Phoenix Suns Roster Changes with Kevin Durant Trade

This fall, the Phoenix Suns are undergoing significant changes to their roster.

Just days ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, news broke of a trade that would send Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, according to reports from ESPN.

The Rockets, who held the 10th overall draft pick, selected a towering 7-foot-2 player, Kaman Malah. ESPN noted that this former Duke standout was included in the package sent to Phoenix.

Malah, who was visibly emotional upon being drafted, had a heartwarming moment when NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called his name at the draft stage.

Originally from Uganda, Malah’s family had fled Sudan due to conflict. Interestingly, he only started playing basketball at the age of 14, following a chance encounter with a taxi driver who encouraged him to embrace his height.

Competing for the South Sudan National Basketball Team, Malah made headlines during the Olympics in Paris when they gave Team USA a tough challenge. Before honing his skills in Durham, North Carolina, he also trained at the NBA Academy Africa, where he became one of the academy’s standout players.

Upon stepping onto the draft stage, Malah expressed his pride. “I represent the entire continent here,” he told ESPN, emphasizing the hope he wants to inspire among young African basketball players.

Malah averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in his only season with Duke, making a significant impact by starting 39 games for the Blue Devils.

While he wore a Rockets hat during the draft—since the transactions hadn’t been finalized—he later donned a Suns hat at a press conference. Excited about this new chapter, he stated, “I’m excited to have a Phoenix jersey with my name and ‘Maluach’ on my back. I can’t wait to play for the Suns and step on the floor.”