The Phoenix Suns have managed to convert one first-round draft pick into three, a strategic move that could potentially bolster their roster.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Suns have struck a deal with the Utah Jazz, trading away their 2031 first-round pick in exchange for conditional first-round picks in the 2025, 2027, and 2029 drafts.
This flurry of new picks provides the Suns with additional assets as they approach the looming Feb. 6 trade deadline. With a current record of 21-21, Phoenix is actively exploring trade opportunities to enhance their roster and align with the talents of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Reports suggest that the Suns are eyeing a potential trade for Jimmy Butler, who has expressed a desire to leave the Miami Heat.
The Jazz, having acquired multiple picks in each of the 2025, 2027, and 2029 drafts through trades involving Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, will provide the Suns with the least favorable pick in each of these years. In the upcoming 2025 draft, Phoenix is set to receive the lowest pick from selections originally belonging to the Timberwolves and Cavaliers.
Looking ahead to 2027 and 2029, the Suns will again receive the least desirable pick from those awarded to the Jazz, Timberwolves, and Cavaliers. With the Cavaliers boasting the best record in the NBA at 36-6, the Suns could potentially secure one of the final first-round picks in the 2025 draft.
While forecasting beyond 2025 poses challenges, the Jazz evidently valued the Suns’ 2031 pick enough to part ways with three of their own picks, leveraging their strong position in upcoming drafts.
Following this recent trade, the Jazz now possess 11 first-round picks over the next seven years, including the unprotected 2031 pick received from the Suns.