The 2025 NBA draft is less than a week away. It will begin on Wednesday, June 25, at 8 p.m. ET. While there are always surprises on draft night, the action is expected to start with the Dallas Mavericks selecting former Duke star Cooper Flagg with the first pick. After that, there could be significant movement in the draft.
There are usually many teams that trade picks on draft night, whether it is to trade up to acquire a specific player or to trade down to acquire more assets. Here is a look at three teams that could be poised to trade up on draft night.
The 3 Most Likely Teams To Trade Up at the 2025 NBA Draft
#1 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder likely are not thinking much about the NBA draft at the moment. They are preparing for Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers. The result of the game could have an impact on what the Thunder decide to do on draft night. However, the Thunder could be in a position to trade up regardless.
NBA FINALS: GAME 7
You ready, OKC? pic.twitter.com/txRV2ynYtN
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 22, 2025
Despite being one of the best teams in the NBA, the Thunder have one of the most impressive collections of draft assets in the league. General manager Sam Presti has done an excellent job of running the team and has positioned them to contend for years to come.
This year, the Thunder have two first-round picks, the 15th and 24th. As a contender, they are likely looking for players who can immediately step in and have an impact on cost-friendly deals. Trading both picks to get into the top 10 would make sense for the Thunder.
#2 Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are a team that has struggled to get over the hump and take the next step into contention in recent seasons. They have lost in the first round two years in a row and are looking to change that.
The Magic have two first-round picks this year, the 16th and 25th. As a result, they could package those picks, along with their two second-round picks (46th and 57th), to get into the top 10 with a team that needs more NBA draft assets.
#3 Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have more draft assets this year than any other team. They have four first-round picks (8th, 19th, 26th, and 27th). Each team only has 15 roster spots, so it is unlikely the Nets will use all four picks. Instead, they will likely package some of those picks to trade up and acquire a premium player at the top of the draft.
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