2025 Draft Night Picks Discussion

[Sunsdeuce]

Maluach Was mocked anywhere from 6-15 in this draft. Suns acting like it was impossible he would fall to them at 10 is pure ignorance. Even if they thought he wouldn’t drop, you wait to see how it plays out BEFORE you make a trade where you overpay (again) for a player.

It’s not like the Suns had to wait all night to see how it would play out. And I think it’s very apparent now, Mark Williams wasn’t getting the value around the league the Hornets wanted so they turned to good ole reliable Mr overpay himself, Mr Ishbia.

I’m seeing a lot of excuses for this botched trade. It’s ok to call a duck a duck. This was a silly ill advised, unprepared trade to get Mark Williams.

And Mark Williams injury history is very real and a cause for pause in any trade scenario thus reducing his value as an asset.

[BobbieL]

Maluach Was mocked anywhere from 6-15 in this draft. Suns acting like it was impossible he would fall to them at 10 is pure ignorance. Even if they thought he wouldn’t drop, you wait to see how it plays out BEFORE you make a trade where you overpay (again) for a player.

It’s not like the Suns had to wait all night to see how it would play out. And I think it’s very apparent now, Mark Williams wasn’t getting the value around the league the Hornets wanted so they turned to good ole reliable Mr overpay himself, Mr Ishbia.

I’m seeing a lot of excuses for this botched trade. It’s ok to call a duck a duck. This was a silly ill advised, unprepared trade to get Mark Williams.

And Mark Williams injury history is very real and a cause for pause in any trade scenario thus reducing his value as an asset.

I just wonder about process with Ishbia. Now, I like the Williams trade as a fit. And I don't think drafting Maluach is bad because he needs a couple years to grow into the job

But did Ishbia think this through and have his next steps planned or was it "we will figure it out later"

[KdoubleDees23]

Maluach Was mocked anywhere from 6-15 in this draft. Suns acting like it was impossible he would fall to them at 10 is pure ignorance. Even if they thought he wouldn’t drop, you wait to see how it plays out BEFORE you make a trade where you overpay (again) for a player.

It’s not like the Suns had to wait all night to see how it would play out. And I think it’s very apparent now, Mark Williams wasn’t getting the value around the league the Hornets wanted so they turned to good ole reliable Mr overpay himself, Mr Ishbia.

I’m seeing a lot of excuses for this botched trade. It’s ok to call a duck a duck. This was a silly ill advised, unprepared trade to get Mark Williams.

And Mark Williams injury history is very real and a cause for pause in any trade scenario thus reducing his value as an asset.

Who projected him 10-15. Show me that lol.

Every single analyst had him top 10.

[KdoubleDees23]

Maluach Was mocked anywhere from 6-15 in this draft. Suns acting like it was impossible he would fall to them at 10 is pure ignorance. Even if they thought he wouldn’t drop, you wait to see how it plays out BEFORE you make a trade where you overpay (again) for a player.

It’s not like the Suns had to wait all night to see how it would play out. And I think it’s very apparent now, Mark Williams wasn’t getting the value around the league the Hornets wanted so they turned to good ole reliable Mr overpay himself, Mr Ishbia.

I’m seeing a lot of excuses for this botched trade. It’s ok to call a duck a duck. This was a silly ill advised, unprepared trade to get Mark Williams.

And Mark Williams injury history is very real and a cause for pause in any trade scenario thus reducing his value as an asset.

I just wonder about process with Ishbia. Now, I like the Williams trade as a fit. And I don't think drafting Maluach is bad because he needs a couple years to grow into the job

But did Ishbia think this through and have his next steps planned or was it "we will figure it out later"

We got the best, youngest Center in the draft. He will get minutes. Why are you all crying. I feel like no matter who we got, you would cry.

Should they have passed him up?

[sunsbum]

Maluach Was mocked anywhere from 6-15 in this draft. Suns acting like it was impossible he would fall to them at 10 is pure ignorance. Even if they thought he wouldn’t drop, you wait to see how it plays out BEFORE you make a trade where you overpay (again) for a player.

It’s not like the Suns had to wait all night to see how it would play out. And I think it’s very apparent now, Mark Williams wasn’t getting the value around the league the Hornets wanted so they turned to good ole reliable Mr overpay himself, Mr Ishbia.

I’m seeing a lot of excuses for this botched trade. It’s ok to call a duck a duck. This was a silly ill advised, unprepared trade to get Mark Williams.

