Cleveland Cavaliers forward-center Evan Mobley is the recipient of the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy as the 2024-25 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year. A four-year NBA veteran, Mobley has been named the Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the first time. The 7-footer is the first player to earn the honor with the Cavaliers.

Evan Mobley said his goal coming into the season with the Cleveland Cavaliers was to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

Of this year's finalists, only two are up for multiple trophies. Jokić has a shot at MVP and Clutch Player of the Year, while Daniels can win Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player. However, Daniels is the only one of the two to be favored for an award, and he's only favored for one of the two he can win.