Live Update on NBA Draft 2025: Raptors Audition Noa Essengue; when does Toronto select next?; VanVleet renews contract with the Rockets
The NBA's most thrilling day is nearly upon us!
Tonight at 8 p.m. ET, the NBA draft kicks off, but the excitement started weeks ago, with the explosive Kevin Durant trade to the Houston Rockets setting the tone for the offseason.
Rumors have been swirling around the Raptors for months, and the NBA scene is buzzing with potential deals as teams descend on New York for the draft.
Join us as star columnist Bruce Arthur provides live updates all evening, keeping you in the loop on the latest news, rumors, and draft selections for the Raptors (picking at No. 9 tonight) and the NBA at large.
In addition to the Durant deal, the 2025 offseason has been marked by several other significant trades and draft-related moves:
- In a blockbuster deal, the Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks (2025, 2026, 2028, 2030), and swap rights for the 2029 first-round pick. This trade gives the Grizzlies a wealth of draft capital to rebuild around stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. [1][2]
- A three-team trade involving the Celtics, Hawks, and Nets saw Georges Niang move to the Celtics from the Hawks, who in turn acquired Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick. The Nets netted Terance Mann and the No. 22 pick (via Atlanta). [2][5]
- Other notable moves include the Houston Rockets securing Steven Adams on a three-year, $39 million extension and Dallas Mavericks granting Gafford a three-year contract extention amidst changes at center. [3]
- The offseason has also seen key free agent signings, such as Kyrie Irving inking a three-year, $119 million deal with Dallas, showcasing a flurry of activity as teams reshape their rosters through a blend of veteran acquisitions and draft capital amassment. [3][5]
As the ink dries on these deals and more, keep an eye on the developing NBA landscape!
[1] - https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/grizzlies-acquire-bane-caldwell-pope-anthony-first-rounders-orlando-magic/
[2] - https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35751331/nets-hawks-celtics-executing-three-team-trade-georges-niang-kristaps-porzingis-terance-mann
[3] - https://www.si.com/nba/2025/07/01/dallas-mavericks-kaprizov-extension-yikes
[5] - https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-offseason-tracker-kevin-durant-trade-activity-rumors-injury-updates-and-more/
- The anticipation for the NBA draft in Toronto is heightened with star columnist Bruce Arthur providing live updates on the draft night, offering insights on the Raptors' potential deals and the news from the NBA scene.
- The offseason has seen a flurry of activity in the NBA, from significant trades like the Memphis Grizzlies acquiring Desmond Bane and multiple first-round picks to key free agent signings, such as Kyrie Irving's three-year deal with Dallas.
- As the media buzzes with news and rumors about the NBA offseason, entertainment enthusiasts are encouraged to keep up with the dynamic changes in the sports world, from the NBA draft to the evolving NBA landscape.
