The NBA said on Wednesday that the Phoenix Suns will forfeit their second-round pick in 2024 for reaching out to center Drew Eubanks, who was a free agent at the time, before the window for negotiations opened.
The pick was originally obtained by Phoenix from the Denver Nuggets in a July trade with the Orlando Magic in exchange for three additional second-round picks and a 2026 first-round pick swap.
The Suns assisted with the investigation, according to a statement from the NBA.
The Suns released a statement saying, “We are disappointed with the results of the NBA investigation.” “If a breach occurred, it was unintentional. Our main goals are to compete annually at the top level and to abide by the league’s rules. Having said that, we are focused on enjoying this season and have accepted the league’s penalty.
Similar to other free-agent additions, Eubanks’ signing with the Suns was announced shortly after the league’s open negotiation period ended on June 30 at 3 p.m. MST.
Eubanks started 28 of 78 games for the Portland Trail Blazers last season, averaging 6.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
In Phoenix this season, the 26-year-old will support starting center Jusuf Nurkic, providing the Suns with a more athletic rim-roller following the trade of Deandre Ayton to Portland during the off-season.
During the course of 19 minutes in Tuesday’s season-opening game against the Golden State Warriors, Eubanks recorded four points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three blocks.
The Suns now own five future second-round picks in their stash after trading their first-round picks and adding pick swaps in the alternating years of the Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant trades.
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