New York City – In a move that underscored their strategic flexibility and commitment to optimizing their draft assets, the Golden State Warriors, after initially selecting Koby Brea with the 41st overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, immediately traded his draft rights to the Phoenix Suns. This trade, which had been agreed upon in principle prior to the draft, saw the Warriors send the No. 41 pick to Phoenix in exchange for the Suns’ 52nd and 59th overall selections.
This maneuver by the Warriors’ front office, led by General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., allowed them to acquire an additional second-round pick in a deep draft class, giving them more opportunities to find players who fit their specific needs and system. It’s a hallmark of the Warriors’ draft strategy under the current regime – prioritizing multiple swings in the second round rather than committing to a single pick, especially when they are operating with limited cap space and are looking for cost-controlled talent.
Koby Brea, a 6-foot-6, 201-pound guard, had an outstanding collegiate career, culminating in a strong “super-senior” season at the University of Kentucky after transferring from Dayton. Born on October 18, 2002, Brea will be 22 years old when the NBA season begins.
Brea is widely considered one of the best perimeter shooters in the 2025 draft class. In his lone season with the Kentucky Wildcats in 2024-2025, he averaged 11.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game over 36 appearances. His most eye-popping statistic, and the reason he was so highly regarded, was his incredible 43.5% shooting from three-point range on a high volume of 5.9 attempts per game. This placed him among the nation’s top 10 in three-point percentage. He had a standout performance against Florida, where he exploded for 23 points, hitting seven three-pointers.
Prior to his season at Kentucky, Brea spent four seasons at Dayton, where he also showcased his elite shooting touch. In his final year with the Flyers (2023-2024), he shot an astonishing 49.8% from beyond the arc on 6.1 attempts per game, leading the nation in three-point percentage. His consistent accuracy from long range, coupled with his size for a guard, made him a compelling prospect.
The decision by the Warriors to trade Brea, despite his obvious fit as a sharpshooter for their system, highlights their strategic priorities. By moving down from 41 to 52 and 59, they demonstrated a belief that the talent available later in the second round was comparable to or offered better value for their specific roster construction. This allowed them to pick up an additional asset (the 59th pick) while still landing promising prospects in Alex Toohey (at 52nd overall) and Will Richard (at 56th overall). The Warriors often value players who can contribute defensively and possess high basketball IQ, perhaps more than just pure shooting, especially given their offensive system is designed to generate open looks for anyone.
For the Phoenix Suns, acquiring Koby Brea is a clear move to bolster their perimeter shooting and add depth to their roster. The Suns, who are built around a core of superstar scorers, heavily rely on floor spacing to maximize their offensive efficiency. Brea’s elite catch-and-shoot ability makes him an ideal fit to play alongside players like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, who command significant defensive attention. He can space the floor, hit open shots, and provide a threat off the ball.
Suns general manager Brian Gregory, who previously coached at Dayton, has a familiar connection with Brea, having seen his development firsthand. This familiarity likely played a role in the Suns’ strong interest in acquiring him. The Suns were aggressive in this draft, also acquiring Rasheer Fleming earlier in the second round. Adding Brea, a proven marksman, provides them with a ready-made skill set that can immediately translate to the NBA.
The trade dynamics:
- Golden State Warriors receive: The 52nd overall pick (used to select Alex Toohey) and the 59th overall pick (later used to select Will Richard).
- Phoenix Suns receive: The 41st overall pick (used to select Koby Brea).
This trade allows the Warriors to take two swings in the second round, a strategy they’ve successfully employed in the past. While Koby Brea’s shooting would have been a welcome addition to the Warriors, they clearly valued the flexibility and the ability to add multiple prospects to their developmental pipeline. The Suns, on the other hand, made a targeted move to get one of the best shooters in the draft, directly addressing a key need for their roster.
Koby Brea will now begin his NBA journey with the Phoenix Suns. He’ll participate in the Summer League and then join the Suns for training camp, aiming to earn a roster spot or a two-way contract. His ability to space the floor with his elite shooting will give him a legitimate chance to contribute immediately to a Suns team looking to contend for a championship.
This trade exemplifies the intricate chess game that is the NBA Draft. Teams are constantly evaluating talent, balancing immediate needs with long-term potential, and leveraging assets to build the roster they envision. The Warriors chose to spread their bets with two later picks, while the Suns honed in on a specific, high-demand skill set in Koby Brea. Only time will tell which strategy ultimately yields the greater reward.