The Phoenix Suns selected former Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat with the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night.
Phoenix secured the draft rights to the Chandler native through a three-team trade involving the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks.
According to Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro, the transaction began when New York traded the No. 25 pick, Sergio De Larrea, to Dallas for the No. 30 pick and two second-round selections.
The Knicks then sent Peat's No. 30 pick to the Suns in exchange for the No. 47 selection and two future second-round picks scheduled for 2029 and 2033.
Peat spent one season at Arizona, starting all 36 games while averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per contest.
Alongside teammate Brayden Burries, who went 10th overall to the Milwaukee Bucks, Peat helped guide the Wildcats to a program-record 36 wins and their first Final Four appearance in 25 years.
Despite his collegiate success, Peat faced pre-draft scrutiny regarding his shooting form after altering his mechanics with a shooting coach prior to the May 11 NBA Draft combine.
During the combine drills, he shot 24% in spot-up shooting and 28% in the 3-point star drill, which caused his stock to slide outside of the lottery.
Before the draft took place, ESPN's Jeremy Woo published a mock draft analyzing the forward's positioning and potential fit with interested franchises.
"Peat did not earn a green room invitation, but he has a good deal of interest in the 20s," wrote Jeremy Woo, ESPN Draft Analyst.
"Concerns around his shooting mechanics have been a primary issue since the combine and are the main factor that has hurt his standing.
Boston, with a strong player development track record, might be able to get the most out of him."
Woo also noted that the Celtics had been looking for frontcourt additions after missing out on separate trade opportunities during the offseason.
"The Celtics were in pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo but came in second," wrote Jeremy Woo, ESPN Draft Analyst.
"Other teams have speculated that Jaylen Brown could still be on the move, now that Boston has clearly signaled his availability."
The 6-foot-7, 245-pound forward brings a decorated winning background to Phoenix, having won four state championships at Gilbert Perry High School and four junior-level gold medals with USA Basketball.
Peat will now join a Suns frontcourt whose exact composition depends on the restricted free agency of center Mark Williams.
