DId you see what I did there?
With the Phoenix Suns having a disappointing season this year, everyone is expecting a change to this roster. The new rules coming into play will allow the Suns to make moves once the last game of the NBA Finals is played. This has led to more discussion on the names on this team as they can be moved before the new calendar year if the Suns choose to do so.
One name that has been mentioned frequently in the trade mill by the Suns fanbase, regardless of whether it’s on social media or in articles like this, is Grayson Allen.
Allen is a scorer first who is solid from the three-point line. This is a role that many teams around the league would love to have, so why are the Suns looking to move off him potentially? Well, his contract is approximately $16 million, which is not only a tradable contract but also the highest outside of the Suns’ big three. Second, the Suns already possess players on their roster who provide the same role Allen does, a scoring guard.
Therefore, the Suns should look to move Allen for a role they do not already have on this roster, and that is where we lean into with these trades. Let’s dive into these trades!
Trade 1: Suns and Pistons
Phoenix Suns: Isaiah Stewart
Detroit Pistons: Grayson Allen
In this trade, the Suns go out and address the most prominent position of need: center.
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Stewart can come in and be a fantastic paint beast and interior defender for a team that lacked that position all last season. Not only would the Suns bring in value, but they would also save some money.
On a contract of only $15 million, he’s cheaper than Allen, which would save the Suns some money, even if it’s a little (every bit counts). With Allen’s contract increasing over the years, this would free up money now and also in the future. Not to mention that Allen has one more year on his deal compared to Stewart.
For Detroit, a trade like this makes sense due to the rise of Cade Cunningham with shooters around him.
This was the key to their success, and Allen could complement Cade in that role, starting or with the bench unit. Now, Detroit does have shooters, but their two primary ones are free agents. Both Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley are available for other teams to acquire, and for a team like Detroit with cap space, perhaps they’d rather not get outbid and secure a shooter instead.
The only way I do not see this trade going through is if Detroit values Stewart very highly. With him missing most of the playoffs, it was clear that he was a missing piece to the team’s success. Detroit may be able to swing both of those free agents back on team-friendly deals and have no intention of trading for Allen. This leads us to the next Detroit trade.
Trade 2: Suns and Pistons II
Phoenix Suns: Simone Fontecchio and Pistons 2028 first-round pick
Detroit Pistons: Grayson Allen
Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
In this trade, the Suns are getting back less value and a player who, although not a significant impact, is a solid role player off the bench and can play a scoring wing. If the Suns trade Kevin Durant, this player can help fill some of the void.
Additionally, since Grayson has more value, the Suns will receive a first-round pick in return for this deal. If this is deemed too rich, the Suns could opt for multiple second-round picks instead of a first, which would also save $8 million. Furthermore, Fontecchio’s contract is expiring, giving the Suns flexibility in the future.
Detroit would ultimately consider this trade if the Suns presented it to them. Fontecchio is not a long-term piece for them. They can still add shooting by bringing in Allen, but that’s not all; they also get to keep Stewart for their paint defense alongside Jalen Duren. This also allows them to still have the money to bring back one of THJ or Beasley as well.
If I were the Suns, I would present the first trade. If the Suns knew they could not get the deal done, I would then resort to the second option, especially if the market was dry for Grayson Allen.
Trade 3: Suns and Magic
Phoenix Suns: Jonathan Isaac, Goga Bitadze, 2027 Boston Celtics second round pick
Orlando Magic: Grayson Allen, Oso Ighodaro
Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Before we dive into this one, I want to preface that the Suns would have to be in the first apron to do this deal. A Beal buyout, maybe?
Alright, let’s all take a breath and dive into this one.
For the Suns, they would be bringing in two players who are once again in roles they do not have. Isaac could come in and be the lockdown defender at the power forward. Yes, he would most likely be a bench piece, but that is fine. The Suns need new faces bringing a new identity, and Isaac would qualify. Not to mention Bitadze, who would also fall into that category. The shot-blocking, defensive beast who protects the paint is someone Suns fans have wanted for a while.
Now, trading away Oso Ighodaro is a tough one, but with the Suns getting a second-round pick back, that solves that issue.
The Suns will also be exploring other moves across the league with their stars. They could acquire a draft pick or a young enough big man in a Kevin Durant deal to soften the Ighodaro loss. You could argue why they would want the Boston pick, but if Orlando makes this move, they will be in a good position. Their picks will be useless to us, and the other one they own is Detroit’s in 2026. Make the argument for which one you want, both of these teams will be good.
The Magic’s clear issue is their lack of shooting, which was put on display all season long, especially in the playoffs. Allen’s name has been linked to the team by the Suns fanbase for so long, as he is seen as a solution to the issues they have without tearing the team down. Isaac played a minimal role with the team this season, and with young wings developing, this could be the move to part ways with him.
Bitadze also does not fit with the rise of Mo Wagner. Sadly, he suffered a season-ending injury, but he will return to Orlando this season on a significant contract. By bringing in Ighodaro as well, the Magic add some offensive versatility to their big man room alongside Wendell Carter Jr.
Would the Suns even submit a trade like this? Who knows, but if they feel they are giving up too much or if Orlando feels the value is not there, here is a simpler version.
Trade 4: Suns and Magic, Part II
Phoenix Suns: Jonathan Isaac
Orlando Magic: Grayson Allen
Perhaps it’s just a one-for-one swap that gets it done for this team. Both teams would value the receiving player more than the team they are already on. I could see Magic fans having an attachment to Isaac, mainly due to him being their longest-tenured player. Still, sacrifice brings championships, and Orlando may have to go that direction.
Trade 5: Suns and Jazz
Phoenix Suns: Collin Sexton
Utah Jazz: Grayson Allen, 2029 Cleveland First Round Pick
Once again, this trade would have to be with the Suns in the first apron or the following calendar year.
This one truly wants what is best for the Suns, and if you wish for Devin Booker to return to playing shooting guard, Sexton is one of the best point guards available to do so. This season, Sexton has shown that he can start, playing with the hustle and heart that these fans want. His ability to create on offense and also create for others would be key for this team.
The only issue is that he is an expiring deal. If you’re the Suns and you see a long-term future with this duo in mind to reset for a championship, you will have to ensure your long-term flexibility is all set to resign him or extend him.
If you are the Utah Jazz, you do not need a player in Sexton as you still try to rebuild. With Sexton getting traction at the deadline, you know he will be a hot commodity. By trading for Allen, you add shooting, which every team can benefit from. You also allow Allen to grow and flourish in a more defined role, potentially leading to a trade for more assets to another contending team. Let’s not forget that Allen has two more years on his deal after this one. This trade gives Utah the ability to move off someone they do not see as part of their future, but also acquire someone in return whom they can move on from later. They also get a first-round pick if the Suns do not think it will have high value or are attached to it as well.
Ultimately, Utah will receive better offers for a guy like Sexton. Therefore, this one is a little bit of a reach, but as someone who wants to see this team at their best, this move would aid that.
Overall, these trades are not perfect, but they are not great either. However, considering the somber situation the Suns are in, you’re just trying to get out of that. If you enjoyed the trades, let me know which one of the five is your favorite!
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