© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
TEMPE – The Suns made a move today that will help the development of one of their rookies, as Khaman Maluach has been assigned to the G League to play with the Valley Suns.
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Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The move isn’t shocking, but it does raise a pressing question among fans. If Phoenix believes in Maluach as part of their future core, why hasn’t he been given meaningful NBA minutes? This is where the strategic tension becomes clear. Maluach is one of the youngest players in the league, a raw 7-footer with elite defensive instincts and a frame that scouts drool over. Yet Phoenix has leaned heavily on veterans, as the feeling is the Suns want to play with a win-now script, and young players rarely have speaking roles in those productions.
Oct 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (14) defends Phoenix center Khaman Maluach (10) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The emotional undertone is real, too. Fans want to see flashes, progress, and something to validate the hype. Instead, Maluach’s NBA rhythm has been reduced to garbage-time cameos and developmental workouts. Sending him to the G League offers reps, but it also acknowledges that Phoenix doesn’t see him cracking the rotation anytime soon.
What does Khaman Maluach’s future look like in Phoenix:
Maluach’s assignment isn’t a setback; it’s a statement. The Suns are choosing stability over experimentation, veterans over upside. The pitch is simple, and they believe patience is a virtue. But the bigger question lingers of how long Maluach will be in the G League, and what his outlook will be in the future.
Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
