
The 2025 WNBA Draft is less than 24 hours away, and the excitement continues to build!
(Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Dallas Wings are first on the clock, and there's consensus that they will draft UConn star Paige Bueckers No.1 overall. Holding the No. 1 and 2 picks, Wings GM Curt Miller expressed his desire to utilize both picks and for them to make the roster.
The WNBA Draft consists of three rounds and 38 picks overall. With a new expansion team for the first time since the 2008 Atlanta Dream, the Golden State Valkyries will pick No. 5 overall. Of 12 first-round picks, the Washington Mystics hold three selections (No.3, 4, and 6), signaling a major roster overhaul.
The Connecticut Sun are in rebuild mode and will pick at no. 7 and 8. Let's take a look at my best bets, picks, and predictions for the April 14, 2025, WNBA Draft. Below is the complete three-round draft order!
*News just rolled in. The Chicago Sky will acquire the No.11 overall pick from the Minnesota Lynx. *
First-Round Teams | Overall Pick |
---|---|
Dallas Wings | 1 |
Seattle Storm (Via Los Angeles Sparks) | 2 |
Washington Mystics (Via Chicago Sky) | 3 |
Washington Mystics | 4 |
Golden State Valkyries | 5 |
Washington Mystics (Via Atlanta Dream) | 6 |
Connecticut Sun (Via Phoenix Mercury) | 7 |
Connecticut Sun (Via Indiana Fever) | 8 |
Los Angeles Sparks (Via Seattle Storm) | 9 |
Chicago Sky (Via Connecticut Sun) | 10 |
Minnesota Lynx | 11 |
Dallas Wings (Via New York Liberty) | 12 |
Second-Round Teams | Overall |
---|---|
Las Vegas Aces (Via Los Angeles Sparks) | 13 |
Dallas Wings | 14 |
Minnesota Lynx (Via Chicago Sky) | 15 |
Chicago Sky (Via Washington Mystics) | 16 |
Golden State Valkyries | 17 |
Atlanta Dream | 18 |
Indiana Fever (Via Phoenix Mercury) | 19 |
Indiana Fever | 20 |
Los Angeles Sparks (Via Seattle Storm) | 21 |
Chicago Sky (Via Las Vegas Aces) | 22 |
Washington Mystics (Via Connecticut Sun) | 23 |
Minnesota Lynx | 24 |
Connecticut Sun (Via New York Liberty) | 25 |
Third-Round Teams | Overall |
---|---|
Seattle Storm (Via Los Angeles Sparks) | 26 |
Dallas Wings | 27 |
Los Angeles Sparks (Via Chicago Sky) | 28 |
Seattle Storm (Via Washington Mystics) | 29 |
Golden State Valkyries | 30 |
Dallas Wings (Via Atlanta Dream) | 31 |
Washington Mystics (Via Phoenix Mercury) | 32 |
Indiana Fever | 33 |
Seattle Storm | 34 |
Las Vegas Aces | 35 |
Atlanta Dream (Via Connecticut Sun) | 36 |
Minnesota Lynx | 37 |
New York Liberty | 38 |
With this high odds, I would never recommend betting on this ever. UConn's Paige Bueckers is the overwhelming favorite to go No.1 overall to the Dallas Wings. According to Rebecca Lobo in pre-draft interviews, she deemed Bueckers as "untouchable."
Paige Bueckers will be an instant impact player for the Dallas Wings, after nearly missing a 50/40/90 season. Bueckers charisma and charming personality are added bonuses. Known for her shot creating, defensive prowess, and leadership, Bueckers is the star the Wings badly need. Plus, she's a NCAA Champion. The Paige Bueckers effect is real, and Dallas is ready for it!
At -20000 odds, this means that you would have to wager $20,000 to win $100. I don't advise that at all. Let's assume Paige Bueckers is the consensus No. 1 overall pick. A natural born bucket getter, Bueckers will form a dynamic duo with Arike Ogunbowale in the backfield. If you want to bet on this you can, however, it would be extremely risky.
The Seattle Storm moved from No. 9 to No.3 after acquiring the pick as part of the Jewell Loyd trade. It was the consensus Olivia Miles was going to be selected No.2 overall. However, she shocked the basketball world with a return to NCAA Women's basketball, and transfer to TCU.
Seattle drafted Nike Mühl last season, who is still recovering from an ACL tear. Even so, the Storm are set with guards Skylar Diggins-Smith, Erica Wheeler, Lexie Brown, and Zia Cooke.
There's no question the Storm need front court depth next aside from the duo of Ezi Magbegor and Nneka Ogwumike. French sensation Dominque Malonga is a perfect fit for the Storm at 6 foot 6. Often compared to French and Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, Malonga would provide the Storm with a three-point and interior threat. At just 19 years old, Malonga can do it all, and moves extremely efficient at her size. For me I'll pass on the -700 odds. Another risky move, one would have to wager $700 to win $100.
