The wait was long for his name to be announced in the NBA draft, which really was not a surprise based on the prognostications, but Koa Peat was selected in the first round on Tuesday night.
The New York Knicks traded for the Dallas Mavericks’ No. 30 pick before picking Peat and then shipping him to Phoenix for three second-round picks and cash.
Peat can now concentrate on his NBA career after waiting until the last day (May 27) to announce that he would remain in the draft after considering a return to Arizona.
“Koa does so many things on the court at such a high level, and impacts winning in so many ways, but he also knows how to make an impact off the court as well,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said a statement released by the school. “He is a special young man, and I know that the Suns are thrilled to have him join their organization because he treats everyone around him the right way. I know that Koa is excited to get the next chapter of his basketball journey started and all of Wildcat Nation and the state of Arizona will be right there rooting for him.”
The Arizona Wildcat is staying home
After being selected with the final pick of the first round, Tempe native Koa Peat was traded to Phoenix 🌵 pic.twitter.com/dvcCYWKlWe
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 24, 2026
Peat won four state titles at Gilbert Perry before he helped lead Arizona its first Final Four in 25 years. A proven winner, he also won four gold medals while representing Team USA in separate international events.
He made an immediate impression with Arizona, scoring 30 points with seven rebounds and five assists in the season-opening win over defending champion Florida in Las Vegas. He started the 36 games he played and averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
He earned All-Big 12 third-team and was selected the West Region Most Outstanding Player award during the Wildcats’ NCAA tournament run.
In the NCAA tournament, he averaged 17.2 points on 48.5% shooting from the field while averaging 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
A potential reason for Peat’s slip to almost out of the first round was Peat altering his jump shot before the NBA Draft Combine in early May.
Brayden Burries is Arizona's 18th lottery pick, third under Tommy Lloyd, after his selection at No. 10 by the Milwaukee Bucks tonight. The Wildcats have consecutive lottery picks in the draft (Carter Bryant went No. 14 to the San Antonio Spurs last year), the first time that's… pic.twitter.com/mag57IgmKi
— Javier Morales (@JavierJMorales) June 24, 2026
He shot 6 of 25 (24%) in the spot-up shooting drill at the combine, 7 of 25 (28%) in 3-point attempts, 10 of 25 (40%) in the side-mid-side drill, 15 of 30 (50%) off the dribble and 7 of 10 (70%) at the foul line.
Phoenix’s front office reportedly wanted to get a selection in the first round to acquire more quality youth. Peat should challenge for reserve minutes in the Suns’ frontcourt rotation as a rookie.
“Peat projects as a high-floor, glue-guy forward who contributes to winning through toughness and versatility,” his scouting report on NBADraft.net states. “His ability to pass and play within a team structure gives him a clear pathway to an NBA role. Key piece in Arizona’s run to the Final Four, showing his ability to impact winning at a high level.”
Peat is the 82nd former Arizona player to be selected in the draft, the 30th to be taken in the first round.
His teammate, Brayden Burries, was selected as the No. 10 overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks.
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