The Phoenix Suns enjoyed a improbable 2021-2022 regular season that saw them finish with the NBA’s best overall record. But they suffered numerous injuries within the playoffs and ultimately lost within the West Semifinals. After losing within the NBA Finals the season before, it is a team desperate for a championship. Their desire to win has fans discussing dream trade scenarios. Today, we’re taking a take a look at 2 unrealistic trades the Suns should make through the 2022 NBA offseason.
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2 unrealistic trades Suns must attempt to make in 2022 NBA offseason
Acquire Kevin Durant… while keeping Devin Booker
Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported that the Nets would only trade Kevin Durant to Phoenix if Devin Booker was apart of the return package.
“From Brooklyn’s perspective, sources said, there’s no deal to land Durant in Phoenix that doesn’t start with sending back Devin Booker to Barclays Center. The Suns, in fact, would likely hold the road firm. But early indications are the Nets brass isn’t particularly inclined to take a sign-and-trade that brings back unrestricted free agent Deandre Ayton.”
The concept of KD going to Phoenix isn’t unrealistic. But pairing Durant alongside Booker seems unlikely as of now. Trading Booker became much more unrealistic after he recently received a $214 super max deal from the Suns in addition to being named 2K23 NBA cover athlete.
So who does Phoenix offer on this trade scenario?
Mikal Bridges would likely be the place to begin. The defensive maestro is about to make over $20 million this season. He has a rising contract that can increase through 2026. Other fairly large contracts include Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, and in fact Chris Paul. However the Suns are believed to be keeping CP3.
One interesting idea is a sign-and-trade with Deandre Ayton. Yes, the above report states Brooklyn wouldn’t be “particularly inclined” to make that deal. Nonetheless, it could come to fruition with the proper pieces/picks attached.
Many NBA experts have stated that Phoenix would moderately pull off a sign-and-trade with the Ayton than lose him outright in free agency. So he could grow to be the centerpiece in a Kevin Durant trade.
Yes, acquiring Durant without Booker seems unrealistic… however it isn’t unimaginable.
Kyrie Irving
That is much more unrealistic than a Kevin Durant deal. First off, the Suns have Chris Paul at point guard. In order that they would either must include CP3 in a deal or utilize a two-guard set between Kyrie Irving and Paul.
Irving hasn’t been connected to the Suns either. KD actually had Phoenix as considered one of his preferred trade destinations. But just take a moment and picture Kyrie Irving in Phoenix.
The Suns have obviously handled their share of postseason issues over the past few years. Irving could step in and help them reach the following level. He’s a player who knows what it takes to win. Sure, Irving is a controversial player and person at times. Nonetheless, he lives for the large moment.
Utilizing a Deandre Ayton sign-and-trade option would probably the perfect plan of action in acquiring Irving. But getting the Nets to bite could prove to be difficult. Phoenix also could trade Paul after which try and extend Kyrie Irving after acquiring him.
Again, that is actually an unrealistic scenario. But desperate times call for desperate measures. And it is a Suns organization looking for a technique to win the NBA Finals. Kyrie Irving would help them just do that.