While I believe Malonga is the most likely pick, USC's Kiki Iriafen has solid value at +2900 as a dark horse pick. Although Malonga has three inches on Irafien, Kiki averaged nearly a double-double in her first year at USC with 18 points, and 8.4 rebounds. Since transferring from Stanford, Iriafen is a difference maker on the boards and has rim protection.
Overall, we saw Iriafen step up with JuJu Watkins went down. She's pro ready, and would add to an already dominate front court. Plus, she has a shot. I'm still going with Malonga, who has more size and length than anyone in the draft.
I combined the third and fourth picks given the Washington Mystics own back-to-back picks in the draft. With the 2019 Championship team mainly dismantled, the Mystics surprisingly lost Julie Vanloo to the expansion draft. In addition, the departure of Ariel Atkins to Chicago Sky opens up a big void.
There's not doubt the Mystics narrowly missed out on the Bueckers sweepstakes, however, they have the option to rebuild at No.3, No.4, and No. 6. Under new GM Jamila Wideman, the general manager didn't give any indication Washington would trade their picks in a pre-draft Interview. Is this true, or is Wideman a great poker player?
Either way, this team is looking to rebuild around 2024 first round pick Aaliyah Edwards. Mum if Shakira Austin will return as a restricted free agent next year, it's unclear if Brittney Sykes will re-sign with the upcoming CBA.
The Mystics have guards in Sykes and Jade Melbourne, but could desperately use a shooter and scorer. No. 9 in points per game last season (79.3), the Mystics boasted the second best 3-point percentage in the WNBA (36.6%). With Vanloo and and Atkins gone, the Mystics need to fill that void. That's why I love Notre Dame's Sonia Citron in this spot at No.3. With adequate length, Citron is a versatile, two-way player, who averaged 14.1 points and 37.2 percent from deep.
A 3 & D option, her size and pro-readiness is perfect for the Mystics. If they pass over Citron, I would like to see Aneesah Morrow move up here. Although 6'1, Morrow is an elite rebounder. Additional front court depth can never hurt, she has the toughness that could resonate with a rebuild.
I think USC's Kiki Iriafen makes the most sense here at +150 odds. Aforementioned, I believe the Mystics will take the best possible player rather than needs at this point. That would be Iriafen, who's got a decent amount of size, can score, and is versatile on the glass. The improvement of a 3-point shot would certainly help Washington space the floor since Edwards is an inside big. While it's the best player available, it doesn't make much sense given the Mystics have Edwards and Shakira Austin in the front court.
This is where I went to my dark horse pick, which is Kentucky guard Georgia Amoore at +4000 odds. While the WNBA has several combo guards, Amoore is a true point guard. Transferring from Virginia Tech to play for Kenny Brooks, I do believe she's projected too low. An efficient shooter and facilitator, Amoore Averaged 19.5 points, and 6.9 assists, shooting 39.9 from 3-point. A viable deep threat option, give me Georgia Amoore for my dark horse pick.
It's an exciting time, and the WNBA Draft will feature an expansion team for the first time since the 2008 season. The Valkyries have some heavy hitters with Tiffany Hayes, Kayla Thornton, Julie Vanloo, Kate Martin, and Temi Fagbenle. While these are all incredible players, Golden State lacks a super star.
This is where Aneesah Morrow comes in at +105 odds with the No.5 overall pick. Wings GM Curt Miller called Morrow a "dawg" and that's exactly who she is. Although a bit undersized at 6 foot 1, Morrow is going to be relentless on the boards. A double-double machine at LSU, Morrow could be that franchise player. Every team needs that "dawg," and look no further than Morrow, who recorded 30 double doubles at the collegiate level. Averaging 18.7 points and 13.5 rebounds for LSU, Morrow provides instant scoring. Who wouldn't want grit and toughness when constructing a new roster?
My dark horse pick is again, Kentucky guard Georgia Amoore at +1000 odds. The Valkyries need a prominent star and scorer, and Amoore would fit that build. It would also give the Valkyries a true point guard, so Hayes could pay more off-ball. Amoore is an incredible playmaker who is mighty but tough. Her 5 foot 6 frame could be an issue, however, she's one of the most elite shot creators in the draft.
Averaging 19.6 points and 6.9 assists, Golden State can't go wrong with this pick. Especially a guard that can shoot the 3-ball. Built different, Amoore has fierce and athletic. This would be a golden choice with the value.
The 2025 WNBA Draft will take place on Monday, April 14 starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. The even will air on ESPN.
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