And Mark Williams injury history is very real and a cause for pause in any trade scenario thus reducing his value as an asset.

the lakers were going to trade dalton kenekt, a future first and cam reddish. So the suns actually got him for far better value. There was no overpay there.

[BobbieL]

Maluach Was mocked anywhere from 6-15 in this draft. Suns acting like it was impossible he would fall to them at 10 is pure ignorance. Even if they thought he wouldn’t drop, you wait to see how it plays out BEFORE you make a trade where you overpay (again) for a player.

It’s not like the Suns had to wait all night to see how it would play out. And I think it’s very apparent now, Mark Williams wasn’t getting the value around the league the Hornets wanted so they turned to good ole reliable Mr overpay himself, Mr Ishbia.

I’m seeing a lot of excuses for this botched trade. It’s ok to call a duck a duck. This was a silly ill advised, unprepared trade to get Mark Williams.

And Mark Williams injury history is very real and a cause for pause in any trade scenario thus reducing his value as an asset.

I just wonder about process with Ishbia. Now, I like the Williams trade as a fit. And I don't think drafting Maluach is bad because he needs a couple years to grow into the job

But did Ishbia think this through and have his next steps planned or was it "we will figure it out later"

We got the best, youngest Center in the draft. He will get minutes.

I mean bigger picture with respect to apron levels and the cap. If you are trading Allen today or next week, will he get even less as teams know they are over a barrel with respect to the apron levels and what not.

I mean, if they just didn't bring back Micic, richards and Martin, that is $21m of cap savings towards apron levels.

[Saberestar]

Gambo:

Suns have picks #52 and #59 in the second-round today. Would not be surprised if they attempt to move up using those picks and possibly a future second to target a player they like and feel could be a rotation piece for them.

[Sunsdeuce]

Maluach Was mocked anywhere from 6-15 in this draft. Suns acting like it was impossible he would fall to them at 10 is pure ignorance. Even if they thought he wouldn’t drop, you wait to see how it plays out BEFORE you make a trade where you overpay (again) for a player.

It’s not like the Suns had to wait all night to see how it would play out. And I think it’s very apparent now, Mark Williams wasn’t getting the value around the league the Hornets wanted so they turned to good ole reliable Mr overpay himself, Mr Ishbia.

I’m seeing a lot of excuses for this botched trade. It’s ok to call a duck a duck. This was a silly ill advised, unprepared trade to get Mark Williams.

And Mark Williams injury history is very real and a cause for pause in any trade scenario thus reducing his value as an asset.

Who projected him 10-15. Show me that lol.

Every single analyst had him top 10.

Just chose a random article but here you go.

https://theplayoffs.news/en/khaman-maluach-nba-draft-projection-what-draft-pick-will-be-khaman-maluach/

Khaman Maluach’s Draft Projection

“The 18-year-old is regarded as a top-10 lottery pick. Projections have placed him anywhere between fourth overall pick to 13th for the 2025 NBA Draft.”

[Sunsdeuce]

Maluach Was mocked anywhere from 6-15 in this draft. Suns acting like it was impossible he would fall to them at 10 is pure ignorance. Even if they thought he wouldn’t drop, you wait to see how it plays out BEFORE you make a trade where you overpay (again) for a player.

It’s not like the Suns had to wait all night to see how it would play out. And I think it’s very apparent now, Mark Williams wasn’t getting the value around the league the Hornets wanted so they turned to good ole reliable Mr overpay himself, Mr Ishbia.

I’m seeing a lot of excuses for this botched trade. It’s ok to call a duck a duck. This was a silly ill advised, unprepared trade to get Mark Williams.

And Mark Williams injury history is very real and a cause for pause in any trade scenario thus reducing his value as an asset.

the lakers were going to trade dalton kenekt, a future first and cam reddish. So the suns actually got him for far better value. There was no overpay there.

How’d that work out?

[Djedefre]

Maluach IS NOT the best center in this draft. No matter how many times you type it, it won't become a fact. He may become the best in 3-4 years, but right now the odds don't look so great. Not to say it's impossible, just that it's far more likely he becomes a bust than some kind of an anchor for us in years to come. With him, we're left with hope he develops into a solid starting C, and hope is a dangerous thing. We all know that.

[Ghost of Kleine]

So, currently the Suns are 14 million over the 2nd apron with 3 open roster spots, and a serious need for the PF and PG position. Now if we can trade all of:
- Allen (17 million).
- O'neale (10 million).
- Martin (8 million).
- Richards (5 million).

