The Suns traded for pick 36 and who here is who they could be targeting

The Suns sent two future second-round picks to Brooklyn to acquire the 36th pick in tonight’s draft.

One day down. One day to go.

The Phoenix Suns will be back on the clock this afternoon, holding the 52nd and 59th picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. And now? They now hold 36.

It’s a measured, logical approach by general manager Brian Gregory, one that reflects a clear understanding of how to extract real value from the draft. If the goal is to find a player who can step into the rotation, you don’t wait. You move up. It’s a strategy Suns insider John Gambadoro projected earlier in the day, and in true Gambo fashion, he nailed it.

They’re coming off a strong opening night, with many experts praising their moves. The Suns selected Khaman Maluach with the 10th overall pick, then traded the 29th pick and a 2029 first-rounder to land Mark Williams. One thing’s for sure. Phoenix got a lot bigger last night.

For the most part, the feedback has been encouraging. The early grades are favorable. But personally, I don’t put too much stock into draft grades. After all, the Cameron Johnson pick was widely panned at the time, and we all know how that turned out. Sometimes, you just have to take it all with a grain of salt.

Now, the focus shifts to Day Two, where the Suns now hold three picks. So what should we expect? What might the organization have in store?

Once you get past the 45th pick, the draft becomes a complete crapshoot. Most of those guys are destined for Summer League rosters, G League stints, or two-way contracts. There’s just not a ton of value in late second-round picks.

That said, there are still some intriguing names near the top of the second round, players who could realistically become rotational pieces for the Suns since they are moving up. It’s a smart play if the front office believes there’s someone worth targeting. And it appears they feel there is someone worth targeting.

Who are some of those players would will be available?

Rasheer Fleming

Fleming would be a home run pick if the Suns can somehow find a way to land him.

The 6’9” power forward out of Saint Joe’s is a high-level athlete with a polished, modern skill set. He’s a true three-and-D big with a massive 7’5” wingspan, capable of playing the four or even some small-ball five. He brings it all. Steals, blocks, hard rolls in the two-man game, second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass, and a motor that never stops. Simply put, the guy is a force.

Most projections have Fleming coming off the board early in the second round, so Phoenix would likely need to move up nearly 20 spots to have a real shot. But if the cost is packaging three second-round picks to get him? You do it without hesitation.

Pairing Maluach with Fleming would be a statement. The Suns would come out of this draft bigger, more physical, and significantly improved on the defensive end, all in one offseason

Kam Jones

If the Suns are looking to add a playmaker — and they should be — Marquette’s veteran point guard is someone worth keeping a close eye on. At 23 years old, he’s an older prospect, but that’s part of what makes him appealing. He fits the mold of a steady combo guard who can contribute right away.

Having played alongside Oso Ighodaro at Marquette, he brings familiarity, maturity, and the kind of plug-and-play versatility the Suns could use off the bench. He won’t need heavy minutes, but he can absolutely fill a role within the rotation, providing spot playmaking and backcourt depth.

The challenge? He’s projected to go anywhere between picks 31 and 38, so the Suns would need to make a sizable move up the board to grab him. But for a team that values immediate impact and backcourt insurance, he’d be a smart target.

Tyrese Proctor

If you know me, this is my guy.

He was a true playmaker during his first two seasons at Duke, running the offense and setting the tone. But when Kon Knueppel, who just went fourth overall to the Hornets, arrived on campus last year, he adjusted. He shifted off the ball, took on the shooting guard role, and still managed to be highly productive.

At 6’6”, he brings size, versatility, and a smooth combo guard skill set that would fit perfectly in Phoenix. He’s someone who could contribute right away as a rotational piece, while also developing his point guard instincts over time. For a team like the Suns looking to round out the backcourt with smart, adaptable talent, he checks a lot of boxes.

Chaz Lanier

Just a name to keep an eye on. A 6’5” senior from Tennessee with a 6’9” wingspan and plenty of experience under his belt. At 23 and a half years old, he’s one of the older prospects in the draft, but if you’re looking for instant scoring off the bench, this kid’s got it.

He spent five years in college and polished his game year after year. This past season, he averaged 18 points per game while shooting an impressive 43% from the field, 40% from three, and 76% from the free-throw line.

Efficient, confident, and battle-tested, exactly the kind of plug-and-play scorer who could carve out a role in Phoenix’s rotation.

Johni Broome

Motor, motor, motor.

If you want physicality in your frontcourt, this kid brings it in spades. At 6’10” and 235 pounds out of Auburn, he plays with relentless energy and toughness. I was genuinely impressed with what I saw from him during the tournament.

He averaged 18.6 points and 10.8 rebounds last season for the Tigers, showcasing a strong post presence and a crafty touch around the rim. While he’s not a shooter — his range is limited — he fits the mold of a prototypical power forward who does the dirty work. If you’re looking for grit, rebounding, and nonstop hustle, Broom could absolutely be your guy.

Adou Thiero

Hustle. Off-ball defense. Rebounding. A dog in every sense of the word.

The 6’7” wing from Arkansas might be one of the last true upside wings left in this draft, and he’s an intriguing potential addition. Offensively, he’s still a work in progress. His jump shot has a slow release, but he makes up for it with unselfish play, effort, and relentless aggression.

He attacks the game, not just the basket. And that’s exactly what the Suns need right now. attackers. Competitors. Dogs. He fits that mold, and then some.

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Are the Suns done yet making moves? They now have three selections tonight. Could more movement be on the way? We’ll continue to monitor!

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