Did the Phoenix Suns get enough return for Kevin Durant? The Suns were in a tough situation due to their financial situation and Durant’s trade destination demands. But with Durant gone, what is next for the Suns?
Suns Likely Looking To NBA Draft To Fill Out Roster, Who Are Their Likely First-Round Options
The simple answer to the question of whether the Suns got enough in return for Durant is no. However, their hands were tied; the biggest problem was that the Rockets didn’t acquire multiple first-round picks. Remember, the Memphis Grizzlies got four first-rounders for Desmond Bane.
In the trade for Durant, Phoenix received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and two 2025 draft picks (No. 10 nd No.59). The Suns received two 2026 second-round selections, Boston’s 203o second-round and Houston‘s 2032 second-round pick.
Phoenix is coming off a disastrous 36-46 season, its worst since the 2019-20 season. The Suns used 35 different starting lineups and struggled defensively. Last year, the Suns allowed 118.6 points a game with their opponents shooting 47.3% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc. They were also outrebounded by nearly two boards per game.
Phoenix didn’t help its salary cap issues by trading Durant. Green and Brooks’ salaries total $54.4 million for the upcoming season, which is less than $300,000 than what Durant was slated to make. Green has three years left on his contract, with the 2027-28 season being a player’s option, while Brooks has two years remaining.
The trade won’t be finalized until July 6 due to the poison pill provision in Green’s contract. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, adjustments to Green’s contract will be necessary before the trade becomes official.
Marks said that Green’s $6.9 million bonus, due to his 10% trade kicker, spread over the next two years, will likely have to be eliminated or reduced. He added that Brooks’ $1 million bonus for reaching the first round of the playoffs is now considered unlikely.
What Is Next for the Suns?
Phoenix is well over the second apron at $214.63 million with 11 players on standard contracts. The Suns do have four draft picks in 2025. But unless the Suns get under the second apron, they won’t be able to sign a veteran for more than the league minimum.
With the addition of Green and Brooks, Phoenix now has an overabundance of wings. Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, and Cody Martin can play either the two or the three guard positions. Booker, Beal, Green, and Allen are capable of handling the ball, though none are true point guards.
Houston has no plans to swap Green, per John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7. Gambadora added that it was expected that Green and Booker would start in the backcourt. Brooks figures to start at small forward, while Beal and Allen figure to anchor the second unit. Questions abound after that.
Houston can save $8.1 million by not exercising the team option on Vasilije Micic, which seems to be a foregone conclusion. The Rockets could save an additional $5 million by releasing Nick Richards. Richard’s contract becomes fully guaranteed on June 29.
Richards was extremely effective after being acquired from the Charlotte Hornets. The 27-year-old, 7-footer averaged 9.5 points and 8.6 rebounds in 36 games for the Suns. So, expect the Suns to keep Richards on the roster.
Therefore, it leaves Richards, Ryan Dunn, Royce O’Neale, Oso Ighodaro and Martin fighting for minutes. Bol Bol, Tyus Jones, Damion Lee, Mason Plumlee, and Monte Morris are unrestricted free agents.
Phoenix’s biggest need is upfront. The Suns need to add size and at least another center. Ighodaro is better suited for the four, though he can also play the five. The Suns also need a point guard, likely a youngster.
Suns Looking At 2025 Draft After Durant Trade
Phoenix would like to make another trade to lower its payroll. However, besides dealing with Booker, it is unlikely the Suns will be able to do anything as a result of the players’ contracts. Unless, a team with cap space is willing to take Beal, Allen, or O’Neale off the Suns hands.
Phoenix owns the No. 10 and No. 29 selections in the first round. The Suns also have two second-round picks at No. 52 and No. 59. The Suns don’t have any players on two-way deals in 2024-25. Jalen Bridges and Collin Gillespie are restricted free agents, while TyTy Washington Jr. is an unrestricted free agent.
So, Phoenix will likely need to look to the draft to improve its roster. The Suns should be able to get a talented prospect at No. 10. Most NBA mock drafts have the Suns taking a big with the No. 10 pick, which makes a ton of sense.
Who Could The Suns Select?
Collin Murray-Boyles appears to be the consensus pick, with Derik Queen and Khaman Maluach also being mentioned as the bigs. Malauch is likely to be gone by the 10th pick, so if Phoenix wants a big with the 10th pick, it seems that it will either be Murray-Boyles or Queen. Malauch is the pick if he falls to the Suns, though Queen is likely the pick as Murray-Boyles is an undersized forward.
Jase Richardson and Nolan Traore were also mentioned at No. 10. Richardson is an athletic Michigan State product who is an undersized combo guard with elite shot-making ability. Since Richardson is not a true lead guard, I don’t see a fit as a lottery pick for the Suns given their current roster construction.
Traore is a long-term prospect, so no at No.10, and doesn’t shoot it well. Now, the No. 29 pick brought a lot more variety. Richardson was mentioned at No. 29 for the Suns, and if he falls to that slot, then Phoenix should take him in a heartbeat.
Ryan Kalkenbrenner or Maxime Raynaud would also be a good choice at No. 29 if they don’t go with Queen at No. 10. Adou Thiero, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf, and Rasheer Fleming have also been mentioned.
Saraf would be my choice at No. 29 unless Richardson miraculously falls to them there. Kalkenbrenner Thiero and Fleming would be next.
Photo Credit: © Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images
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