Ten days. That is all that separates the Phoenix Suns from the 2026 NBA Draft. Sure, the draft technically begins in 9 days, and current FanDuel projections have BYU’s AJ Dybantsa going first overall. But the Suns won’t be involved in any of that. They don’t own a first-round pick. Instead, the Memphis Grizzlies will make the selection that would have belonged to Phoenix based on the results of the 2025-26 season. Memphis currently holds the 16th overall pick, while the Suns are left with the 17th
pick in the second round, No. 47 overall.
But is that how things will ultimately play out? And more importantly, is that what we want?
The fan base appears pretty split on the subject. According to this week’s poll, 58% of Suns fans believe the team should make a trade and move up in the draft. The remaining 42% believe Phoenix should stand pat and select at No. 47.
Honestly, I can see both sides. If you want to move up in the draft, it isn’t free. It’s going to cost something. Unfortunately, the Suns don’t have an abundance of assets at their disposal. Unless we’re talking about attaching future second-round picks, something Phoenix is already short on, the most likely outcome is that the team stays where it is and makes a selection at No. 47.
And that’s where the real question begins. What is the responsible move for the organization at this point in time? Is this a season in which patience makes the most sense? Should the Suns stay put, continue evaluating what they have, see who they become under this new direction, and then make more aggressive draft decisions a year from now?
Those are all fair questions.
Personally, I’d love to see the Suns move into the front half of the second round. No, you’re probably not drafting a future All-Star. But if it only costs a couple of second-round picks to move up in what is considered a deep draft, I think it’s worth exploring. And if you’re asking me who I’d target? I’d love to see them go after Zuby Ejiofor out of St. John’s. That would feel like a slam dunk selection for Phoenix.
Fortunately, we won’t have to wait much longer. Ten days from now, we’ll have our answer.
