If this is the first move Brian Gregory makes as GM, prepare for the uproar regardless if it is positive or negative.
The Phoenix Suns have been the center of recent discussions across the NBA. After a season of failure, change is expected in the Valley. One name that has been the subject of rumors is Kevin Durant. The superstar wing has one year left on his deal, and trading him may be the only way out of the dire situation that Phoenix has put itself in. Unfortunately for Durant and the fans, that will lead to parting ways, and the Suns will reshape their roster.
Every week, a new team is linked to Durant. However, with the latest rumor pinning Durant to a specific team, the Suns should avoid this at all costs.
In this reported deal, the Suns would receive Paul George and the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft for Kevin Durant.
The Sixers could target Kevin Durant or Lauri Markkanen with a package that includes Paul George and the No. 3 pick, per @JeremyWoo & @DraftExpress
“Some teams expect the Sixers to be active in trade conversations, with names such as Kevin Durant(Phoenix) and Lauri Markkanen… pic.twitter.com/JpQ5s7bSVx
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 19, 2025
Why The Suns Should Avoid This
Contract Wise
This would not help out the Suns for multiple reasons.
For one, trading Durant, who is on a one-year deal, for a three-year $50 million contract is a no-go. Not to mention the fact that George also has a player option at the end of his deal (that he will accept), this would leave the Suns with arguably the two worst contracts in the league, in Bradley Beal and Paul George, both of whom have player options at the end of their deals. Now, Beal’s NTC exacerbates the Suns’ situation, as George could be moved eventually, but most likely not without draft capital, which the Suns desperately lack.
You could argue that Beal will not be here next season, as we have heard from multiple reports. With that being said, the latest update from Sam Amick of The Athletic once again reiterates the same information from the previous season. Beal and his family love the city of Phoenix, and he does not want to leave.
So, if Beal does not want to leave and no team is willing to help the Suns via a trade, then a buyout will likely be the way. Once again, though, who is to say he gets money on that buyout market? A deal he is willing to sign? The Suns may be forced to stomach the contract for another season to make it easier to waive.
Even if Beal is off the roster, the Suns would still be in the same position. They would still be stuck with having two $50 million contracts, and one on the books for another two seasons after this one. How could you escape that sort of cap mess if it is already a problem now, especially if you are paying Beal’s contract on the books for the next couple of seasons?
Not to mention that Booker and George do not have the best relationship due to their battles in the playoffs. I am sure they can put that behind them if needed to succeed on the court, but as a front office, do you even do that to your franchise guy?
Brian Gregory never gave us a clear indication of Bradley Beal’s future in Phoenix at his introductory press conference. That leaves every possibility, including the one of his staying in the air. Now that would royally pain Phoenix, even without mentioning the silver lining in this deal. Having two of the worst contracts in the association, around Booker, your franchise player, is not the way to do so.
No Immediate Success
Now let‘s dive into the good part of all this, the third overall pick. This is the reason why some fans are interested in this move. The possibility of selecting someone who could change the landscape of this team would be a significant help. Hence, the keyword is “possibility.” By making this move, it does not mean that whoever the Suns select is going to be the next NBA superstar; it is all a chance.
Now with it being the third pick, the chances of that happening are less likely, but you never know with the draft. When analyzing who could be selected, it is clear that good talent is available. Yes, players like Ace Bailey or V.J. Edgecomb could make an impact, but how long down the road? If Phoenix’s primary goal is to win and build around Booker, drafting the third overall pick is not going to translate to immediate success in the win column.
Final Thoughts
If this were trading Beal for George, I would still question it, as it is an extra year of paying a $50 million contract, even if it’s a better positional fit. Now, obviously, that trade would not include the third overall pick.
By trading Durant for a lottery pick, the Suns are further reset than they would like. If the Suns want to still retool around Booker, looking for a package with young players is a better approach. Finding players who can come to Phoenix to showcase their abilities to the front office and fans is what is needed to eventually determine who will stay with Booker on this quest back to the top and who will be redirected to acquire the necessary talent to do so.
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