The Phoenix Suns on Tuesday traded their 2031 first-rounder to the Utah Jazz for three first-round picks, it was announced.
The trade triples the Suns' allotted first-round draft capital as the franchise pursues upgrades to its roster -- such as Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. Butler, who requested a trade from the Heat earlier this month, has the Suns among his preferred trade destinations, sources said.
The Suns acquired the least favorable first-round pick in 2025 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Jazz (protected); in 2027 of Cleveland, Minnesota or Utah; and in 2029 of Cleveland, Minnesota (protected) or Utah.
The aggressive approach by the Suns unlocks their next six drafts and breaks up their lone tradable first-round pick in 2031 into three firsts. The Suns (21-21) are currently 10th in the Western Conference and are looking to improve their roster toward contention around Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
For 2025, the Suns are likely to have Cleveland's first-round pick. The Cavaliers have the best record in the NBA.
The Jazz consolidated their first-round picks acquired in the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell trades from 2022. Including the 2031 unprotected first from Phoenix, Utah will have 11 first-round picks in the next seven years.