As has been the case every year since 2019, the prospect projected to be the top pick —Duke forward Cooper Flagg —in the 2025 NBA Draft is a virtual lock.
However, the rest of the lottery is far from set in stone. To that point, Rutgers guard Dylan Harper is widely expected to be the second overall pick. Yet, Rutgers forward Ace Bailey, Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe and Texas wing Tre Johnson will all be in play for teams with top-three picks as well.
Projected Lottery Pick Tre Johnson Reveals Teams He’s Met At Draft Combine
Johnson has revealed the teams that he’s met with during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine (as Maryland center Derik Queen has done as well). The definitive list includes the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, and Toronto Raptors (h/t The Athletic reporter Josh Robbins). The Washington Wizards are presumably another franchise that Johnson will meet with.
Texas guard Tre Johnson said he’s met with the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors at the NBA Draft Combine. He said he thinks the Washington Wizards are on his schedule for tomorrow. Prospect-team interviews here are scheduled…
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) May 14, 2025
Of those six teams, only the Celtics don’t have a lottery pick in the upcoming draft.
Instead, they have the 28th and 32nd overall selections, which they may be able to consolidate to move up in the first round. Furthermore, Boston is widely expected to explore trades involving core players due to the exorbitant price of their roster. This could result in a the Celtics landing one of the first 14 picks.
Boston Celtics
Throughout his freshman season, Johnson was a scintillating shot-maker, especially from beyond the arc. As Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla’s emphasis on the 3-ball, he’s a natural fit for his offensive philosophy. Furthermore, Johnson could excel in a starting role, playing off their primary ball-handlers.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets will have the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, putting them in prime position to select Johnson. If they want a defensive stopper to complement LaMelo Ball in the backcourt, Edgecombe could be their guy. However, if they want a player who can thrive alongside their primary playmakers in an off-ball role, Johnson’s the best choice.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls will have the 12th overall pick in the impending draft, which isn’t exactly close to Johnson’s projected draft range. On top of that, Kevin Huerter has some overlap with Johnson in terms of length and ability. Nevertheless, Chicago’s a team that needs to add to their talent base and improve their shooting corps.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs landing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft was quite the plot twist. Them deciding to use it on Johnson rather than Flagg would be an even bigger one. If such a choice was made though, it would be because Dallas’s frontcourt is more formidable than their backcourt. In addition, Klay Thompson will be another year removed from his prime.
Toronto Raptors
With the ninth overall pick in the upcoming draft and their willingness to wheel and deal, Johnson is a realistic option for the Raptors. It doesn’t hurt that his skillset allows him to effectively complement their current group. To that point, Toronto is in dire need of a player with a reliable 3-ball, and particularly a wing.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards will have the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and Johnson could be their pick. On the one hand, he’d have some competition on the wing, as Washington’s entranced by Jordan Poole and Bilal Coulibaly. On the other hand, only Poole has completely separated himself offensively and he’s their best trade piece.
© David Banks-Imagn Images
