to the surprise of many, the Dallas Mavericks hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With that spot, they’ll aim to select a franchise cornerstone-either a long-term developmental prospect or a player capable of making an immediate impact.
Adding intrigue to the night’s proceedings, the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, are reportedly exploring ways to move up in the draft order. According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, OKC currently holds picks 15, 24, and 44, but could look to package those in a trade to select higher up the board.
I keep hearing rumblings that the Thunder are trying to move up… They could package all three of those picks to move up four, five slots, maybe six, to Toronto”… “It’s not clear on their roster that they have any real need right now, so they can afford to take a swing on a high-upside prospect who fits that defensive DNA that won them a championship. said Givony
Who might the Thunder be targeting?
According to Givony, the Thunder are keeping a close eye on a trio of names: French prospects Noa Essengue and Joan Beringuer, and South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles.
Young teenager that knows how to defend, knows how to bring physicality, knows how to play without the ball. All characteristics that the Oklahoma City Thunder covet,”…
Although Oklahoma City already boasts one of the most talented and youngest cores in the league, their front office has been amassing draft capital with the long-term goal of building a sustainable dynasty. Trading their three current picks for a top-10 selection would be a continuation of that vision. Givony added.
Moves that nearly happened
Before the Houston Rockets traded their No. 10 pick to the Phoenix Suns-a move that ultimately facilitated the arrival of Kevin Durant–Oklahoma City reportedly held discussions with Houston in hopes of making a deal.
If the Thunder are unable to move up, current projections suggest they could select Carter Bryant out of Arizona, a dynamic wing who has impressed scouts with his scoring versatility.
Draft night drama as teams chase NBA stardom
As the NBA Draft unfolds tonight, franchises across the league are making their final moves to secure the best talent coming out of college basketball. With the Thunder now the team to beat, many contenders are retooling to mount a serious challenge in the coming seasons.
All eyes will be on 18-year-old phenom Cooper Flagg, widely expected to be taken No. 1 overall. The former Duke standout is regarded as a generational talent, prompting several teams to abandon their pursuit of the top pick, believing the Mavericks have locked in on him.
If Dallas does hold onto the No. 1 pick and selects Flagg, it could mark the beginning of a full-scale rebuild-one that might restore the Mavericks to prominence in the Western Conference.
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