The 2025 NBA Draft has officially concluded, and now the undrafted free agency drama begins. To start off, ESPN cited sources to report that Arizona’s Caleb Love, one of the top scorers in college basketball, is expected to sign a two-way NBA contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Some other undrafted agents are expected to find their way into team rosters. Last year, Justin Edwards was on the Philadelphia 76ers. Ricky Council IV, Keon Ellis and Scotty Pippen Jr. were also undrafted agents.
Auburn’s Miles Kelly has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the Dallas Mavericks, ESPN further added. Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson has reportedly agreed to a two-way deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Real Madrid’s Eli John Ndiaye agreed to a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks, sources told ESPN. Michigan’s Vlad Goldin has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Miami Heat. Villanova star Eric Dixon has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Louisville’s Chucky Hepburn has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Toronto Raptors, the report added.
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Here are some top undrafted rookies after the NBA Draft
Hunter Sallis
Eric Dixon
Ryan Nembhard
Vlad Goldin
RJ Luis Jr.
Dink Pate
Tamar Bates
Brice Williams
Izan Almansa
Mark Sears
Grant Nelson
Chucky Hepburn
Viktor Lakhin
Jax Robinson
Payton Sandfort
Caleb Love
Kobe Johnson
Igor Miličić Jr.
Arthur Kaluma
Kadary Richmond
Curtis Jones
John Poulakidas
Matthew Cleveland
Sean Pedulla
Jalon Moore
Coleman Hawkins
Dylan Cardwell
Jacksen Moni
Caleb Grill
Lamont Butler
Dawson Garcia
Eli John N’Diaye
Wooga Poplar
Cliff Omoruyi
Miles Kelly
Adama-Alpha Bal
Matt Murrell
Norchad Omier
Andrew Carr
RJ Davis
Isaac Nogués
Chance McMillian
The 2025 draft, with only 59 picks due to tampering penalties, left talents like Love and Nembhard undrafted, mirroring trends where players like TJ McConnell and Andrew Nembhard carved out roles via free agency. Teams like the Pacers, Heat, and Thunder have success with undrafted players, offering hope.
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What Is an Undrafted Free Agent?
An undrafted free agent is a player eligible for the NBA Draft but not selected in its two rounds. Unlike drafted players, whose rights are held by the selecting team, UDFAs are free to negotiate and sign with any of the 30 NBA teams immediately after the draft concludes. Recognized as “Non-Draft Rookies” in the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), these players face a challenging path to secure a roster spot, often requiring exceptional performance in tryouts or summer leagues.
Players who declare for the draft and go unpicked become UDFAs as soon as the draft ends. Teams begin contacting agents immediately, often during the second round, to secure UDFAs.
UDFAs can choose any team offering a contract, unlike restricted free agents (RFAs) whose original teams have matching rights. This flexibility allows players like Love, who signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, to select organizations that align with their development needs.
