Phoenix Suns Make Big Changes Ahead of the NBA Draft

This fall, the Phoenix Suns are gearing up for a significant transformation in their roster.

A few days before the 2025 NBA Draft, news broke about a trade involving Kevin Durant, who is reportedly heading to the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN. It’s quite the shake-up for the Suns.

The Rockets made their pick at number 10 overall in the draft, selecting the 7-foot-2 Kaman Malah. ESPN reported that he would be sent to Phoenix as part of the trade package.

On draft night, Malah, a former Duke player, had a poignant moment when NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called his name. The excitement of the moment must have been overwhelming for him.

Malah’s journey is quite inspiring. He was born in Uganda after his family fled from Sudan due to conflict, and he didn’t pick up basketball until he was 14. Even then, it seems it was a chance encounter that sparked his interest.

He notably represented the South Sudan National Basketball Team, nearly toppling Team USA at the Olympics in Paris. Before landing at Duke, he developed his skills at the NBA Academy Africa, and today, many consider him the top draft prospect from that academy.

“I’m here representing the whole continent,” Malah shared with ESPN when he took the stage at Barclays Center. His words, I think, reflect something really powerful about hope and inspiration for young athletes in Africa.

In his one season at Duke, he averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, starting in 39 games. That’s a commendable record, to say the least.

On draft day, Malah was seen wearing a Rockets hat, although the trade details weren’t finalized yet. However, he later donned a Suns hat at a press conference, expressing his eagerness to play in Arizona. “I can’t wait to wear a Phoenix jersey with my name on it,” he said, clearly excited. “It’s going to be thrilling to step on that court.”