Transforming The Phoenix Suns Into A True Contender With 3 Strategic Trades

The 2024 NBA season was a rollercoaster for the Phoenix Suns . The delayed debut of their new Big Three— Devin Booker , Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal—until mid-December due to injuries and other issues set the tone for a season filled with inconsistency. They managed to clinch the sixth playoff spot in the Western Conference but were swept in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves , highlighting the need for a more balanced and cohesive roster.

The Suns' offensive firepower, led by Durant and Booker, was impressive, but their defensive shortcomings and lack of depth were glaring issues. Their defense was among the worst in the playoffs, and the team's overall lack of playmaking from non-star players became a significant problem. To address these issues and build a team capable of making a deep playoff run, the Suns need to make strategic moves.

Finding An Elite Wing Stopper

Suns receive: Matisse Thybulle

Blazers receive: Nassir Little, 2028 second-round pick

Matisse Thybulle has seen his stock decline in the NBA due to his offensive limitations, particularly his inconsistent shooting. Despite these shortcomings, Thybulle remains one of the league's premier defenders. In the 2023-24 season, Thybulle averaged 4.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 31.4% from three-point range. His defensive metrics were impressive, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his length, quickness, and defensive instincts. Currently a backup for the Portland Trail Blazers , Thybulle finds himself somewhat out of place in a team focused on rebuilding around younger talents.

At 27 years old, Thybulle is older than most of the core players the Blazers are looking to develop. This makes him more expendable, as Portland aims to build a team that can grow together over the long term. Trading Thybulle to the Suns allows the Blazers to recover Nassir Little, a player they originally drafted. Little, at 24 years old, fits better with Portland's timeline and has shown flashes of potential as a versatile forward.

Additionally, the Blazers would receive a 2028 second-round pick, giving them another future asset to aid their rebuilding process. This trade would not only benefit Portland by aligning their roster with their rebuilding strategy but also provide the Suns with a defensive specialist who can help shore up their perimeter defense, addressing one of their most glaring weaknesses. Thybulle's elite defensive skills would be a valuable addition to a Suns team that struggled defensively last season, particularly in the playoffs. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes would provide a significant boost to Phoenix's defensive capabilities, making them a more balanced and competitive team overall.

A Boost For The Inside Defense

Suns receive: Clint Capela

Hawks receive: Jusuf Nurkic, 2031 second-round pick

The Atlanta Hawks are undergoing a significant retooling phase, making most of their roster available for trade. They have already moved Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans, and Clint Capela could be the next to go. Trading Capela to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic and a future second-round pick would allow the Hawks to continue their rebuild with a clear focus on younger talent. This move would elevate Onyeka Okongwu to the starting center position, allowing him to develop alongside Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher, the number one pick in the draft who is set to take over the small forward role.

For the Suns, acquiring Capela would provide a significant upgrade in their interior defense. In the past season, Capela averaged 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, showcasing his prowess as a defensive anchor. His ability to protect the rim and control the boards would be a substantial improvement over Nurkic, who averaged 10.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game during the same stretch.

Capela's defensive impact is further highlighted by his advanced defensive metrics. He had a defensive rating of 104.3, compared to Nurkic's 110.5. Capela's presence in the paint would significantly enhance the Suns' ability to defend against driving opponents and protect the rim, areas where they struggled last season. Moreover, Capela's experience in playoff scenarios would provide the Suns with a reliable and tested player who can perform under pressure.

On the offensive end, Capela's proficiency in pick-and-roll situations would mesh well with the Suns' playmakers, providing them with a dependable lob threat. This trade would allow Phoenix to address one of their critical weaknesses, making them a more formidable and balanced team as they aim to make a deeper playoff run in the upcoming season.

Related: Phoenix Suns Current Roster: High Hopes In Their Big 3

Finding A Real Point Guard

Suns receive: Bones Hyland

Clippers receive: Josh Okogie

The Phoenix Suns' decision to trade Chris Paul last season left a significant void at the point guard position. To compensate, they had to shift Bradley Beal into the point guard role, a move that exposed the team's lack of a true playmaker. Beal's transition to point guard did not go smoothly, as it affected his scoring efficiency and the overall flow of the Suns' offense. The Suns desperately need a genuine point guard who can facilitate the offense and contribute to scoring. Bones Hyland fits this need perfectly, offering the ability to both score and make plays for his teammates. Whether as a starter or coming off the bench as a sixth man, Hyland can provide the playmaking and scoring punch that the Suns have been missing.

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Clippers have effectively sidelined Hyland since the arrival of James Harden . With Harden taking over the primary playmaking duties, Hyland's role has diminished. Trading Hyland to the Suns would not only benefit Phoenix but also align with the Clippers' recent roster adjustments. After losing Paul George in free agency, the Clippers have bolstered their roster with several defensive wings. Adding Josh Okogie to their lineup would provide them with another strong defensive presence, capable of supporting Harden on the defensive end. Okogie's ability to guard multiple positions makes him an ideal fit for the Clippers, who need to shore up their perimeter defense.

This trade would be a win-win for both teams. The Suns would acquire a dynamic young point guard in Hyland, who could help balance their offense and take some playmaking pressure off Beal. Meanwhile, the Clippers would get a versatile defender in Okogie, enhancing their defensive capabilities and providing a reliable option to pair with Harden.

A Suns Team With More Balance And Less Improvisation

Starting Lineup: Monte Morris, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Clint Capela

Bench: Bones Hyland, Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neal, Matisse Thybulle, Ryan Dunn, Bol Bol, Mason Plumlee

The blockbuster trades for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal significantly depleted the Phoenix Suns of their depth and versatility, crucial elements that contributed to their previous successes. Last season, the Suns struggled to find a defensive identity and their offense lacked a cohesive flow, often relying too heavily on individual brilliance rather than a well-rounded team effort. Addressing these issues requires more than just minor tweaks; it necessitates strategic moves to restore balance and adaptability to their roster.

By acquiring Clint Capela, Matisse Thybulle, and Bones Hyland, the Suns would significantly enhance their roster. These trades would provide the team with a blend of defensive prowess and offensive versatility, creating a more balanced and formidable lineup. The starting lineup of Monte Morris, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Clint Capela would offer a mix of scoring, playmaking, and defensive capabilities. Morris, as a reliable point guard, would facilitate the offense, allowing Booker and Beal to focus on scoring, while Durant and Capela anchor the defense.

Off the bench, Grayson Allen and Bones Hyland would form a dynamic scoring backcourt, providing the Suns with the firepower needed to maintain offensive pressure when the starters rest. Matisse Thybulle's elite defensive skills would be invaluable, offering the Suns a reliable stopper to disrupt opposing offenses. The flexibility of these players would allow Phoenix to experiment with various lineups, such as using Booker, Beal, Thybulle, Durant, and Capela together, providing them with the adaptability needed to counter different playoff opponents.

These strategic trades would not only address the Suns' defensive woes but also restore their offensive rhythm, making them a more cohesive and competitive team. By enhancing their depth and versatility, the Suns would be better equipped to navigate the rigors of the NBA playoffs, adapting to the strengths and weaknesses of their rivals with greater ease. The improved roster would mitigate the issues of last season, positioning Phoenix as a more balanced and formidable contender in the quest for an NBA championship.

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