Dylan Harper #2 and Ace Bailey #4 (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
The 2025 NBA Draft begins June 25 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. With the first round approaching, teams are finalizing their boards and weighing trade options.
Here’s the latest intel gathered by RG on how key franchises are preparing—and which names are rising, sliding, or in flux.
Mavericks Set to Select Flagg at No. 1
Cooper Flagg, the 6-foot-9 wing from Duke, remains the overwhelming favorite to be selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks.
Sources tell RG that Dallas has made its intentions clear both publicly and privately. The team does not plan to work out other prospects and has scheduled a private visit with Flagg for June 17.
Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists at Duke while shooting 38.5% from three. Scouts praise his defensive instincts, motor, and playmaking versatility. Physically, he measured 6-8 without shoes with a 7-0 wingspan and 35.5-inch vertical, drawing comparisons to recent No. 1 picks.
Dylan Harper the Favorite for Spurs at No. 2
San Antonio is widely expected to select Rutgers guard Dylan Harper at No. 2, barring a surprise trade. Sources tell RG that the Spurs explored a potential Kevin Durant deal early in the offseason but have since focused on Harper regardless.
Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in his freshman season, with a 70% rim-finishing rate and strong pick-and-roll instincts. Scouts note his basketball IQ, physicality, and ability to orchestrate an offense, though his three-point shot (33.3%) remains a growth area.
The Spurs’ backcourt already includes De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, but sources tell RG the front office remains committed to taking the best talent available.
Ace Bailey No Longer a Lock at No. 3
Ace Bailey began the cycle as a projected top-three pick, but league sources tell RG that teams are monitoring the Philadelphia 76ers closely at No. 3, as they remain open to trade scenarios. If a deal doesn’t materialize, one name to watch is VJ Edgecombe.
Bailey averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds at Rutgers, earning All-Big Ten honors. He’s regarded as one of the top shotmakers in the class, hitting 38.7% of catch-and-shoot threes and 43.9% of contested attempts.
Concerns remain about Bailey’s strength, decision-making, and offensive efficiency. Some teams are unsure how quickly he’ll adjust to a non-primary role. If he slides past No. 3, teams like the Charlotte Hornets or Utah Jazz could look to capitalize.
Washington Wizards Prioritizing Backcourt Help
The Washington Wizards hold picks No. 6 and 18 and have done extensive due diligence on backcourt prospects, sources tell RG. Jeremiah Fears is a name to watch if available when the Wizards are on the clock.
Fears has drawn top-five interest. The Utah Jazz are considered a potential landing spot at No. 5, depending on how the board shakes out. While Utah has young guards who have shown flashes, some around the league believe the front office remains unconvinced it has a long-term lead ball handler.
The Brooklyn Nets, picking at No. 8, also have Fears on their radar and could explore moving up to get ahead of Washington.
Cedric Coward Drawing Lottery Buzz
Despite playing only six games due to injury, former Washington State forward Cedric Coward has emerged as a late riser into the lottery conversation, sources tell RG.
Coward averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 55.7% overall and 40% from three before being sidelined. His strong NBA Combine showing and mature approach have helped boost his stock. Some teams have him ranked in the top 10 on their boards.
Evaluators remain cautious due to the small sample size, but Coward’s shooting, versatility, and high-level decision-making have earned serious consideration from lottery teams.
“You always want more film, but Cedric just checks a lot of boxes,” one scout told RG.
“He processes the game quickly, plays within himself, and the shooting looks real. That maturity is why some teams feel fine taking him higher than where most projections have him.”
Joan Beringer Rising Late in the First Round
Joan Beringer, a 6-11 center from Slovenia’s Cedevita Olimpija, has drawn interest from teams in the late lottery to mid–first round. The Atlanta Hawks (No. 13) and San Antonio Spurs (No. 14) are among those monitoring him closely, sources tell RG.
Beringer recently completed draft combine makeup activities and measured 6-11 barefoot with a 7-4½ wingspan and a 9-3 standing reach. He’s viewed as a raw but high-upside big with rim protection tools and mobility. While still developing offensively, his size and agility have intrigued teams looking to build long-term in the frontcourt.
Multiple Teams Exploring Trade-Up Scenarios
The Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Nets are among the most active teams exploring first-round trade-ups, sources tell RG.
Boston holds picks No. 28 and 32 and has been discreet in its evaluation of point guard prospects. Oklahoma City holds picks No. 15 and 24 along with a deep stockpile of assets. Brooklyn is considered one of the most aggressive teams in the trade market, holding four first-round picks (Nos. 8, 19, 26, and 27).
Steven Crowl Drawing Two-Way Consideration
Wisconsin big man Steven Crowl is generating interest as a potential two-way signing after a series of strong pre-draft workouts, sources tell RG.
Crowl, who shot over 40% from three last season, has worked out with the Hornets, Warriors, and Nuggets. Teams view him as a potential stretch big with solid footwork and floor-spacing ability who could earn a roster spot out of camp.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas-based basketball writer with over eight years of experience covering the NBA. He’s spent time on the Mavericks beat for Sports Illustrated and now writes for Sportskeeda.com and DallasHoopsJournal.com. Known for his analysis, engaging interviews, and breaking news coverage, Grant provides a fresh angle to the game.
