Suns GM explains why the team picked Khaman Maluach in NBA draft
The Phoenix Suns’ general manager emphasized the reasons that led the team to pick Duke center Khaman Maluach No. 10 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
NBA free agency is almost here and the Phoenix Suns could be busy as they continue to try to rebuild their roster in the wake of the Kevin Durant trade to the Houston Rockets and after their 2025 NBA Draft moves.
What could the Suns do in 2025 NBA free agency? Who could they sign? Who could they trade? Who could they trade for?
Check out the latest news, rumors and speculation surrounding the team for the 2025 NBA free agency period, which officially starts at 3 p.m. MST on June 30, with chatter that includes Russell Westbrook, Nick Richards, Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neal, Collin Gillespie, Bol Bol and others. Teams can sign free agents beginning July 6.
The Suns’ roster looks like it is going to be very different in the 2025-26 season from the 2024-25 season.
Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets with Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks coming to the Suns.
Mark Williams was traded to Phoenix in a deal that included sending Vasilije Micic to the Charlotte Hornets.
The Suns drafted Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea.
Trade speculation continues to surround Bradley Beal, Royce O’Neale, Grayson Allen and others still currently on the Suns’ roster ahead of NBA free agency, where the Suns could potentially make a lot of other moves.
It’s already been a wild offseason in Phoenix and it could just be getting started.
Here’s how the Phoenix-Houston trade ended up
Suns receive:
-Jalen Green (23 yrs old)
-Dillon Brooks (29 yrs old)
-Khaman Maluach (18 yrs old)
-Rasheer Fleming (20 yrs old)
Rockets receive:
-Kevin Durant
Not a bad return for the Suns for a 37 year old KD on a expiring contract
— Brandon Awadis (@brawadis) June 27, 2025
The Phoenix Suns could attempt to trade Bradley Beal as part of their rebuild after the Kevin Durant trade, if they can find any possible suitors for Beal, and if Beal would agree to the trade (he has a no-trade clause).
Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters listed three teams as potential landing spots for Beal in a trade: The Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz.
Here’s what he wrote about the Bulls possibility: “The middling Chicago Bulls have been linked to Beal as they look to make a jump and reach the playoffs next season. The Bulls have a relatively cheap roster, but it’s also one that finished 39-43 last season. Now could be the time to spend and try to make a surprise playoff run. The East is set to have a bit of a down year since Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton are both set to miss most of the season with torn Achilles injuries. Bringing in Beal is certainly a risk because of his expensive contract, but he could help the Bulls improve tremendously and take advantage of a weak conference.”
The Bulls are a potential landing spot for Bradley Beal as the Suns actively explore avenues to part ways with the 3x All-Star.
Beal does have a no-trade clause in his contract, but Phoenix is reportedly preparing to offload the veteran guard whether that’s through trade or a…
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) June 24, 2025
The Suns addressed some needs in the NBA Draft and with the Mark Williams trade, but still could use a point guard with Tyus Jones probably gone in NBA free agency.
The Republic’s Chris Coppola addressed how the team could address that need in a recent column: “The Suns also have other assets they could deal in a trade, perhaps from the extra shooting guards or from what appears to be a few extra big men now (Nick Richards and Mark Williams played together in Charlotte). Seeing Phoenix make an effort to beef up the front line is welcome, no doubt. But another year without a true starter-quality point guard as this team tries to regain its footing seems short-sighted. Someone needs to restore order on the court. Help limit the turnovers. Create the spacing that makes Devin Booker flourish. (Ott and Gregory probably know this. So let’s see how they respond.”
After a disappointing season with the Suns, Tyus Jones will likely need to settle for another prove-it deal on the veteran’s minimum.
Jones will draw a lot of interest from teams in need of additional playmaking ability.
Jones averaged 10.2 points and 5.3 assists this season. pic.twitter.com/kwrNQkojHl
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 11, 2025The Arizona Republic: Suns could target Russell Westbrook in NBA free agency
Duane Rankin wrote: “The 36-year-old Westbrook still plays hard and with high energy. He checked both boxes coming off the bench for the Denver Nuggets this season. Those qualities fit the type of player Suns team owner Mat Ishbia described he wanted after a 36-win season. Plus, he’s still productive. Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds.”
“Phoenix is very open to moving multiple of these veterans as they reset with a more youthful, athletic roster around Devin Booker,” NBA Insider Evan Sidery posted.
Why would the Suns try to deal those players?
Rankin wrote about the possibility of moving Allen and O’Neale earlier this week in The Arizona Republic.
