To run the danger of coming out as the biggest hypocrite alive, it’s probably too soon to discuss moves involving the Phoenix Suns.
There are several explanations behind that. To begin with, the Suns have only seen the Big 3 together for 24 minutes of play so far.Frank Vogel still hasn’t been able to assess role players in the correct context, as horrible as it seems right now. Hopefully, after Bradley Beal recovers from his ankle sprain, they’ll have a good four to five weeks to do so before the deadline in February.
The fact that the trade market usually doesn’t heat up until January and February is another factor. Why then write an article about it in the middle of December, even after a group of recently signed free agents were eligible for trade on December 15?
Since it’s so early and the Suns have a chance to bounce back once they’re healthy, all options need to be considered. If Mat Ishbia thinks there’s a way to make this team better, he won’t be content to sit around. Just think of this as a hypothetical exercise to see what players could be legitimately available and what possible deals could look like. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are the only ones who are safe.
In light of this, and in keeping with the Christmas spirit, let’s look at 12 Suns moves that could make sense. However, before we proceed, let’s quickly review Phoenix’s trade negotiation capabilities and available flexibility.
A few rules for Suns transactions
The Suns have very few resources to improve this roster, so expectations should be reasonable. They will have a first-round selection in 2024, 2026, 2028, and 2030. However, they are currently unable to make any first-round trade offers due of the Ted Stepien Rule, which forbids teams from selling away first-round picks in consecutive drafts. They also lack their own second-round selections from 2024–2030.
Thus, the only draft compensation the Suns may provide are the additional picks they have acquired:
A San Antonio Spurs second-round pick in 2024 (protected 31–54)
A second-round pick in 2026 (the least desirable selection among the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, and Detroit Pistons)
A Boston Celtics second-round pick in 2028 (protected 31-45)
A 2028 Memphis Grizzlies second-round pick
A 2029 Grizzlies second-round pick
The Suns also don’t have many options when it comes to players with trade value. Bradley Beal has a no-trade clause that lets him renounce any agreement, so even if the team wanted to sell him before knowing what he can do, Booker and Durant aren’t going anywhere. Furthermore, Beal’s limited trade market due to his unfavorable contract and injury history would prevent him from joining KD and Book even if he somehow came to the conclusion that he detested Phoenix.
Put differently, the Big 3 is here to stay.
Even if Phoenix were to cut hook just a few months after trading for him, Jusuf Nurkic’s attractiveness could be limited by his age and history of injuries in addition to the fact that his contract of $17 million isn’t poor value. The Suns still value his offensive connectedness, and it would be challenging to locate a starting-caliber center who is available and would be a clear improvement.
For one of the NBA’s top-10 3-point shooters, Grayson Allen’s $9 million contract is an incredible value, but the Suns have made him an indispensable part of their operation and should only include him in a deal that makes them far better. Apart from that, Nassir Little ($6.3 million) is a younger role player, while the remaining players are all on veteran minimum contracts.
It’s difficult to navigate the trade math on its own. The Suns are limited to accepting up to 110% of their compensation as a team above the second luxury tax bracket.
The Suns can absorb a player’s salary through one of four trade exceptions, which is one possible workaround for lower contracts. Trade exceptions cannot be combined, but Phoenix may be able to add a player to one of those exceptions without actually sending a player out in exchange by offering one or two second-round picks to a potential trade partner. All the new player needs to do is fall under one of the following trade exceptions:
Trade exemption of $6.5 million (Cam Payne trade)
$5 million trade exemption (deal involving Dario Saric)
Trade exemption of $1.8 million (Isaiah Todd trade)
Trade exemption of $1.1 million (Toumani Camara trade)
In this case, the Suns would need to cut someone (Bol Bol) in order to add a player because they presently have 15 players on their roster. In any event, their most practical option to add a competent rotation player could be to package a couple second-round picks to add a player whose salary is around $6.5 million.
Starting with four worthy mentions and twelve plausible hypotheticals (one for each of the twelve days of Christmas), let’s get into some Suns deals!
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