PHOENIX – While most offseason chatter around the Phoenix Suns centers on the futures of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, another key decision sit quietly but significantly: the 2025 NBA Draft.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Phoenix currently holds the No. 29 and No. 52 picks. And with no selections lined up for 2026—at least for now—the pressure is on to strike gold this summer.
That could easily change with any likely Durant trade, but for now the pressure to nail its two pick this year is imperative.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo did a full two-round mock draft for the 2025 draft. They have the Suns taking a national champion in the first round with Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. 29th overall.
Apr 7, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) celebrates after winning the national championship game of the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Givony on why Suns take Clayton:
“The Suns last year drafted two ready-made contributors in Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro and plugged them in their rotation, and would have an opportunity to do the same with Clayton, the NCAA tournament’s most outstanding player after helping Florida win a national championship.
“Despite measuring smaller than expected at the combine, Clayton brings tremendous shotmaking prowess and all-around scoring talent, making big plays in clutch moments all season while creating chaos for opposing defenses with his speed and unpredictability. The fact he can play on or off the ball, alongside Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, could be attractive.”
Apr 7, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) takes the court against the Houston Cougars before the first half in the national championship game of the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Clayton was key to Florida’s national title run and led the Gators with 18.3 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.3 rebounds. The All-American stands at 6’2 with a 6’4 wingspan. Despite being slightly undersize, his shooting more than makes up for it, as Clayton shot 38.6 from beyond the arc during his senior season.
The 22-year-old is a win now player, which is what the Suns need with the age surrounding the roster with its top guys. Clayton would join a guard room with Collin Gillespie as a dynamic one-two punch of the bench that could inject energy into the game for the team.
Apr 12, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) and guard Devin Booker (1) and guard Bradley Beal (3) and forward Royce O’Neale (00) and forward Kevin Durant (35) huddle up before the final seconds of the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Givony has Phoenix taking senior Duke guard Sion James at 52nd overall. James was a fifth-year senior for the Blue Devils last year, where he averaged 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. The 6’6 guard possesses similar shooting prowess as Clayton, knocking down 41.3% of his 3-pointers. The Suns adding more shooting with James would help spread the floor for their top stars next season.
There’s a bunch of talent in the 2025 NBA draft, with ESPN having Phoenix taking two high-volume shooting guard with its two picks. Obviously the Suns’ roster is expected to change before the 2025 draft, so the team’s needs will alter as well.
Phoenix Suns top eight candidates for next head coach revealed
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
