Where they landed: Tracking Kentucky’s 2025 NBA draft class
The 2025 NBA Draft has come and gone, and while no Kentucky players heard their names called in the lottery, several Wildcats are officially on their way to professional opportunities—and maybe even roster spots—across the league. From draft selections to Exhibit 10 deals and two-way contracts, here’s where the former Cats are heading next.
Koby Brea – 41st overall pick, Phoenix Suns
Koby Brea became the first Wildcat off the board on draft night, going 41st overall to the Phoenix Suns—a pick they acquired via trade from Golden State. The move pairs him with fellow former Cat Devin Booker in what’s shaping up to be a post-Kevin Durant reshuffle in the Valley.
Phoenix didn’t just stumble into Brea—they traded up to get him, a clear signal they see real value in his elite shooting. After knocking down nearly 44% of his threes this past season at Kentucky, Brea projects as an instant-offense weapon off the bench. While the Suns do have a crowded backcourt, the modern NBA has plenty of room for floor spacers who don’t need the ball to impact the game. Brea fits that mold perfectly.
His challenge now will be carving out a niche on a team that still believes it can contend, even as it retools its core. If he continues to shoot the lights out in Summer League, don’t be surprised if he makes the roster out of camp.
Amari Williams – 46th overall pick, Boston Celtics
Five picks later, Amari Williams came off the board to the Boston Celtics at No. 46. Boston’s pick raised eyebrows—partly for the player, and partly for the context.
The Celtics are heading into a transitional year after Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles and the team was bounced from the playoffs by the Knicks. With Tatum out for the season and Kristaps Porzingis already traded, Boston’s once-loaded frontcourt suddenly needs help—and Williams could provide it sooner than expected.
At Kentucky, Williams averaged nearly 11 points and over eight rebounds per game, while quietly leading the team in field goal percentage (56.1%) and assists from the post. His ability to protect the rim, stretch the floor, and facilitate from the high post makes him a unique fit for a modern offense. And in Boston, where Brad Stevens is never afraid to lean on versatility and upside, the opportunity is real.
If the Celtics continue to reshuffle their roster, Williams may find himself in a prime position to make a name for himself on a short-handed but still competitive squad.
Andrew Carr – Exhibit 10 deal, Portland Trail Blazers
While he didn’t hear his name called on draft night, Andrew Carr landed on his feet quickly afterward, signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.
What does that mean? Essentially, Carr is headed to Portland’s G-League affiliate (the Rip City Remix), where he’ll have a chance to prove himself in a developmental setting. If he performs well, Portland can convert his deal into a two-way contract—or even a full roster spot. If not, there’s no long-term commitment.
Carr brought length, shooting touch, and defensive switchability to Kentucky’s rotation. His pro prospects may hinge on whether he can consistently knock down open shots and defend in space at the next level. He’ll get every chance to show it in the G.
Lamont Butler – Two-way deal, Atlanta Hawks
Lamont Butler signed a two-way deal with the Atlanta Hawks shortly after the draft wrapped. That gives him the ability to move between the G-League and NBA throughout the season—up to 50 games with the Hawks, to be exact.
Butler brings toughness, on-ball defense, and leadership. If those qualities sound like something head coach Quin Snyder values, that’s because he absolutely does. Snyder has long favored guards who compete defensively and keep the offense moving, and Butler fits that mold to a tee. He will make a great switch of pace from Trae Young if he develops.
While he’ll likely begin the year in College Park with the Skyhawks, Butler is the kind of player who can quickly earn trust in a locker room. If Atlanta finds itself in need of a change-of-pace guard or someone to bring energy off the bench, don’t be shocked if Butler gets his shot.
Jaxson Robinson – Still waiting
The one former Wildcat whose situation remains unresolved is Jaxson Robinson. After a season that saw flashes of brilliance, a late injury, and some inconsistency, Robinson went undrafted and has yet to sign a pro deal.
That said, his skill set should still draw interest. At 6'6", Robinson has good size for a wing, competes defensively, and shot nearly 38% from three when healthy. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, and in today’s NBA, there’s always a market for 3-and-D wings.
Expect him to land a Summer League invite or Exhibit 10 deal in the coming days. If he gets healthy and locks in, his pro journey may just be getting started.
Final word
Mark Pope’s first full Kentucky class didn’t feature a surefire lottery pick—but it did produce two draft selections, a two-way contract, and multiple pro signings. That’s a solid return in Year 1 of the new era.
Just as importantly, it reinforced something we’ve long known about Kentucky players: they’re prepared. Even when they don’t arrive as five-star phenoms, they leave Lexington with a skill set that pro teams respect. They know what it takes to be a pro, and that continues under Mark Pope.
And now, they’ve got their shot. Let’s see what they do with it.