The Phoenix Suns find themselves in a precarious position as the NBA season progresses. With a 43-35 record placing them seventh in the Western Conference, they currently sit atop the Play-In Tournament bracket but lack the firepower of true championship contenders. While teams above them boast dynamic duos with proven chemistry, Phoenix's pairing of Devin Booker and Jalen Green hasn't generated the same synergistic impact.
Bleacher Report analyst Zach Buckley has proposed a solution that would dramatically reshape the Suns' backcourt. His blockbuster trade scenario would send Phoenix's young guard to Memphis in exchange for superstar Ja Morant, providing Booker with an elite playmaking partner.
The proposed framework would see the Suns acquire Morant while sending Green, center Khaman Maluach, and a 2027 first-round pick (via Cleveland, Minnesota, or Utah) to the Grizzlies. Morant, who signed a $197 million extension with Memphis in 2022, would immediately become Phoenix's primary ball-handler and secondary scorer alongside Booker.
Buckley explained the rationale behind such a move, stating: "That's the thing with this Suns' season. The fight has been fun to see, and the vibes appear in good shape, but the end game is either hard to gauge or quietly depressing. Slow-and-steady culture-setting just doesn't align with Booker's window to win, but Phoenix's picked-apart asset collection limits the options for acceleration."
The analyst further emphasized the urgency for Phoenix to make a significant move, adding: "Hence why the Suns seem like a legitimate possibility for Morant. They just won't otherwise have access to a player of his caliber. And they desperately need an injection of talent if they want any hope of winning big while Booker is still in his prime."
Before being shut down for the season, Morant was averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.0 steal in just 28.5 minutes per game. His numbers would likely see a substantial increase with expanded minutes in Phoenix's system, particularly as the primary playmaker alongside Booker's scoring prowess.
The trade consideration becomes particularly relevant if Phoenix experiences an early playoff exit, whether through the Play-In Tournament or a quick first-round dismissal. With Booker's championship window steadily closing, acquiring a talent of Morant's caliber could represent Phoenix's best opportunity to build a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
The proposed deal would address Phoenix's need for a true point guard while giving Memphis a promising young scorer in Green and additional assets to continue their rebuild. For the Suns, it represents a bold gamble to maximize their current championship aspirations with two elite backcourt players entering their prime years.
