Suns Trade Up To No. 30, Select Arizona Forward Koa Peat
SLUG: suns-trade-up-select-koa-peat-30th-pick
The Phoenix Suns have entered the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, acquiring the No. 30 selection from the New York Knicks and using it to choose University of Arizona freshman forward Koa Peat.
Phoenix completed the move Thursday after the Knicks had previously slid back from Nos. 24 and 25 before picking up the 30th choice from the Dallas Mavericks. Concerned about second-apron payroll penalties, New York elected to exit the first round entirely.
According to multiple reports, the Knicks will receive the No. 47 pick along with the Suns’ second-round selections in 2029 and 2033.
Peat, 19, is a 6’8” Arizona native and the son of former NFL offensive lineman Todd Peat. In his lone college season he averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists while starting all 36 games for the Wildcats, earning a spot on the All-Big 12 third team. Arizona finished 36-3 and reached the Final Four, with Peat scoring at least 14 points in each of the team’s five NCAA Tournament contests.
The freshman shot 52.8 percent from the field but attempted only 20 three-pointers and struggled during shooting drills at the draft combine. Despite questions about his range, he remained in the draft, turning down an estimated $6–7 million in potential NIL earnings had he returned for his sophomore year.
Selected 30th, Peat will receive a guaranteed contract for two seasons with team options in years three and four. Phoenix had been open to trading into the first round if a preferred prospect fell, and Peat’s size and defensive versatility address a need at power forward.
Source: Hoops Rumors