He explained: “The Suns have tradeable assets in Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale that could lead to acquiring players who better suit what the Suns are trying to build moving forward. The two cost the Suns more than $100 million in luxury tax penalties this past season. Allen is on a four-year, $70-million deal and O’Neale has a four-year, $42-million deal. Moving one of them is another way for the Suns to work under the second tax apron and have more roster flexibility. With Dillon Brooks, the Suns have in essence the same player in terms of shooting 3s.”
The Suns are listening to trade offers on Nick Richards, Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale.
Phoenix is very open to moving multiple of these veterans as they reset with a more youthful, athletic roster around Devin Booker. pic.twitter.com/3zaKZyQZWY
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 27, 2025The Arizona Republic: Suns could target Gary Trent Jr. in NBA free agency
Here’s what Duane Rankin wrote about Trent Jr.: “His late turnover that led to Tyrese Haliburton’s driving layup to give Indiana Game 5 — and the first round series — over Milwaukee aside, Trent Jr. is one of the game’s best 3-point shooters. In that series alone, Trent Jr. shot 50% from 3, hitting nine in Game 3, which the Bucks won, and eight in Game 5. For the season, Trent Jr. shot 40.6% from 3 this past season.”
Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported that Phoenix will not be bringing back Bol Bol.
Bol averaged 6.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 36 games, including 10 starts last season, but never found consistent minutes on the court.
Mike Wilson of the Knoxville News-Sentinel reported that the Tennessee guard will play for Phoenix in the upcoming NBA Summer League.
Gainey averaged 11.7 points and shot 35.8% on 3-pointers in 138 games between two seasons at Tennessee and two at USC Upstate.
Tennessee’s Jordan Gainey will join the Phoenix Suns for NBA Summer League, I’m told.
One of nation’s top sixth men, Gainey played a key role in the Vols’ Elite Eight run, earning NCAA Midwest Region All-Tourney honors.
Former 1st Team All-Big South selection at USC Upstate. pic.twitter.com/tvL6hhRbCU
— Jon Chepkevich (@JonChep) June 27, 2025
The Republic’s Duane Rankin included Nance Jr. among his Suns’ potential NBA free agent targets, writing: He’ll likely not settle for a veteran minimum, but the Suns could sell the free agent on playing in Phoenix where his dad, Larry, made his first All-Star game in 1985. Live body. Athletic. Can play a role. Nance Jr. addresses the lack of frontcourt depth. He suffered a season-ending knee fracture in Atlanta this season. His health is a concern moving forward. If Nance Jr. comes back ready to rock, he’ll be part of somebody’s NBA rotation.”
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported that the Suns have agreed to a two-way contract with CJ Huntley, a forward from Appalachian State.
Huntley averaged 15.7 points per game and 8.1 rebounds per game last season in 33.6 minutes per game. He shot 35.6% from 3-point range.
Appalachian State’s CJ Huntley has agreed to a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns, a source told ESPN.
Huntley had a strong pre-draft process that started with an impactful performance at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. pic.twitter.com/QkV8zHo9ji
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2025
Might Spencer Dinwiddie be a good fit with Phoenix?
Duane Rankin wrote: “He’s a combo guard who can hit tough shots. Fearless and can be instant offense off the bench. He cooked the Suns in Game 7 of the 2022 Western Conference semifinals, scoring 30 points in 25 minutes off the bench. Dinwiddie is still capable of delivering big games. He went for 31 points in leading Dallas past Detroit on March 21 without Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.”
Draft Express reported that Mascari will play for the Suns in the Summer League, a potentially intriguing addition for the Suns.
Last season, Mascari, a guard, shot 40.3% from 3-point range and scored 9.4 points per game for the Bulldogs.
Drake’s Mitch Mascari will join the Phoenix Suns for NBA Summer League, per his agent George Langberg of GSL Sports Group.
The 6’5” sniper has drained 42.4% of nearly 600 career attempts from three.
Two-time DII national champion and critical piece for the 31-win MVC champs. pic.twitter.com/e80f1WDdYg
— Jon Chepkevich (@JonChep) June 27, 2025
Could the Phoenix Suns look to sign Sam Merrill in NBA free agency. he does have a big connection to the team.
Duane Rankin wrote: “Merrill has familiarity with new Suns coach Jordan Ott as the two were in Cleveland together last season. Ott was an assistant with the Cavs. Good size at 6-foot-4. Nearly 87% of his shot attempts were from 3-point range (137-of-368).”
Could Phoenix bring back restricted free agent Collin Gillespie?
A two-way player last season, Gillespie finished the season strong for the Suns, posting six double-figure efforts in his final 12 games. He scored a career-high 22 points and had 10 assists in a 124-109 loss March 28 at Minnesota.
Everyone focused on getting rid of Brad Beal and I’m just thinking about how important it is to retain Collin Gillespie.
— Zona (@AZSportsZone) June 27, 2025
Duane Rankin contributed to this story.
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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