Khaman Maluach at the NBA Draft
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Khaman Maluach became a Top 10 NBA Draft pick when he was selected at No. 10 by the Houston Rockets. He was quickly traded to the Phoenix Suns as part of the blockbuster offseason Kevin Durant deal.
The center’s agent, Rich Paul, might’ve played a role in that landing spot. A draft day manipulation could’ve cost Maluach millions.
Most analysts predicted the Duke star would be a Top 10 pick. Some tabbed him as a Top 5 talent though most mock drafts projected he’d come off the board at No. 8 to the Brooklyn Nets.
On draft night, the Nets passed over Khaman Maluach. Rich Paul might’ve had a hand in that decision. Video of the agent speaking with Suns owner Mat Ishbia prior to the selection process provided background 0f pre-draft conversations.
Paul asked Ishbia if they’d take his client at No. 10 should he still be available. The owner gave a resounding, “Yes,” leading Paul to do engage in some more behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
Rich Paul telling Suns owner Mat Ishbia he’s going to “make some calls” to make Khaman Maluach fall to the Suns at the 10th pick 👀
(Via @Homecoming_Net)pic.twitter.com/rjdThLnWwl
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 29, 2025
“I’m going to try my best [to keep him off the board until No. 10],” he’s heard saying. “You’re our first choice. If he gets past Brooklyn, then yeah. Let me make this call so I can let you do what you need to do.”
What was said in that subsequent conversation is unknown. It’s unclear if it truly played a role in the Nets’ decision to pass at No. 8. Whatever the case, it certainly became a talking point given how the draft worked out.
Khaman Maluach landed with his top team, maybe thanks to Rich Paul. That slide from eight to ten, however, does come with a notable salary hit.
The No. 8 NBA Draft slot comes with a projected total value of $31.34 million. That includes an estimated Year 1 salary of $6.89 million. The No. 10 slot is valued at $27.39 million, nearly $4 million less over the course of four seasons.
That money might not have mattered as much to Maluach as getting with his preferred destination. The pre-draft conversation was able to give fans some insights into agent-team dealings.