In a moment that perfectly encapsulates the modern NBA’s agent-driven power structure, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul appeared to orchestrate a pivotal draft day move that sent 18-year-old Sudanese center Khaman Maluach to the Phoenix Suns with the No. 10 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft.
A now-viral video captured a phone call between Paul and Suns owner Mat Ishbia on draft night. Paul, sitting in a car, initiated the conversation by gauging the Suns’ interest:
Rich Paul: “If you guys keep ten, I’m gonna mention a name and you tell me how much you like him. Khaman Maluach. If I can get him there…”
Matt Ishbia: “A lot. That’d be my first choice.”
Rich Paul: “Okay, done deal. That’s all I need to hear.”
Matt Ishbia: “Do you think you can get him?”
Rich Paul: “I’m gonna try my best, because you’re our first choice… If he gets past Brooklyn, then yeah. But let me make this call so I can let you do what you need to do.”
Matt Ishbia: “Call me back when you hear.”
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
The selection of Maluach was technically made by the Houston Rockets, who received the No. 10 pick as part of the Kevin Durant trade, but the pick was pre-agreed to be rerouted to Phoenix. Rich Paul’s role, however, wasn’t just in facilitating a transaction; it was in manipulating the board to ensure Maluach would be available at 10.
For a Suns franchise that has long struggled to find a long-term answer at center following Deandre Ayton’s departure, Maluach is a massive swing with even bigger upside. The 7’1” former Duke freshman possesses an elite defensive instinct, fluid mobility, and sky-high potential as a rim protector and lob threat.
Though still raw, having only started organized basketball in 2019, his growth has been meteoric from being discovered by a motorcyclist in Uganda to being named the MVP of Basketball Without Borders in 2023.
At Duke, Maluach averaged a solid 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 21 minutes per game. His shooting splits (71/25/77) suggest a big man who already has decent touch and can develop into a two-way force.
Scouts often compare his trajectory to Evan Mobley’s, especially under the guidance of coach Brian Gregory, who reportedly views Maluach as a franchise cornerstone.
The Suns couldn’t have timed this pick better. After trading away Kevin Durant and acquiring this top-10 pick, Phoenix desperately needed a win, and with Rich Paul’s help, they got one. Maluach joins a reshaped frontcourt alongside Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro, giving the Suns both youth and defensive promise.
Whether Rich Paul merely opened a door or flat-out pulled strings behind the scenes, it’s clear he holds extraordinary sway in NBA circles. As for the Suns, they may have just secured their defensive anchor of the future, all thanks to a phone call and a powerful agent who knows how to make things happen.
