NBA mock draft: Giannis finds a new home

Good deals for the Greek Freak

The 2025 NBA Draft has a bunch of talented players, but the backdrop will be the potential for a blockbuster trade involved a superstar player like Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Spur of the moment

The San Antonio Spurs have two picks in the 2025 lottery that would be awfully attractive to Milwaukee. We believe the Spurs would be willing to part with both picks, plus 2025 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, Harrison Barnes and Devin Vassell in order to acquire Antetokounmpo. The Spurs would pair the Greek Freak with Victor Wembanyama to create arguably the most imposing frontline in the NBA.

13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings): PF Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

The Hawks are not expected to bring Clint Capela back this offseason, so they could use a little more depth up front. Murray-Boyles is described by The Athletic’s Zach Harper as a “dynamite defender” and “fantastic rebounder.” Those are two excellent traits Atlanta could use given their traditional struggles opposite the offensive end of the floor.

12. Chicago Bulls: PF Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

The Bulls have a glut of guards already, so expect them to target some frontline help in the draft. Landing someone like Khaman Maluach or Derik Queen here would be ideal, but they could also take a flyer on Sorber. He’s not the most offensively talented player right now according to Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, but he has a strong frame that can hang in the NBA right now.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: PF Carter Bryant, Arizona

The Blazers made a nice leap a year ago, and will look to keep the good times rolling with an improving core. We figure Portland will likely try to build their big forward depth, and Bryant is a nice prospect here. Danny Chau of The Ringer tabs him as an excellent defender who challenges shots as well as anyone in the draft.

10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix Suns): SG Jase Richardson, Michigan State

Richardson will follow in his father’s footsteps as an exciting NBA prospect. We’ll see if Jase becomes the highlight reel Jason was, but Houston could have interest here at 10. Jalen Green’s name continues to come up in trade scenarios, so it wouldn’t be shocking for the Rockets to grab another shooting guard here.

9. Toronto Raptors: C Khaman Maluach, Duke

It seems like the Raptors would love to come away with a big man given the current construct of their roster. Maluach has skyrocketed up draft boards since his strong performance during the NCAA tournament, and would be a nice fit in Toronto. CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish lauded Maluach’s ability to move at his size, which was evident during March Madness.

8. Brooklyn Nets: C Derik Queen, Maryland

Queen arguably had one of the most exciting moments during March Madness 2025, hitting a buzzer beater to keep his Maryland alive in the tournament. Queen might be a bit smaller than people think at 6’9”, but he has an excellent feel for the game on the offensive end. Brooklyn would be fortunate to come away with a foundational prospect in the pivot who could also play next to Nic Claxton.

6. Washington Wizards: G Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

Washington has to be pleased with Bub Carrington’s rookie season, but that shouldn’t stop them from adding another backcourt prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports loved his athletic profile, and thinks he’s a player who can get to his spot regardless of who his checking him on defense.

5. Utah Jazz: SG/SF Kon Knueppel, Duke

Jazz fans are likely a bit bummed out with the fifth selection, as they thought an abominable 2024-2025 campaign would have landed them a higher pick. Be that as it may, Utah should target a player who will help their existing pieces fit together. This might be a little early for Knueppel to go, but he’s someone who can fit in well on almost any team.

4. Charlotte Hornets: SF Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Bailey might be the most polarizing player in the draft. He’s oozing potential from an offensive perspective, as he could end up being a special scorer with his physical gifts. He may have a long way to go when it comes to developing other aspects of his game, but Charlotte could do worse than taking their chances with a Brandon Miller-Ace Bailey forward tandem.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: SG V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor

The 76ers can never be counted out for a blockbuster move, but Edgecombe would be a nice pick here if they stood pat. Gary Parrish of CBS Sports thinks he’s got the explosive athleticism a team would love, but also a safe floor that would prevent him from being a bust at the next level. Philadelphia could use another reliable player in the mix.

2. Milwaukee Bucks (via proposed San Antonio Spurs trade): PG Dylan Harper, Rutgers

We thought Milwaukee would look to address their backcourt with the 14^th pick in a proposed Antetokounmpo trade, and they probably wouldn’t be shy about snagging Harper with the second pick. Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor believes Harper has an extremely high floor given his physique and basketball IQ, which could lead the Bucks into the next era.