Arizona’s Koa Peat picked 30th overall by Suns in NBA Draft

Former Arizona forward Koa Peat is headed to the professional ranks after being selected by the Phoenix Suns in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night.

The Suns selected the Chandler native with the 30th overall pick after acquiring the pick in a four-team trade that included the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers, validating the star freshman’s decision to remain in the draft pool after an offseason spent weighing a potential return to Tucson.

“Koa is a winner. He plays with a unique combination of skill and physicality and possesses the character and work ethic that align with our team culture,” Suns general manager Brian Gregory said in a statement. “The people of Arizona know firsthand the tremendous heart and fierce competitiveness he brings to the floor. We’re excited that he will be part of the Phoenix Suns, his hometown team, and look forward to building on his connection to our community.”

The Lakers moved up one spot from No. 25 to No. 24 in a trade with a Knicks that returned the draft rights of Cameron Carr back to L.A. The Knicks then traded the draft rights of No. 25 overall pick Sergio De Larrea to the Mavericks for No. 30 and two second-round picks. After that, the Knicks flipped the No. 30 pick (Peat) to the Suns for the No. 47 overall pick and two future second-round picks, according to Arizona Sports‘ John Gambadoro. The future second-round picks are in 2029 and 2033.

Peat joins Arizona teammate Brayden Burries, who was taken by the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 10, as one-and-done first-round selections from an Arizona squad that won a program-record 36 games.

Peat made an immediate impact at the collegiate level, exploding for 30 points, seven rebounds and five assists in his national debut against then defending champion Florida. He maintained a high-level of production throughout the year, starting all 36 games he played while averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest.

He earned third-team All-Big 12 honors, while his consistency down the stretch helped him secure the West Region Most Outstanding Player award during the Wildcats’ deep tournament run.

In five NCAA Tournament games, he averaged 17.2 points on 48.5% shooting with 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

However, after the NCAA Tournament, Peat hired Chris Johnson as a shooting coach and controversially changed his jump shot mechanics prior to the May 11 NBA Draft combine.

Peat struggled with his jump shot in the shooting drills at the combine and later during Klutch Sports’ pro day.

The 6-foot-7, 245-pounder with a 6-foot-11.25 wingspan shot 6 of 25 (24%) in the spot-up shooting drill at the combine, 7 of 25 (28%) in the 3-point star drill, 10 of 25 (40%) in the side-mid-side drill, 15 of 30 (50%) in the off-the-dribble drill and 7 of 10 (70%) at the foul line.

Sam Vecenie, who covers the draft, college basketball and the NBA for The Athletic, said Peat also “didn’t shoot it well,” at the Klutch Sports pro day and the main concern wasn’t Peat’s results, but his mechanics.

While questions surrounding Peat’s lack of a rebounding motor and shooting form caused him to slide out of the lottery, his biggest strength is his proven ability to win at all levels.

In addition to four gold medals he won while representing USA Basketball at the junior level, he led Gilbert Perry High School to four state championships in four seasons. He then guided the Wildcats to Big 12 regular season and conference tournament titles before helping Arizona reach the Final Four for the first time in 25 years.

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