🏀 Rich Paul’s Power Play: How a Quiet Call Delivered Duke Star Khaman Maluach to the Phoenix Suns
When the Phoenix Suns shocked the NBA world by trading away superstar Kevin Durant, fans and analysts alike questioned the franchise’s direction. Was this the start of a painful rebuild? Had Phoenix mortgaged its short-term potential for future hope? But just days later, the tone surrounding the Suns shifted dramatically—and at the center of the turnaround was none other than powerhouse agent Rich Paul.
In a move that blended timing, trust, and elite maneuvering, Paul quietly orchestrated one of the most impactful draft-day plays of the year: steering 7-foot Duke phenom Khaman Maluach to the Phoenix Suns with the 10th overall pick. The move, reportedly made possible by a single well-placed phone call, flipped the narrative and turned what once seemed like a setback into a potential franchise reset.
Khaman Maluach, a dominant rim protector and raw offensive force, had long been projected as a top-5 talent in the 2025 NBA Draft. But draft day drama and shifting needs caused several teams to look elsewhere. That’s when Paul made his move. According to multiple league sources, the Klutch Sports founder engaged in quiet back-channel discussions with front offices, sending a clear signal: Maluach preferred Phoenix.
The result? Several teams ahead of the Suns pivoted to safer or more immediate-impact selections, allowing Phoenix to scoop up the 18-year-old Maluach far later than anyone expected. The Suns’ war room reportedly erupted with excitement when the pick was officially announced.
For the Suns, who were criticized for lacking youth, length, and defensive identity, Maluach represents all of that—and more. A native of South Sudan, Maluach turned heads at Duke with his elite shot-blocking, developing mid-range game, and surprisingly fluid footwork for someone his size. In his lone college season, he averaged 12.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game, earning All-ACC Defensive Team honors.
“He changes the geometry of the court,” said one scout. “Guys don’t drive the same way when Khaman’s in the paint. And offensively, he’s just scratching the surface.”
Rich Paul, known for managing megastars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, has increasingly become a power broker in NBA personnel matters. This latest move shows his continued influence in shaping player destinations—not just through free agency, but through subtle pre-draft maneuvering.
For Phoenix, the timing couldn’t have been better. With Durant gone, the team needed a new identity. Maluach offers that: a defensive anchor with sky-high upside and international marketability. Fans have embraced the pick, and the Suns’ brass now believes they have their cornerstone for the next era.
“This wasn’t about losing Durant,” a Suns executive told reporters. “It was about starting something new—with a player who can help define the next decade in Phoenix.”
What seemed like a rebuild is now being reframed as a rebirth. And at the heart of it all? A quiet call from Rich Paul that changed everything.
