The 2025 NBA Finals are winding down, but teams across the league are already shifting focus to the summer’s biggest opportunities.
Draft positioning has become a premium commodity as franchises evaluate their rosters and plan strategic moves.
Several contenders are actively exploring ways to climb the draft order, viewing this summer as pivotal for their long-term success.
The Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Brooklyn Nets are reportedly among the teams looking to trade up in the upcoming draft, according to NBA reporter Grant Afseth.
“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),” Afseth said, per NBA Central.
The Celtics, Thunder, and Nets are reportedly among the teams looking to trade up in the draft, per @GrantAfseth
“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
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 16, 2025
These moves reveal how different franchises are approaching their futures.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off a season that fell just two wins short of their first NBA championship, continue building their foundation with young talent.
Their approach demonstrates how small-market teams can compete by accumulating assets and making calculated decisions.
The Boston Celtics face different considerations, potentially weighing roster changes with Jayson Tatum’s injury concerns and expensive contracts influencing their strategy.
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets remain in full rebuild mode, using their draft capital to shape their next competitive window.
Other organizations like the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans are also exploring trade-up scenarios to improve their draft positioning.
The focus will center on Duke prospect Cooper Flagg, with the Dallas Mavericks reportedly meeting with the versatile forward on June 17.
The 2025 NBA Draft takes place June 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. ET from the Barclays Center, where these plans will finally come to fruition.
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