The Phoenix Suns managed to add what they hope will be their center of the future as part of their Kevin Durant trade to the Houston Rockets, and they selected Duke prospect Khaman Maluach with the 10th selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. A decision that was widely applauded at the time, because of the clear upside the South Sudanese big man possesses.
His start to life in the NBA at Summer League was rough, but you have to remember he is still only 18-years-old. It typically takes centers - especially thought like Maluach who came to the game that bit later in life - quite a while to mature into the big men that organizations hope they can be. Patience will be required in Phoenix, although they will have time as they re-tool around Devin Booker.
Turning down trade offer makes Suns' stance on Maluach obvious.
One such franchise who did not have as smooth a draft night were the New Orleans Pelicans. They somehow decided to give up an unprotected first round draft pick in 2026 - you read that correctly, no conditions on it at all - in order to move up and take another big in Derik Queen 13th overall. A decision that has already backfired, and could yet get worse.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that forward/center Derik Queen underwent successful surgery to address a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist. The surgery was performed this morning by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles, California.
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 18, 2025
Queen sustained the injury… pic.twitter.com/6uIgQk4L1P
John Hollinger of The Athletic recently broke down the biggest Summer League disappointments, and it was no surprise to see the Pelicans feature. Interestingly, Hollinger also revealed that the Suns were presented with the same opportunity as the Atlanta Hawks, as the Pelicans offered them the unprotected selection next season - plus the 23rd pick in 2025 - to move up and select Queen.
That 23rd selection was Asa Newell, but the Suns clearly believed Maluach was the player to take. Which is some bet on his future in The Valley, because that completely unprotected pick from the Pelicans next season could land anywhere. Right now you could make the case they're the worst team in the Western Conference.
They're definitely the most dysfunctional - and if they decide to part ways with Zion Williams before the next trade deadline - that pick could become priceless. Maluach right now is like a blank canvas, albeit one who could have a massive impact on the defensive end for the organization in the coming seasons.
It is unclear what Booker himself thought of this potential move, or if he was even consulted. But this is the direction the Suns are now going in - for better or for worse - and the scars of losing some trades may have been a factor. Only as the Hawks laugh all the way to the bank with that pick, this feels like one that Phoenix was guaranteed to win had they said yet. A massive bet on Maluach.