The Phoenix Suns have taken a complete 180 since opening night. Since starting the season 8-1, the team has dealt with multiple injuries to Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic, among others, which have hindered their performance. Now the team is tied at 10th in the west and is 1-9 without Kevin Durant in both his times being out. Not only is health an issue, but the defensive performance without KD has been atrocious, and they need a starting-caliber center. With all of these problems arising in Phoenix, changes are necessary for this team if they want to compete, as owner Mat Ishbia has stated. Let’s look at three trade targets that would benefit the Suns in these efforts to remain in the playoff chase.
3 Trades Targets for the Phoenix Suns
Center Help is Needed
The Suns’ main issue has been the need for a starting center. Jusuf Nurkic, who is the current starter, has had multiple injuries this season, including his recent hamstring strain. This new injury had him sidelined the last week. With this limiting his play, the Suns have had to utilize veteran Mason Plumlee and rookie Oso Ighodaro, more than expected this year. Plumlee has started and has shown glimpses at times, but overall could have been better. He fails to be the defensive presence the Suns need in a Western conference filled with dominant centers. I will give Plumlee credit; he was not signed to be that for this team. Oso is still young and shows promise but is different from what the Suns need at starting center.
Suns Trade Restrictions
Before we look at trades, though, let’s analyze some of Sun’s Trade Restrictions. Since they are in the second apron, these rules must be followed if the Suns want to do a trade.
- The Suns CANNOT aggregate salaries (Suns cannot trade two for two; they can only trade one for two)
- If a player is traded from PHX, the player coming back to PHX MUST MAKE LESS OR EQUAL VALUE TO THE PLAYER WHO WAS SENT OUT CONTRACT THIS SEASON
- Suns CANNOT do two for two, two for two trades, ONLY one for one, or one for two
Isaiah Stewart
For the Suns, here they get an upgrade in the center rotation in Isaiah Stewart, who has been key for the Pistons offense this year. He is also a solid rebounder, filling in that one bright spot Nurkic has for him this season. Stewart can also shoot the three-ball, which coach Mike Budenhozler wanted Nurkic to add to this team. Unfortunately, the Suns have yet to see that from Nurk. The only concern with Stewart being added is that he is 6’8, so having him at center alongside Durant may not be the biggest frontcourt. However, arguably, anything is better than what they have now.
The Pistons also could be reluctant to give up Stewart as he has been solid for them this year. To make this trade possible, Nurkic would have to be involved. However, it might not make sense for the Pistons to pair Nurkic with young center Jalen Duren. They also have been solid and could be one piece away from the playoffs. Why throw that away for Nurkic? Well, the selling point could be a 2031 first-round pick; if they expect the Suns to not have the big three by then, this is a great asset to obtain. Ultimately, it is an intriguing trade possibility for both teams, depending on the Suns’ urgency for a fire sale or if the Pistons value their direction this year.
Nick Richards
Now, if the Suns cannot find a trade for Nurkic, they could keep him and add some needed backup help. If the injury bug is active in Phoenix, having Nick Richards, in case it is, would be more than enough. Richards is also a suitable starting point for the Hornets, as they have previously dealt with injuries. As an athletic rim-runner, Richards would give the Suns a welcomed new dimension. Richards, who only makes $5 Million, would be a fantastic addition to the value he brings and could be easily attainable if the Hornets decide to sell. For the Suns, they could move off Josh Okogie. It would be tough, but they have many other players who can fit into his role already here.
This trade for the Hornets all depends on the direction they lean into. With young franchise players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, they could have been more impressive as a team. They may also be reluctant to move off Richards with a lack of center. The only benefit with Okogie is he has had his best offensive season this year. With the injuries to the team, he has seen an expanded role and has stepped up when needed. Okogie could also bring solid defense alongside shooting to a bench unit here in Charlotte. His contract is also non-guaranteed next year, which could give the Hornets some flexibility. If the Hornets feel like they can still succeed without Richards and benefit in the future by adding Okogie, this is a win-win for both.
Duop Reath
Duop Reath is a name many do not know but had a fantastic season in Portland last year. Reath is a well-rounded scorer with a three-point shot and a knack for rebounding. This season, though, Portland has many prominent men in their rotation. With Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams III, and Donovan Clingan needing playing time, it takes work for Reath to see opportunities. That chance could be on a team that needs big man help more than anything, the Suns.
The Suns recently gave Bol Bol an opportunity with KD out due to his ankle injury. With his calf injury, though, the Suns were hesitant to show off Bol. If the Suns feel it is better to move off him, giving him a chance to play is deserving for the forward a possible swap with Reath is interesting.
With Reath, he needs to be valued higher and is on a $2 Million contract. For the Suns to acquire him, it would take a cheaper one of their contracts due to the trade restrictions. Bol fits into that while also being a young player with intriguing potential. For a Blazers team that is in a rebuild, Bol could be a piece to try out. He could be another interesting forward to add to the bench unit. If the Suns wanted an upgrade around the edges without having to give much up at all, this swap or something similar is something they could pursue.
The Last Word
Ultimately, this roster needs some changes. With the Suns being limited in its assets and tradable contracts, it may be more difficult than before. Regardless of that, I feel the front office will bring the best roster by the end of the trade deadline for this team’s success.
