According to a report by Fox Sports’ Ric Bucher, there is at least one NBA executive who believes that the Phoenix Suns may not be in as dire a situation as some have portrayed, should they decide to part ways with one of their three star players in order to improve their chances of winning a championship.
Bucher, who consulted with various sources within the league, noted that “the Suns aren’t as hamstrung as some portrayed them.”
An executive from an Eastern Conference team provided insight into the potential trade markets for Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
“KD probably gets you the Jrue Holiday Package,” the executive explained, referring to the return the Portland Trail Blazers received for Jrue Holiday, which included Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, the Golden State Warriors’ 2024 first-round pick, and an unprotected first-rounder in 2029. “Booker gets the mortgage-the-franchise-to-acquire-him package. Meaning you’d give up all your future assets to get him. Beal you’d need to give up multiple picks to get off of him.”
While Bucher sought to highlight a more optimistic perspective on Phoenix’s immediate future, the assessment provided by the executive underscores the challenge the Suns would face in attempting to retool their roster quickly.
The comparison between the Jrue Holiday trade and a potential swap involving Kevin Durant should acknowledge the concerns surrounding the durability of Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams when they were traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. Last summer, Brogdon’s trade to the Los Angeles Clippers fell through due to these concerns before he ultimately landed with the Blazers. This skepticism was validated as Brogdon and Williams only appeared in a combined total of 45 games this season.
While Fox Sports’ Ric Bucher described Brogdon and Williams as “two quality role players,” the specific roles they would play on the Suns roster remain unclear.
Regarding a hypothetical trade involving Devin Booker, it’s likely that such a move would prioritize the Suns’ future rather than immediately raising the team’s short-term ceiling, based on past trade precedents. Moreover, the NBA trade market appears to have stabilized, as evidenced by the relatively modest returns the Suns received for acquiring Durant and Bradley Beal.
The restrictive nature of the collective bargaining agreement will also play a significant role, particularly in acquiring Booker, whose salary is set to increase substantially starting in the 2024-25 season. Despite his on-court contributions, some general managers may hesitate to pursue the four-time All-Star when considering his hefty $61.2 million salary for the 2027-28 season.
As for Bradley Beal, he is considered a negative asset, with the Washington Wizards accepting a lower value for him in previous trades. Offloading his five-year, $251 million contract, which includes a no-trade clause, may prove too costly, making it more feasible for the Suns to retain him on the roster.
While majority governor Mat Ishbia believes many rival teams envy the Suns’ position, despite their recent playoff exit and limited roster flexibility, this opinion may be in the minority.