Biggest winners from the 2025 NBA draft
For The Win’s Bryan Kalbrosky says that smart trades and bold picks helped the Suns, Grizzlies, and Hawks steal the spotlight on draft night.
- Koby Brea and Amari Williams were drafted in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
- This is the first time Kentucky has not had a first-round draft pick since 2009.
- Brea was picked 41st overall by the Golden State Warriors and then traded to the Phoenix Suns.
- Williams was picked 46th overall by the Orlando Magic and then traded to the Boston Celtics.
- Undrafted Kentucky players Lamont Butler and Andrew Carr signed deals with the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively.
Guard Koby Brea was the first former Kentucky basketball player to hear his name called in the 2025 NBA Draft, selected in the second round Thursday with the 41st overall pick. Center Amari Williams followed shortly after at No. 46.
It marked the 16th straight draft UK had at least two players drafted. But one streak ended this year: The Wildcats didn’t produce a first-round pick for the first time since the 2009 draft. Kentucky had at least one first-rounder in all 15 drafts (2010 through 2024) former coach John Calipari led the program.
While Brea and Williams were the only ex-UK players picked this year, they aren’t the only ones from coach Mark Pope‘s first team who will have a chance to make an NBA roster — guard Lamont Butler and forward Andrew Carr signed deals after the draft wrapped up.
Here’s what to know about where each Kentucky player landed:
Round/overall pick: Second, No. 41 overall
Brea arrived in Lexington with the reputation of a sharpshooter. (He led Division I in 3-point percentage in 2023-24, connecting on nearly 50% of his tries.) Brea lived up to those expectations in his lone season with the Wildcats, pacing the team in 3-point percentage at 43.5 (93 of 214). His 93 triples tied for seventh most in a season in program history (Tony Delk, 1995-96). Brea averaged 11.6 points per game in 2024-25, which was third best on the team behind fellow guards Otega Oweh (16.2) and Jaxson Robinson (13).
The Golden State Warriors picked Brea in the second round Thursday night before he was dealt to the Phoenix Suns in a trade.
Read more about Brea’s NBA draft selection here.
Round/overall pick: Second, No. 46 overall
Williams had been a top-flight defender at his former school, Drexel. As a member of the Dragons, he won the Coastal Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year Award three seasons in a row. He also led the CAA in blocks per game each of those seasons. Williams carried that form over to the SEC, as he was Kentucky’s top shot blocker last season, averaging 1.2 rejections per contest. In addition, he was the team’s top rebounder (8.5 per game). But he also regularly showcased versatility that belied his 7-foot frame. Averaging north of three assists per game, he was No. 3 on the team in that category behind point guards Lamont Butler and Kerr Kriisa. Williams’ most noteworthy performance was in a loss at Ole Miss in February, recording only the fourth triple-double in Kentucky’s illustrious history.
The Orlando Magic selected Williams in the second round Thursday night. He was sent to the Boston Celtics in a trade deal.
Read more about Williams’ NBA draft selection here.
What’s next: Signed two-way deal with Hawks as undrafted free agent
A transfer from San Diego State, Butler led the Wildcats in assists (4.3) and steals (1.6) per game last season. His best performance was in the Battle of the Bluegrass, posting game highs in points (33) and assists (six) in a win over Louisville. Butler was perfect from the field that day, making all 10 of his shots, including a 6-for-6 showing beyond the 3-point arc.
After this year’s draft ended, he signed a two-way contract with Atlanta.
What’s next: Signed Exhibit 10 contract with Trail Blazers as undrafted free agent
Carr was a key cog in UK’s lineup when his health allowed; a back injury hampered him for much of the season’s second half. He averaged 10.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
After this year’s draft concluded, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Portland. Per The Oklahoman, an Exhibit 10 deal “is a one-year, minimum salary agreement that isn’t guaranteed. It can also include an optional bonus of up to $75,000 that will be rewarded if a player, after he’s waived, spends at least 60 days with a team’s G League affiliate.”
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