That's 40 million in potential cap reduction. So if we take back minimal salary or expirings that we could buy out/ stretch, then maybe we could cut around 30 million or so and get that far below the 2nd apron even with still having Beal on our books.

The trades I'd be looking at for Allen and O'neale, Martin, Richards etc are:
the trades the Suns need to be trying to do most aggressively now around Grayson Allen and Richards are:

Grayson Allen

1- Memphis.
Allen/Richards for Aldama (sign n trade)/ Clarke/ 48th pick.

2- Utah.
Allen/ Richards/ Martin/ CLE 27' 1st/ BOS 30' 2nd for J Collins/ Potter).
Or
Allen/ Richards for Clarkson ( expiring)/ Hendricks/ Potter ( 2 way)/ 43rd pick.

3- Milwaukee.
Allen for Connaughton ( expiring)/ Tyler Smith Jr/ 48th pick?
** Tyler Smith is a Young, fluid 6'11 smooth floor spacing/ scoring 4/5. Connaughton is a 9 million expiring contract.

4- Brooklyn.
Allen/ Richards to Brooklyn for Clowney/ Wilson/ 36th pick.
Or
Allen/ O'neale/ Richards/ CLE 27' 1st/ 2 BOS future 2nds for Cam Johnson ( expiring in 2 yrs). But would give us a legitimate floor spacing 4.

5- Detroit (** IF they don't resign Beasley)??
Allen/ Richards/ for Fontecchio/ Klintman/ 37th pick.

Richards with O'neale and or Martin, etc.

1- Washington.
O'neale/ Martin/ Richards/ CLE 27' 1st for Smart/ WAS 26' 2nd/ PHO 26' 2nd. Marcus Smart can be our starting point guard and is on a 22 million expiring that we could buyout/ stretch to get off of O'neales' money.

2- Boston.
Richards/ BOS 30' 2nd for Pritchard/ 32nd pick.

3- LA.
O'neale/ Richards for Kleber (11 million expiring) or Vincent (11 million expiring)/ 55th pick.

4- Philly.
Allen/ Richards for Oubre/ Gordon/ Walker/ 35th pick.

5- Toronto.
Richards for Abaji/ 39th pick.

[BobbieL]

Gambo:

Suns have picks #52 and #59 in the second-round today. Would not be surprised if they attempt to move up using those picks and possibly a future second to target a player they like and feel could be a rotation piece for them.

Draft picks buring a hole in Ishbias pocket

Maybe they can use richards instead

[bigfoot]

So lineup looks like

Book
Green/Beal
Dillion/Allen
O'Neale/Dunn
Williams/Oso/Maluach

Still waiting to hear if Suns keep Gillispie, Richards, Martin

Beal, Allen, O'Neal, Richards, and Martin all trade bait

See what happens in the second round

[sunsbum]

Maluach Was mocked anywhere from 6-15 in this draft. Suns acting like it was impossible he would fall to them at 10 is pure ignorance. Even if they thought he wouldn’t drop, you wait to see how it plays out BEFORE you make a trade where you overpay (again) for a player.

It’s not like the Suns had to wait all night to see how it would play out. And I think it’s very apparent now, Mark Williams wasn’t getting the value around the league the Hornets wanted so they turned to good ole reliable Mr overpay himself, Mr Ishbia.

I’m seeing a lot of excuses for this botched trade. It’s ok to call a duck a duck. This was a silly ill advised, unprepared trade to get Mark Williams.

And Mark Williams injury history is very real and a cause for pause in any trade scenario thus reducing his value as an asset.

Who projected him 10-15. Show me that lol.

Every single analyst had him top 10.

Just chose a random article but here you go.

https://theplayoffs.news/en/khaman-maluach-nba-draft-projection-what-draft-pick-will-be-khaman-maluach/

Khaman Maluach’s Draft Projection

“The 18-year-old is regarded as a top-10 lottery pick. Projections have placed him anywhere between fourth overall pick to 13th for the 2025 NBA Draft.”

I don’t think that quote works in your favor for your argument like you think it does.

[sunsbum]

Maluach Was mocked anywhere from 6-15 in this draft. Suns acting like it was impossible he would fall to them at 10 is pure ignorance. Even if they thought he wouldn’t drop, you wait to see how it plays out BEFORE you make a trade where you overpay (again) for a player.

