🏀 “Rich Paul’s Power Play: How a Quiet Call Delivered Duke Star Khaman Maluach to the Phoenix Suns”

🏀 “Rich Paul’s Power Play: How a Quiet Call Delivered Duke Star Khaman Maluach to the Phoenix Suns”

When the Phoenix Suns traded away Kevin Durant, many critics scoffed at what seemed like a lopsided deal. But just days later, the narrative took a dramatic turn—thanks to a quiet but powerful phone call from superstar agent Rich Paul. In a stunning draft day maneuver, Paul orchestrated a behind-the-scenes move that allowed the Suns to land Duke’s 7-foot sensation, Khaman Maluach, with the 10th overall pick. What looked like a rebuild now feels like a masterstroke—and Phoenix may have just secured its future cornerstone.

Rich Paul called Brooklyn to avoid drafting Duke star Khaman Maluach, paving way for Suns

Just a week ago, the Suns traded Kevin Durant for what many considered to be a bag of chips. They didn’t land any of the exciting young prospects that were expected to be part of the deal.

“Coming off finishing second in the West with only one starter (guard Fred VanVleet) older than 28, the Rockets were surely best positioned to thread the needle of surrounding Durant with enough talent to contend for a championship—particularly as the price dropped to the point where they didn’t have to include any of their most prized young players in return,” ESPN’s NBA Insiders wrote.

That was the sentiment—until the Suns made a surprising move in the draft, selecting 7-footer Khaman Maluach out of Duke. Phoenix may have played its cards perfectly and turned the narrative around.

“The Phoenix Suns have selected Khaman Maluach with the No. 10 pick in the NBA Draft. Definitely puts the Kevin Durant trade in a very different light. His ability to anchor their defense with his 7’6 wingspan and provide vertical spacing should prove essential for the Suns,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony wrote.

However, it wasn’t just luck that landed Maluach in Phoenix—his agent, Rich Paul had to work behind the scenes to help make it happen.

“If you guys keep 10, I’m going to mention a name, and you tell me how much you like him. Khaman Maluach,” Paul said.

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“A lot. That would be my first choice,” Suns owner Mat Ishbia responded.

“Okay, done deal. That’s all I needed to hear. I’m going to try my best because you’re our first choice,” Paul said. “If he gets past Brooklyn, then yeah. But let me make those calls so I can let you do what you need to do.”

Whatever Paul discussed with the Nets worked—Brooklyn passed on Maluach, clearing the way for Phoenix to draft him. Now, Maluach is expected to play a major role for the Suns early on, and part of that may be thanks to the behind-the-scenes maneuvering of his agent.