The Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies agreed to a trade in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Friday
Richard was a key member of the Florida’s national championship-winning team this past season, averaging 13.3 points and 4.6 rebounds while starting all 40 games. Richard was particularly crucial in the Gators’ title game victory over Houston as he led the team with 18 points, including four three-pointers.
Richard spent the first season of his collegiate career at Belmont University, earning a spot on the Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer team in 2022. Richard then transferred to Florida where he spent his final three seasons of eligibility and started 105 of 108 career games for the Gators.
Richard projects as a 3&D type of player in the NBA and at 22-years-old could find himself cracking the rotation for the Warriors sooner rather than later. Coach Steve Kerr hasn’t exactly been shy about finding time in the rotation for the Warriors’ second round picks, most notably evidenced by the immediate minutes Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quentin Post received in their respective rookie seasons after being the Warriors last two second round picks.
The Memphis Grizzlies selected defensive Tennesee guard Jahmai Mashack with the 59th overall pick. Mashack was a Naismith Defensive Player of the Year finalist and was named Field of 68’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Grizzlies Predicted To Take All-American Wing in 2025 NBA Draft
- Wisconsin Badgers
- Memphis Grizzlies
As for the Memphis Grizzlies, they are slated to select 48th overall in the second round, after making a trade up during the first round to land Washington State wing Cedric Coward. After landing Jaylen Wells, an All-Rookie First Team performer, last year in the second round, the Grizzlies will look to do so again. According to The Athletic, they could end up with an All-American wing.
According to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, he has the Grizzlies selecting Wisconsin wing John Tonje with the 48th overall pick. Transferring over from Missouri for the 2024-25 season, Tonje had a breakout season in his sixth year of college. He averaged 19.6 points per game and shot 38.8% from three, earning Second Team AP All-American honors in the process.
The Grizzlies are already set at point guard, with Ja Morant and Scotty Pippen Jr. holding that down, but could use some more wing depth after Desmond Bane’s departure. Adding depth at the center position could also be an option, but Memphis may look to resign Santi Aldama and sure up their frontcourt there.
The second round of the 2025 NBA Draft is set to get underway at 8:00 p.m. EST on ESPN.