Phoenix Suns Punished for Tampering for Drew Eubanks

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA has rescinded a second-round pick from the Phoenix Suns for engaging in early free agency discussions for center Drew Eubanks.

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The Phoenix #Suns have been charged with tampering, and a second-round draft pick (originally Denver’s, acquired from Orlando) has been rescinded. Phoenix was found to have engaged in free agency discussions with Drew Eubanks before they were allowed. #ComingInHot pic.twitter.com/e3kbRPyhZb

— Burn City Suns Talk 🎙️ (@BurnCitySuns) October 25, 2023

The second-round pick was acquired from Orlando and originally Denver’s, meaning it will likely be in the high 50s.

Suns Statement

The Suns released a statement in response to the penalty.

“We are disappointed with the results of the NBA investigation. If there was a violation, it was inadvertent. We are focused on complying with league rules and competing at the highest level every year. With that being said, we accept the penalty from the league and are focused on looking forward to this season.”

Suns statement in response to the NBA’s investigation:

We are disappointed with the results of the NBA investigation. If there was a violation, it was inadvertent. We are focused on complying with league rules and competing at the highest level every year. With that being said,…

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 25, 2023

Background on the Signing

The Suns reportedly agreed to a deal with the center five minutes after the free agency period opened on July 1.

Free agent center Drew Eubanks has agreed on a two-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, with a player option in second season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Eubanks is represented by agent James Dunleavy of Excel Sports.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2023

The 6-foot-10 Eubanks played in 78 games for the Blazers last season and was a consistent option for them, averaging 6.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.3 BPG and 0.5 SPG on 64/39/66 splits.

Eubanks addressed his decision to sign with the Suns during the team’s media day.

“It did go pretty quick,” Eubanks said. “They’ve been very high on me for a while, the Suns have. I had a pre-draft workout here back in 2018, and ever since then, they’ve kind of kept in touch with my agent and asked about me, checking the temperature, stuff like that. With me having the best year of my career last year, they saw something in me where they’re like, ‘Ok, I think this guy can help us win a championship.’ Having that kind of confidence coming from them right out the gate, so early on, everybody wants to go where they’re wanted. So, I wanted to be where I was wanted, and nothing beats Phoenix.”

 

This was a very quick decision by the league, as Marc Stein first reported just five hours ago that the NBA was investigating the Suns for this.

The NBA has been investigating the Suns for potential impermissible early contact in free agency with Drew Eubanks, sources tell the @TheSteinLine.

A ruling is expected soon. Teams are typically docked a second-round pick if found in violation.

More NBA: https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 25, 2023

Eubanks had four points, seven rebounds, two assists and three blocks in yesterday’s 108-104 season-opening victory over the Warriors. This performance followed him being tied for first in the NBA for plus/minus in the preseason.

Drew Eubanks Topped All NBA Players in the Preseason in this Category

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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau