The Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and Oklahoma City Thunder are among the teams exploring trade-up scenarios ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, which begins June 25 at Barclays Center.
According to NBA Central, the Nets are considered one of the most aggressive teams in the market, holding four first-round picks (Nos. 8, 19, 26, and 27). The Thunder, who own picks Nos. 15 and 24 along with a deep asset pool, are also seen as strong candidates to move up.
Boston holds picks No. 28 and 32 and has focused quietly on point guard prospects.
Brooklyn is targeting high-upside players, including Ace Bailey. Boston is prioritizing point guard depth, while Oklahoma City may address frontcourt needs after facing Indiana in the playoffs.
The Celtics, Thunder, and Nets are reportedly among the teams looking to trade up in the draft, per @GrantAfseth
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 16, 2025
“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… pic.twitter.com/WDkMsguQfT
Celtics, Thunder, and Nets Looks to Shake Up the 2025 NBA Draft
The Celtics hold picks No. 28 and 32 and may trade Jrue Holiday, with Payton Pritchard a possible starter. Boston wants to upgrade at point guard without adding major salary and expects to keep Derrick White.
The Thunder have picks 15 and 24, plus future assets. GM Sam Presti is expected to maintain his long-term approach while adding talent to a roster already shaped by recent draft success.
The Nets, holding five picks, are positioned to trade up or acquire multiple prospects. They’re targeting guards, including Jeremiah Fears, and forward Ace Bailey to fill roster gaps.
Which Players Can the Boston, Oklahoma, and Brooklyn Teams Look to target?
The Brooklyn Nets are eyeing Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears at No. 8, according to multiple reports.
Jeremiah Fears said he had a “great” meeting and workout with the Nets:
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) May 14, 2025
“The conversations were great. They were just telling me how I could fit within their system and be an overall good piece for them.” pic.twitter.com/VWKjL6BaYA
Some mock drafts project Fears will go in the top 10, and the Nets are reportedly considering a trade up to leapfrog Washington.
The Thunder could target Maryland center Derik Queen, per Yahoo Sports. With two first-round picks, Oklahoma City may move aggressively to secure him.
Mock Draft time!
— C.Z.R (@Coffee_n_ball) June 21, 2025
Couple of trades:
– Had the Nets moving up to take Ace Bailey (8+19 to get to 4 w/Hornets)
– Thunder moving up to take Derik Queen (15+24 for 12 w/Bulls) pic.twitter.com/ur2YJZb1a3
Washington guard Carlton Carrington has also been linked to Boston, where he could fit as a backcourt depth piece for the Celtics’ rotation.
The 2025 NBA draft will be held on June 25-26 at the Barclays Centre. This time, the Celtics, Thunder, and Nets are playing aggressively for trade-ups.
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