• Loading stock data...
Friday, May 30, 2025

How the Suns Added Draft Picks and Showed They’re All In on 2025

The Suns traded an unprotected 2031 first-round pick to the Jazz for three first-round picks.

David Richard-Imagn Images

The Suns and Jazz executed a seemingly minor trade Tuesday—one that did not involve a single player—but it could have massive ramifications in Phoenix’s quest to acquire Jimmy Butler.

The Jazz traded three-first round picks to the Suns in exchange for an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, which, before this trade, was the only first-rounder the Suns were allowed to move. Phoenix received first-round picks in 2025, 2027, and 2029, according to multiple reports. 

However, the three picks the Suns received are expected to fall toward the end of the draft. The 2025 pick will be the least-favorable pick between the Timberwolves and Cavaliers (who currently hold the league’s best record), while the 2027 and 2029 picks will be the least favorable of the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Jazz.

While the Suns are risking an unprotected 2031 pick that could fall at the top of the draft, they have more flexibility in the short term to make trades. According to The Athletic, Phoenix, the team with the league’s highest payroll, is now free from the Stepein Rule, which bans teams from dealing a first-round draft pick in consecutive drafts, for the next six drafts.

ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks, who was the GM of the Nets when they traded future assets for aging stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, said the Suns’ move showcases a team willing to mortgage their future to win now.

“If you think Phoenix is not all in and they’re going to pivot away from Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, you are wrong. This trade just rubber stamps it that Phoenix is in business to try to go swing for the fences,” Marks said.

The Athletic also reported that there’s “rising optimism” Butler could be moved to Phoenix following this deal. The Suns can use these picks to entice the Heat to take on the remainder of Bradley Beal’s contract (about $161 million for three years) or make more moves to entice a third or fourth team. The Suns can also now attach a late first-round pick to Jusuf Nurkić and see whether a team is willing to eat the remaining two years and $37.5 million in his deal. 

On Wednesday afternoon, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Heat had suspended Butler for two more games, shortly after he returned from a seven-game team suspension. The report indicated that Butler missed a team flight.

But the biggest hurdle for this trade remains the same. Even if the teams find a deal that satisfies all parties, the Suns still need to convince Beal to waive his no-trade clause.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MSG Tickets for Potential Pacers-Knicks Game 7 Start at $1,100

The current get-in price for a potential Game 7 is $1,099.
Zion Williamson
breaking

Zion Williamson Accused of Rape and Abuse in Lawsuit

The woman says their relationship began when he was at Duke in 2018.

Brett Yormark: Big 12 Puts Private Equity and Naming Rights on Pause

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is shifting his conference’s strategy.

Featured Today

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
May 24, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Basketball Universe—Thanks to Both Pro Teams

The Fever and Pacers are thriving at the same time.

Steve Cohen Taps USTA’s Lew Sherr to Reshape Mets Off Field

The MLB club hires a top executive from the U.S. Tennis Association.
May 29, 2025

T-Wolves Face Roster-Building Questions After Another WCF Loss

The team has ownership stability entering this offseason.
Ovi
May 29, 2025

Capitals Say Ovechkin Retirement Email Was Sent in Error

Ovechkin is the NHL’s all-time scoring leader and has one Stanley Cup. 
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
SGA
May 29, 2025

Thunder Poised to Dominate for Years After Winning West

OKC has the NBA’s best shot at a dynasty with the new CBA.
May 28, 2025

Mets Casino Project Moves Forward As Cohen Shakes Up Front Office

Scott Havens will depart as team president of business operations.
May 28, 2025

Terry Bradshaw Calls Steelers Pursuit of Aaron Rodgers ‘a Joke’

The Pro Football Hall of Famer lambastes the courtship of the mercurial star.
Ted Leonsis
exclusive
May 27, 2025

Where Do the Mystics Fit in a Rapidly Evolving WNBA?

The WNBA is increasingly divided between the new- and old-guard owners.