PHOENIX — It's been a long offseason for the Phoenix Suns.
This time, it comes in the form of a different trade proposal.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report suggested that, at least from his perspective, the Suns should find a way to turn around a situation that is in need of serious overhauls.
This specific scenario involves a three-team trade between the Suns, Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic.
It symbolized an eventual reunion between Durant and the Warriors nearly five years after they decided to part ways.
More on the trade from the Suns' perspective:
Suns acquire: Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Kevon Looney, Caleb Houston, 2025 first-round pick from Orlando (via Denver), 2026 first-round pick from Golden State, 2028 first-round pick from Golden State
What the Suns lose: Kevin Durant and a 2028 second-round pick (via Boston)
While this particular trade will almost certainly result in a decline in on-court production, Bailey still seeks to justify the move from Phoenix's perspective.
“This deal would help Phoenix dig itself out of the hole by saving tens of millions of dollars, adding depth, acquiring young talent and replenishing most of its future draft picks.”
Of course, the Suns will almost certainly take steps back on the court, but the continued development of Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski gives them a shot at a play-in berth, Kevon Looney is a better option (in terms of both versatility and experience) than Drew Eubanks as a backup No. 5, and Caleb Houston is an intriguing fit for a team in need of youth.
Selling all of that to Ishbia (or Budenholzer) may not be possible, but the situation is clear: Phoenix is aging; there are a lot of young, deep teams in the West (Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, etc.); and there are few avenues for change outside of a Durant or Booker trade.”
– Andy Bailey
The whole premise is that the Suns acknowledge they can't win a title with this core and move on Durant, making Durant the most obvious trade candidate if the Suns choose a “restructure” approach.
Podziemski and Kuminga are both intriguing players who have shown star-level development, but they simply don't seem like enough of a return if a Durant trade were to be considered.
With trade talks recently quashed by James Jones, the Suns appear committed to keeping their core roster intact heading into the 2024-25 season.
The trade rumors aren't likely to die down anytime soon, and Suns fans may need to prepare for a trade to happen in the future.
