Former Duke standout Kon Knueppel has been rapidly rising up NBA mock drafts but new trade rumors involving Charlotte are creating uncertainty about his destination.
It’s no shock to see a former Blue Devil projected as a first-round pick, but Knueppel’s recent jump into the top five has caught the attention of many draft analysts. Most projections have him landing with the Charlotte Hornets, who hold the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
However, just one day before the draft, speculation began swirling that the Hornets are considering trading that pick in exchange for a proven NBA player.
One of the more popular trade scenarios has Charlotte acquiring RJ Barrett (another former Duke player) along with the No. 9 pick from the Toronto Raptors, which raises major questions about Knueppel’s potential landing spot.
Sure, Charlotte could be a solid fit for Knueppel, but it’s tough to ignore the appeal of a player like Barrett a known commodity in the league and a top-10 pick in the deal. That might push Charlotte toward a different direction, such as selecting Ace Bailey from Rutgers.
Still, Knueppel’s stock remains strong. Even if Charlotte trades out of the top five, multiple teams are reportedly very interested in the sharpshooting guard.
Current NBA Draft Order (Top 10):
1. Dallas Mavericks
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. Charlotte Hornets
5. Utah Jazz
6. Washington Wizards
7. New Orleans Pelicans
8. Brooklyn Nets
9. Toronto Raptors
10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix)
Knueppel is widely expected to be a top-five selection, but teams like the Spurs and 76ers likely won’t take him due to less pressing guard needs. That leaves the Hornets and Jazz as logical suitors.
Meanwhile, his Duke teammate Cooper Flagg is a near-lock to go No. 1 overall, and Khaman Maluach, another former Blue Devil, is also expected to be drafted within the top 10.
With just over a day until the draft begins, many questions still remain not just for Knueppel, but for much of the class, including Maluach.
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