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While we’re deep into the offseason, reports have continued to come out about the NBA Draft and trades that were discussed. One of those reports was about the Phoenix and a deal they had a chance to make.

According to NBA Insider John Hollinger, the Suns had the opportunity to trade the 10th pick, which they used to select Duke big Khaman Maluach, and trade it to the New Orleans Pelicans for their first next year and the 23rd pick in the draft, but they declined.

New Orleans then went and traded the 23rd pick and the rights to the better of theirs or the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2026 first-rounder to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the 13th pick, where they selected Maryland big Derik Queen. Since making the trade, many have criticized New Orleans considering their projection as being one of the worst teams in the league next season. FanDuel has their win total set at 29.5, one of the lowest marks in the league.

Hollinger’s piece:

Earlier this week, we asked Suns fans if Phoenix should have made the draft-day deal with New Orleans. While most fans think the team made the right choice, it was not a universal decision.

While Maluach has great character, size, and potential, I think Phoenix should have made the deal. The Suns are not in a position of flexibility when it comes to future assets, and in a strong draft, the team still would have had a first round pick and the chance at a high pick in next year’s. With the Suns lacking little to no control for all their picks until 2032, the team is not in a position to have even a chance at a high selection any time soon.

While the team has a draft pick in next year’s draft, it will likely not be their own. What wins in the NBA is stars, and the best chance a team could have at acquiring a star is by a selection, and high selections give you the best chance at finding talent.

If Phoenix had a high pick next year, they would get the chance to select someone who could be a game changer around Devin Booker, and while it would likely take some time for anyone the team picks to develop, Maluach was considered one of the biggest projects in this draft, so his selection isn’t likely to speed up the timeline anytime soon.

Additionally, considering the potential of the pick being a high one, the Suns could have used the 2026 pick in a trade to potentially acquire someone who could significantly help them in the immediate future.

Only time will tell how the deal pans out, but what does Maluach need to show you in his first season to make you feel good about the Suns passing up the offer?

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