PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns make a massive splash in Tuesday’s NBA Draft by trading into the first round to select Arizona forward Koa Peat with the 30th overall pick. According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, the franchise trades the 47th pick and two future seconds to move up 17 spots to draft the Arizona native. Entering this draft cycle, Phoenix was desperate to move up from its original pick, but the limited draft capital made that dream seem impossible.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, three second-round picks later and the Suns grab a stellar prospect at the end of Day 1 of the draft.
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) reacts after a pay against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Suns trade into 1st round for Peat:
Peat went to Perry high school in Gilbert, ranking top 10 nationally when committing with the Wildcats. His freshman season was up and down, alongside his talented teammates. The 19-year-old averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists on 52.8% shooting. Those efforts earned him honors on the All-Big 12 team and NCAA All-Region team. The questions surrounding his 3pt shooting could be the cause of his significant drop amongst team, attempting .6 3s a game
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
For Phoenix, it has the outside shooting to pair around Peat and will need the 6’8 forward for his size and downhill attack in the paint. The frame is NBA ready and putting in a system that benefits gritty play, Peat could develop into a capable defender in head coach Jordan Ott’s scheme.
Phoenix Suns linked to Arizona’s Koa Peat before 2026 NBA Draft
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
