Phoenix Suns are assessing how Koa Peat could fit into their developing young core after a 2025-26 season that saw them win 45 games and earn the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
After many predicted the Phoenix Suns would miss the playoffs entirely in 2025-26, the squad won 45 games with a young core that defended and rebounded next to their lone star in Devin Booker. As a result, Phoenix improved from the NBA's fourth-worst defensive rating in 2024-25 to a top-ten unit this past season en route to its playoff berth. The Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors to earn the eighth seed in the Western Conference before losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While this young core was instrumental in the Suns' better-than-expected 2025-26 season performance, it often flies under the radar as it lacks the stardom of other young cores. Budding superstars such as Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel headline the acclaimed young cores for the Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets, respectively, but the Suns' young core thrives due to its depth of physically imposing two-way complementary talent.
With Rasheer Fleming, Oso Ighodaro, Khaman Maluach and Ryan Dunn leading the way for Phoenix's young core, the group is characterized by tantalizing physical tools and athleticism, constant energy and complementary impact that doesn't require much on-ball usage. While this lack of on-ball usage can be seen as a limiting factor, it also simplifies the impact these young contributors can make around a star on-ball creator like Devin Booker.
To add onto this young core, the Phoenix Suns are looking at Koa Peat as a potential addition who brings similar two-way versatility and size without needing to dominate the ball. His defensive instincts and rebounding ability could complement the existing group's strengths, especially as they aim to build more consistency around Devin Booker.
Last result: Phoenix Suns 122-131 Oklahoma City Thunder (2026-04-28).
