The Phoenix Suns secured 7’2″ Duke center Khaman Maluach with the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a selection widely hailed as “great value.” Initially belonging to the Houston Rockets, the No. 10 pick was dealt to Phoenix in a major trade centered on Kevin Durant.
The move is being praised across the league for its strategic upside. Maluach’s arrival also represents a milestone for African basketball, as he becomes the highest pick ever to come from both the NBA Academy Africa and the Basketball Africa League, marking a historic achievement for the continent’s basketball development.
Suns Score Big with No. 10 Pick Khaman Maluach in 2025 NBA Draft-Day Trade
The Suns made a significant addition to their roster by selecting Maluach, a move that followed their blockbuster trade with the Rockets centered around Durant.
Despite questions around acquiring two traditional centers in one night, Maluach and former Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams (via another trade), the Suns addressed a glaring weakness in their frontcourt and earned high marks for the pick.
PFSNÂ gave the move an A- grade, noting that Maluach offers both “immediate rim protection and long-term upside.”
Standing 7’2″ with a 9’8″ standing reach, the South Sudan native fills a key void in Phoenix’s rotation. His blend of size, agility, and defensive instincts makes him one of the more intriguing prospects in the class.
“He’s a high-motor defender who can switch onto guards, disrupt pick-and-rolls, and protect the rim at a high level thanks to his agility and length…..It will be interesting to see how the Suns deploy their new centers, but this is great value,” outlet added.
GAME-CHANGING SIZE FOR PHOENIX 💪
Duke’s Khaman Maluach is headed to the @Suns (via Houston) as the 10th pick in the 2025 #NBADraft! pic.twitter.com/6Z9vHxV5wS
– NBA TV (@NBATV) June 26, 2025
Offensively, Maluach remains a work in progress but has shown flashes. He finishes well at the rim, excels as a lob target, and is beginning to display touch in pick-and-roll actions and occasional perimeter attempts.
USA Today handed the Suns an A+ for the pick, citing the value they found at No. 10 and the fit alongside stars Devin Booker and Jalen Green.
“Even though he isn’t necessarily the best player in the class, the Suns have to feel like they got their dream scenario,” the report said.
With limited depth in the frontcourt, Phoenix gains a long-term asset who can be brought along slowly with Williams also in the mix.
At Duke, Maluach averaged 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game. He also converted 71.2% of his field goals. Notably, 77 of his 136 baskets came via dunks, accounting for 56.6% of his scoring.
In his first four NCAA Tournament games, he contributed 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting nearly 87.0% from the floor. He notably posted 19 points and 9 rebounds against Alabama and recorded five double-doubles, including a 19-point, 10-rebound outing versus Notre Dame.
For a Suns team in need of frontcourt depth and long-term upside, Maluach’s blend of production, physical tools, and raw potential makes him more than just a value pick at No. 10, it makes him a possible cornerstone for the future.
