Second-to-last line of Jake’s column many, many hours ago: Phoenix badly wants to trade into the first round to draft Ko Via @TheSteinLine on X

What happened: Phoenix is working to trade into the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft to select Koa Peat, according to reporting from Jake Fischer. The Suns are angling for a path into the back end of the round to reach the prospect.

Why it matters: Landing a first-round pick would hand Phoenix a cost-controlled young player as it reshapes the roster ahead of the 2026-27 season. A willingness to surrender assets to move up signals the front office values Peat enough to act rather than wait for the second round.

What to watch: Watch whether Phoenix can line up a trade partner before Peat comes off the board on draft night.

Sources