NBA draft day: Top news, rumors, and what to watch for with the Hornets

After a long, long disappointing season filled with players shuffled in and out of lineups, injuries, rescinded trades, All-Star snubs, and essentially nothing going right, we have finally made it: Draft Day.

For the Charlotte Hornets, the draft is one of the more stressful times of the year. Last year, the team left with Tidjane Salaun, a forward out of France. Salaun was a disappointment in his rookie season, and with how lackluster the team has been in the past, a more explosive rookie would be exciting.

Duke superstar Cooper Flagg and Rutgers star Dylan Harper are essentially out of the question. Baylor's VJ Edgecombe is a question mark, as many do not know what is going on with the 76ers at pick three. Duke's Kon Knueppel and Texas' Tre Johnson seem to be the front runners, with many not knowing where Rutgers' Ace Bailey will end up.

Nontheless, it's draft day, and here is everything you need to know.

What to Know

Draft Time: 8:00 PM, EST

Draft Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

TV Channels: ESPN/ABC

Draft Order

Selection	Team
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	Phoenix Suns
11	Portland Trail Blazers
12	Chicago Bulls
13	Atlanta Hawks
14	San Antonio Spurs
15	Oklahoma City Thunder
16	Memphis Grizzlies
17	Minnesota Timberwolves
18	Washington Wizards
19	Brooklyn Nets
20	Miami Heat
21	Utah Jazz
22	Brooklyn Nets
23	New Orleans Pelicans
24	Oklahoma City Thunder
25	Orlando Magic
26	Brooklyn Nets
27	Brooklyn Nets
28	Boston Celtics
29	Phoenix Suns
30	Los Angeles Clippers

Recent Hornets News

Rafael Barlowe reported that the Hornets have shown interest in Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears.

"The Charlotte Hornets have reportedly shown interest (in Jeremiah Fears), despite not securing a workout. From what I've heard, there's some internal belief in Charlotte that Fears and LaMelo Ball could share a backcourt."

Fears, a 6'4" freshman, averaged 17.4 points in his lone season at Oklahoma. For the Hornets to acquire the guard, a trade back would be likely, given his current draft stock. Speaking of trade backs...

NBA Insider Jake Fischer reported that the Hornets are fielding calls to trade down.

"The Hornets are absolutely fielding trade calls to trade down as well. A lot of buzz about them liking Kon Knueppel and whether or not they'd flirt with Ace Bailey even though they didn't get him in the building and try to solicit a trade call."

Tre Johnson works out for the Hornets.

Tre Johnson said he worked out for the #Nets, as well as the #Jazz, #Hornets and #Wizards. #nba pic.twitter.com/hymJMiGpoZ
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) June 24, 2025

After conflicting reports, Texas guard Tre Johnson confirmed that he has indeed worked out for the Charlotte Hornets. The guard is a projected top five pick in tonight's draft.

Despite declining a pre-draft visit, Ace Bailey is still in play for the Hornets.

What's the latest With Ace Bailey, and where might he end up on draft night? Went on ESPN Bet Live to discuss. pic.twitter.com/0eHHQkHW6s
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 24, 2025

“We have Ace Bailey at sixth (overall) right now to Washington. That is what we understand to be one of his preferred destinations - six, seven, or eight - Washington, New Orleans, or Brooklyn. He has declined all invite invitations from Philadelphia at three, Charlotte at four, and Utah at five. But today, we started hearing some rumblings that one of those teams at four or five could just decide to take Ace Bailey with their pick, regardless, potentially for a trade. Maybe one of those teams at six, seven, or eight decides to make an aggressive move. Does Washington decide to move to four to get ahead of New Orleans or Brooklyn? Both of those teams have the assets to move up if they want.”

But, DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony reported that Ace Bailey's camp has let it be known that he does not want to be drafted by the Hornets.

"He doesn't want to be at three, four, or five."

Givony also reported that the Hornets have not totally made up their mind at four.

"I think they're still making up their mind. I think there are several guys, I mean they haven't totally ruled out the idea of drafting Ace Bailey. I think Jeremiah Fears, even though he hasn't worked out for them, is someone they are definitely considering. Tre Johnson could fit very nicely into their roster. But, you know, you just look at Kon and his fit with LaMelo Ball, with Brandon Miller, you look at just the feel for the game, the ability to be a guy that can be the face of your franchise."