By Bruce Cooper
Since their season ending opening round playoff sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, The Phoenix Suns have hired a new head coach, Mike Budenholzer, and a new front office executive, Matt Tellum. Next on their agenda is reshaping the roster via the draft, free agency and/or trade. The Suns have only one scheduled selection in the upcoming June 26-27 NBA draft, the 22nd overall pick in the first round.
A number of rumors have surfaced regarding the Suns roster reconstruction. I initially dismissed the rumor involving LeBron James signing with the Suns as an unrestricted free agent with the tie-in that the Suns draft LeBron’s son, Bronny, with their first round pick. However, Bronny announced through his agency that he would stay in the draft and work out only for the Suns and Lakers, who have the 17th pick of the first round and the 55th pick of the second round. No question, LeBron would be the perfect fit for what ails the Suns. I have since come to believe this scenario is a very real possibility. Let’s call this plan (A).
Every good plan needs a back-up. A plan (B) from my standpoint would look like this: The Suns, Jazz and Thunder engage in a 3-way trade that becomes official after July 1.
The Suns trade Jusef Nurkic ($18.2 Million) to the OKC Thunder and Nasir Little ($6.7 million) and 2031 first round pick to the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz trade Collin Sexton ($18.150 million and 2024 2nd round pick (#32) to the Suns
The Thunder trade Josh Giddey to the Utah Jazz
Recap
Suns receive Collin Sexton (PG) and 2024 Jazz 2nd round pick
Jazz receive Josh Giddy, Nasir Little and 2031 Suns first round pick
Thunder receive Jusef Nurkic (C) (Thunder get veteran size in the middle after being exposed for lack of size in second round playoff loss to Mavericks)
Free Agency
Suns sign Jaxson Hayes (C) Lakers free agent. (Hayes runs the floor, plays above the rim and defends the perimeter and the paint)
Suns sign Christian Wood (PF) Lakers free agent. (Wood is a good 3-point shooter, nice offensive player with size and length)
Suns sign JaVale McGee (C) Kings free agent. (McGee is a veteran athletic big. Had previous stint with Suns during 2021 finals run)
Draft
1st round (pick #22) Yves Missi (C) Baylor. (Missi can rebound, defend, block shots, run the floor and has a nice touch around the rim. Coupled with Hayes gives the Suns two young athletic 7′ centers)
2nd round (pick #32 via Jazz) Adem Bona (PF) UCLA. (Bona is a high-energy, athletic defender and shot blocker with an emerging and developing offensive game)
Projected Suns 2024-25 roster
Jaxson Hayes (C)
Yves Missi (C)
JaVale McGee (C)
Christian Wood (PF)
Adem Bona (PF)
Bol Bol (PF)
Kevin Durant (SF)
Royce O’Neale (SF)
Devin Booker (SG)
Grayson Allen (SG)
Damion Lee (SG)
Bradley Beal (PG)
