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Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory recently revealed the team turned down trade offers to select Khaman Maluach with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
The Suns acquired that first-round pick from the Houston Rockets -- along with Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and several second-round picks -- in exchange for Kevin Durant. The trade was eventually expanded to seven teams and officially completed on July 6.
The 7-foot Maluach became a top target for the Suns to shore up their depth in the frontcourt and provide rim protection. Gregory said in a behind-the-scenes documentary published this week on the Suns' YouTube channel that the front office had Maluach high on their draft board.
Maluach was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team last season at Duke, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2% shooting from the field. He was highly touted entering the draft due to his versatility as a player who can both shoot and defend, boasting a 7-foot, 6 3/4-inch wingspan.
The 18-year-old debuted with the Suns in the NBA Summer League on July 11, recording 14 points, five rebounds and two blocked shots. He finished by posting averages of 10 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in three appearances.
Maluach has impressed teammates and coaches early on after joining the organization last month. He showcased each element of his game that attracted the Suns, and the group will be eager to get to work with him in training camp and beyond.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Khaman Maluach: Suns GM turned down 'great offers' to draft 7-footer
Continue reading...
The Suns acquired that first-round pick from the Houston Rockets -- along with Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and several second-round picks -- in exchange for Kevin Durant. The trade was eventually expanded to seven teams and officially completed on July 6.
The 7-foot Maluach became a top target for the Suns to shore up their depth in the frontcourt and provide rim protection. Gregory said in a behind-the-scenes documentary published this week on the Suns' YouTube channel that the front office had Maluach high on their draft board.
Maluach was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team last season at Duke, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2% shooting from the field. He was highly touted entering the draft due to his versatility as a player who can both shoot and defend, boasting a 7-foot, 6 3/4-inch wingspan.
The 18-year-old debuted with the Suns in the NBA Summer League on July 11, recording 14 points, five rebounds and two blocked shots. He finished by posting averages of 10 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in three appearances.
Maluach has impressed teammates and coaches early on after joining the organization last month. He showcased each element of his game that attracted the Suns, and the group will be eager to get to work with him in training camp and beyond.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Khaman Maluach: Suns GM turned down 'great offers' to draft 7-footer
Continue reading...