It’s not like the Suns had to wait all night to see how it would play out. And I think it’s very apparent now, Mark Williams wasn’t getting the value around the league the Hornets wanted so they turned to good ole reliable Mr overpay himself, Mr Ishbia.

I’m seeing a lot of excuses for this botched trade. It’s ok to call a duck a duck. This was a silly ill advised, unprepared trade to get Mark Williams.

And Mark Williams injury history is very real and a cause for pause in any trade scenario thus reducing his value as an asset.

the lakers were going to trade dalton kenekt, a future first and cam reddish. So the suns actually got him for far better value. There was no overpay there.

How’d that work out?

pretty well in our favor depending if you like mark williams or not.

[sunsbum]

Man would love to get AR15 in here at PG but we have zero assets to acquire him in the next few years since it looks like he won’t be staying with the lakers.

[Qwigglez]

the lakers were going to trade dalton kenekt, a future first and cam reddish. So the suns actually got him for far better value. There was no overpay there.

A 2031 1st round pick that was unprotected, additionally, a pick swap in 2030. The pick swap may not occur since the Lakers have historically been a good team and the Hornets historically a bad team. But even still, Knecht was just selected in the 2024 draft at No 17.

Before the draft, it was speculated the Lakers wanted to get into the top 10 to nab Maluach. Rob Pelinka mentioned wanting to get a center, specifically "In terms of center traits, it would be great to have a center that was a vertical threat, a lob threat, and someone that can protect the interior defensively. I think those would be keys."

"But there are multiple types of centers that could be effective in the league. There's also spread centers that can protect the rim, we'll look at those as well. So I wouldn't want to limit the archetype, but we know we need a big man."

Suns just grabbed two guys that I think the Lakers would have wanted. I'm going to speculate further and say the Lakers will trade Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and their 2031 1st for Nic Claxton.

I'm pretty happy with the Suns getting both Mark Williams and Khaman Maluach.

[BobbieL]

Read on Twitter

Suns Owe Beal: $110m

Chicago Owes:
Vuc: 21.5 or Zach Collins at 18m
PWill: $18m per year for fours $72m
and
three players as candidates to get the math to work:
Ball - 10m - doubt they trade him
Jevon Carter: 6.8

most likely: Jalen Smith (friend of the family): 18.4 for two seasons

So that would 72 + 21 + 18 = 110m
but the Bulls can buyout Beal

Bulls fan want Mualach but the Suns already talked about him - I doubt he would be traded,

If the Suns take on Vuc, PWill and Smith - that would be 48.5m this year - -so some 4.5m
but they would have to be under the apron so good bye to Richards and probably Martin and Allen

Could Vuc have interest around the league -
Paying PWill the same amount as stretching Beal - at least its a body that can play on the court I guess
Would prefer Ball but Carter over Jalen Smith preferably since they are getting PWill

[Sunsdeuce]

Read on Twitter

Suns Owe Beal: $110m

Chicago Owes:
Vuc: 21.5 or Zach Collins at 18m
PWill: $18m per year for fours $72m
and
three players as candidates to get the math to work:
Ball - 10m - doubt they trade him
Jevon Carter: 6.8

most likely: Jalen Smith (friend of the family): 18.4 for two seasons

So that would 72 + 21 + 18 = 110m
but the Bulls can buyout Beal

Bulls fan want Mualach but the Suns already talked about him - I doubt he would be traded

https://valleyofthesuns.com/bradley-beal-might-just-have-found-himself-unexpected-new-home-bulls

[WeekapaugGroove]

I just wonder about process with Ishbia. Now, I like the Williams trade as a fit. And I don't think drafting Maluach is bad because he needs a couple years to grow into the job

But did Ishbia think this through and have his next steps planned or was it "we will figure it out later"

We got the best, youngest Center in the draft. He will get minutes.

I mean bigger picture with respect to apron levels and the cap. If you are trading Allen today or next week, will he get even less as teams know they are over a barrel with respect to the apron levels and what not.

I mean, if they just didn't bring back Micic, richards and Martin, that is $21m of cap savings towards apron levels.

Yeah how they manage getting under the 2nd apron and balance the roster will determine my ultimate view of the Williams trade. Because as you mentioned it does make it slightly harder to shed the nessesary salary plus they have limited assets already to fill out the roster. 29 could have helped with that but realistically Williams was probably the best pure talent they could have landed using that pick.


Should be noted getting under the second apron isn't just some goal to reduce spending. They literally can't finalze the KD until they get below that level.