Suns GM Reveals Decision Behind Draft-Day Moves to Bolster Frontcourt

Suns GM Reveals Decision Behind Draft-Day Moves to Bolster Frontcourt originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Phoenix Suns haven't been shy this offseason when it comes to making drastic changes to nearly every aspect of the franchise. The changes began the day after the conclusion of the regular season, when they informed head coach Mike Budenholzer that he was being fired, despite having completed just one year of a five-year, $50 million deal.

The next move came when owner Mat Ishbia moved James Jones from his position as general manager, a role he had held since 2019, into a senior advisory position to install Brian Gregory. Ishbia and Gregory's relationship dates back over 20 years, when they were part of the 2000 Michigan State National Championship team.

Suns GM reveals decision behind draft-day moves to bolster frontcourt

Just days before the NBA Draft, Gregory executed a trade that sent star forward Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the draft and five second-round picks in a now-historic seven-team trade.

With the No. 10 pick, the Suns used it to address their need at center, selecting Duke center Khaman Maluach. Maluach was mainly a rim-running and rim-protecting big at Duke, but some believe he can develop a nice jumper at the next level. The Suns weren't done, as they later sent the No. 29 overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams.

Following the draft, Gregory has explained his thinking while acquiring not one, but two promising centers.

"We were very poor protecting the rim last year," Gregory said. "Now you should be able to have a full game where there's protection of the rim....To get both those guys, we weren't passing that up."

I asked Brian Gregory about timing of trading for Mark Williams and then drafting Khaman Maluach: "We were very poor protecting the rim last year. Now you should be able to have a full game where there's protection of the rim....To get both those guys, we weren't passing that up" pic.twitter.com/U2IcUFho4T

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) July 8, 2025

Based on the moves Gregory and the Suns have made this offseason, they're not rebuilding. In their eyes, they're reloading. They haven't had good production from the center position since Deandre Ayton, and even he left a lot to be desired at times.

By trading for Williams in addition to the selection of Maluach, it takes the pressure off Maluach to produce right away. Instead, he'll be able to develop, and the Suns will be able to use him in a variety of situations to figure out what's best for him. The Western Conference looks to be loaded come next season, but it seems Ishbia and Gregory and going to take a big shot at competing.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.