The long-running tensions between the Phoenix Suns and future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant finally ended this week. Durant was dealt to the Houston Rockets for an exchange headlined by Jalen Green and the 10th pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
As the Suns look to make the most of this additional first-round pick, they could look to bolster the frontcourt to make up for Durant’s absence. While Phoenix may not find a replacement for Durant’s clutch shooting, they are predicted to land a versatile center who does dirty work on both sides of the court.
Phoenix Suns Predicted To Select Versatile South Carolina Defender in 2025 NBA Draft
According to PFSN’s latest NBA mock draft by Alex Kennedy, the Suns could draft Collin Murray-Boyles of the South Carolina Gamecocks with the No. 10 pick. Kennedy believes the 10th pick is a better value for the Suns than Green in the Durant-Rockets trade, given his “inefficiency and defensive issues”, which may force Phoenix to play safe.
“The Suns need to hit on this draft pick, and Collin Murray-Boyles feels like a safe bet given his all-around game,” Kennedy wrote. “Murray-Boyles possesses an advanced offensive feel, and he does the dirty work on both ends of the floor. As a sophomore, he averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds on 58.6% shooting for the Gamecocks. His athleticism and effort also translate to excellent defense, as he averaged 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks.”
However, the 20-year-old isn’t a finished product yet and lacks a consistent 3-point jumper.
MORE: Final 2-Round NBA Mock Draft
“Murray-Boyles’ 3-point shooting is a weakness, as he shot just 26.5% from deep last season after attempting only five total 3s during his freshman year,” Kennedy added. “His defensive impact gives him a high floor, though, and he makes a lot of sense for a Suns team that is trying to improve defensively and change their culture under new head coach Jordan Ott.”
As Kennedy noted, Murray-Boyles has a high defensive floor, which is why he has earned comparisons with 2016 Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green. He may not be as proficient a shooter as Green was in his prime, nor the high-volume assist artist. But few can dictate on rebounds as he can, and that same strength plays well as an offensive finisher.
Collin Murray-Boyles #SouthCarolina
Hit The Music. pic.twitter.com/IBDtnvd9vG
— Tyler Rucker (@tyler_rucker) June 24, 2025
His quick hands, strong lateral mobility, and timing allow him to defend multiple positions, pressure ball-handlers, and rack up deflections and blocks.
The Columbia, South Carolina native has embraced his role as a versatile defender who impacts winning in ways that don’t always show up in highlight reels. His basketball IQ and court awareness would mesh well with Phoenix as it looks to replace some of the size, skill, and presence lost in the Durant trade.
