South Sudan’s Maluach to Phoenix Suns in exchange for Durant

South Sudan’s Khaman Maluach is headed to the Phoenix Suns, despite being selected 10th overall by the Houston Rockets in the NBA Draft on Wednesday, 25 June.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News

Phoenix landed the Duke center as part of a massive deal after sending Kevin Durant to Houston and a package including Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and six picks to the Suns.

The 7’2” Duke big man brings elite rim protection, fluid mobility, and a high-upside offensive game.

Kipyegon shifting the limits of belief with her Breaking4 attempt

He averaged 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last season, helping Duke to an ACC championship and a trip to the Final Four.

The 18-year-old forward started playing basketball in 2019 and began to catch coaches’ attention. He was invited to the African NBA Academy, from where his star began to shine in the Basketball Africa League with Cobra Sport, AS Douanes, and City Oilers, the latter of which he averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds.

He made the 2023 FIBA World Cup roster with South Sudan’s national team as well as the 2024 Paris Olympic team.

At 7 feet 0.75 inches with a 7-foot-6.75 wingspan and 9-foot-6 standing reach, Maluach brings size and length to the Suns. He was among the most efficient pick-and-roll players in college basketball, making 80.6 percent of his shots at the rim.

The Durant trade announced on Sunday gave the Suns possible starters in Green and Brooks, but Maluach was arguably the most important part of the deal, simply because it gave Phoenix something it lacked: a chance to add young talent early in the draft.

President Ruto commits to building 37 sports academies across Kenya

Maluach fits. And given Phoenix’s need for size, this might be a best-case scenario. The 7-foot-1, 253-pound South Sudan product last season was among college basketball’s best finishers around the basket. Although his overall offensive game is limited, he’s a good athlete who moves well for his size, cutting to the rim and dunking lobs.

The Suns are trying to change their identity. They want to be more gritty and defensive-minded. Maluach has the potential to develop into the strong rim protector that new head coach Jordan Ott needs.