Thu Jun 26 16:30:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Flagg Flies High: Mavericks Select Duke Star No. 1 in Trade-Heavy 2025 NBA Draft**

Brooklyn, NY – The Dallas Mavericks defied the odds, landing the No. 1 overall pick (with only a 1.8% chance) and selecting Duke standout Cooper Flagg in a whirlwind first round of the 2025 NBA Draft held Wednesday night at Barclays Center. Flagg, known for his all-around game and winning mentality, is seen as a player ready to contribute immediately.

The San Antonio Spurs followed at No. 2, opting for Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, while the Philadelphia 76ers chose Baylor forward VJ Edgecombe. The Charlotte Hornets picked Duke’s Kon Knueppel, and the Utah Jazz selected Rutgers prospect Ace Bailey to round out the top 5.

However, the draft was defined by a flurry of trades, with teams reshuffling their rosters and futures. Here’s a recap of the reported deals:

* **Houston Rockets:** Drafted Khaman Maluach (Duke) at No. 10, then traded him to the Phoenix Suns.
* **Portland Trail Blazers:** Drafted Cedric Coward (Washington State) at No. 11, then traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies. They would later acquire Yang Hansen (Qingdao), drafted by the Grizzlies at No. 16.
* **Atlanta Hawks:** Drafted Derik Queen (Maryland) at No. 13, then traded him to the New Orleans Pelicans. They would later acquire Asa Newell (Georgia), drafted by the Pelicans at No. 23.
* **Washington Wizards:** Traded for the No. 18 pick (Walter Clayton Jr. of Florida), originally drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, but that was later traded to Utah. They would later acquire Will Riley (Illinois), drafted by the Jazz at No. 21.
* **Atlanta Hawks:** Traded for Drake Powell (North Carolina), originally drafted by them at No. 22, from the Brooklyn Nets.
* **Oklahoma City Thunder:** Drafted Nique Clifford (Colorado State) at No. 24, then traded him to the Sacramento Kings.
* **Phoenix Suns:** Drafted Liam McNeeley (Connecticut) at No. 29, then traded him to the Charlotte Hornets.
* **Trade Rumors:** The Spurs (No. 38), Wizards (No. 40), and Bulls (No. 45) are reportedly engaged in ongoing trade discussions involving their second-round picks with the Pacers, Pelicans and Lakers respectively. The Jazz traded pick No. 43 to the Wizards. The Lakers traded pick No. 55 to the Bulls.

The Nets, with five picks in the first round, were also active, selecting Nolan Traoré (Saint-Quentin BB) at No. 19, Ben Saraf (Ratiopharm Ulm) at No. 26, Danny Wolf (Michigan) at No. 27, and acquiring Drake Powell (North Carolina) from the Hawks.

The international flavor of the NBA was on full display, with roughly 30% of NBA players now coming from outside the United States. Several international prospects were selected in the first round, showcasing the league’s expanding global reach.

The second round of the 2025 NBA Draft tips off tonight at 8 PM ET on ESPN.

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