PHOENIX – Reports are heating up of the Phoenix Suns looking to move up in Tuesday’s 2026 NBA Draft. If last year was any indication, general manager Brian Gregory isn’t scared to trade up to get his guy. Last year, Gregory traded four second-round picks for Rasheer Fleming, and a report from Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro states that he’s looking to make similar moves in this draft.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Phoenix currently holds the 47th pick and will try use cash to and the limited draft assets they have to move up into the mid-30s. Despite the team expected to be aggressive to move up, its unlikely they pay the price to get into the first round.
Jun 10, 2025; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory during an introductory press conference at the Verizon 5g Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suns looking to move up but not in first round:
The franchise is quite in a dire position when it comes to draft capital, only have two future seconds (2029, 2032) to offer in a trade to move up from 47th. As Gambadoro reported, Gregory will likely use cash to sweeten any deal to move up. The total cash limit is around $8 million for an entire season. Recent examples had the Los Angeles Lakers send $4.35 million to the Orlando Magic for Maxwell Lewis, and the Philadelphia 76ers paying $2 million to the New Orleans Pelicans for Charles Bassey.
Luckily for the Suns, any team above the second apron is prohibited from sending money, which gives them a leg up on a few teams in trade negotiations. A team like the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are over the second apron and hold the 37th pick, would likely be open to trading back 10 spots and getting some money alleviation.
Phoenix Mercury and Suns owner Mat Ishbia (left) talks with new Suns general manager Brian Gregory during the second quarter between the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx at PHX Arena on July 9, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Second-round picks are passed around quite often and easily, with only six of 30 teams holding their original pick. Getting into the 30s is very possible for Gregory but anything in the first round will be impossible. The Suns have first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, but each are the least favorable of three to four teams that likely means it’ll be in the late 20s.
Regardless of where those first-rounders end up, Phoenix is in no position to waste draft capital as the money will get quite tight following this offseason in the effort to re-sign all its free agents. Adding youth to the roster will be critical as players like Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale are heading or passed 30 years old.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
