The Phoenix Suns have been in the news over the past few weeks because of the Bradley Beal situation where the former All-Star was benched as disgruntled Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler awaits a possible trade to the team that already features Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, there doesn’t seem to be any movement that brings Butler to Phoenix and Beal has actually thrived in his bench role, posting 17.4 points per game.
Instead of the Suns navigating a complex trade situation around Beal’s no-trade clause and hefty contract, they might be able to keep the shooting guard in a sixth-man role and instead trade another piece who has worn out his welcome: Jusuf Nurkic. It is no secret that the Suns are shopping Nurkic and as a big man averaging 8.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, there will be teams interested.
The Suns might be able to keep Beal and trade Nurkic by engaging in a blockbuster three-team trade featuring the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers to bring back two new pieces to the team. Let’s dive into what this trade involving the Clippers and Trail Blazers could look like and how it shapes out for all teams involved.
Proposed Trade Details
Phoenix Suns Receive: Robert Williams III, Duop Reath
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jusuf Nurkic
Portland Trail Blazers: Bones Hyland, P.J. Tucker Tucker, 2031 Second-Round Pick (DEN), 2031 Second-Round Pick (PHX)
Phoenix Suns Upgrade At Center
The Phoenix Suns’ trade for Robert Williams III instantly upgrades their center position, adding a player who fits their system like a glove. Williams is one of the most athletic and defensively gifted big men in the NBA. In the 2024-25 season, he’s averaging 6.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 71.7% from the field. His rim protection and ability to guard the pick-and-roll would address the Suns’ defensive deficiencies, making life easier for Kevin Durant and Devin Booker on the perimeter.
Offensively, Williams doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, which is crucial for a team with multiple high-usage stars. His ability to set hard screens, roll to the basket, and finish lobs will open up new dimensions in the Suns’ offense. Additionally, Williams is a strong rebounder on both ends of the floor, giving Phoenix a much-needed edge on the glass. Replacing Jusuf Nurkic with Williams is not just an upgrade—it’s a transformative move that balances the roster and solidifies the Suns as title contenders.
Adding Duop Reath, a mobile 6’11” forward-center hybrid, provides depth and versatility in the frontcourt. Reath has shown flashes of three-point shooting (career 35.6%) and defensive potential in limited minutes (6.5 MPG in 17 appearances) although he posted 9.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in 68 appearances last season.
Together, Williams and Reath bolster the Suns’ bench, allowing Phoenix to maintain a high level of play when Durant or Booker rests. With this trade, the Suns manage to keep Bradley Beal while building a roster capable of winning the Western Conference.
Los Angeles Clippers Add A Strong Backup To Ivica Zubac
The Clippers’ acquisition of Jusuf Nurkic provides them with a solid backup center who addresses their lack of depth behind Ivica Zubac. Nurkic, averaging 8.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game, is an experienced big man who can contribute as a starter or reserve. His ability to bang in the post and create second-chance opportunities gives the Clippers additional tools in their offensive arsenal, especially with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden dominating the ball.
Nurkic’s passing from the high post adds a new wrinkle to the Clippers’ offense, as he can facilitate for shooters like Norman Powell, who is nailing 43.7% from deep. While Nurkic is not a defensive standout, his physicality in the paint makes him a serviceable option for stretches when Zubac rests. The Clippers, sitting in the middle of the Western Conference standings, need every edge they can get to maintain playoff positioning, and Nurkic offers steady production at a position of need.
Crucially, this move doesn’t cost the Clippers any core assets. Bones Hyland, a promising guard, hasn’t been able to carve out a consistent role in Tyronn Lue’s rotation, and P.J. Tucker is primarily a veteran locker-room presence at this stage of his career. By turning expendable pieces into a reliable backup center, the Clippers have quietly strengthened their playoff rotation without compromising their core.
Portland Trail Blazers Bring Back Two Second-Round Picks And A Young Player
For the Portland Trail Blazers, this trade aligns perfectly with their rebuilding timeline. Receiving two second-round picks in 2031 might not generate immediate excitement, but they’re valuable assets for a team focused on long-term development. The Blazers have excelled in finding talent in later rounds of the draft, and these picks give them additional swings at adding complementary players around cornerstone Scoot Henderson.
Bones Hyland is the real gem for Portland in this deal. The 24-year-old guard has untapped potential as a dynamic scorer and playmaker. Despite limited minutes with the Clippers this season, Hyland is averaging 7.0 points and 1.3 assists in just 11.0 minutes per game. His ability to create offense off the dribble and knock down perimeter shots (38.5% from three) gives the Blazers a developmental piece who can grow alongside Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
P.J. Tucker, while likely a short-term piece, adds veteran presence to a young locker room. Known for his toughness and defensive mindset, Tucker can serve as a mentor for Portland’s emerging core. The Blazers are wisely flipping Robert Williams, a player better suited for a win-now team, for future assets and a young player with upside. It’s a calculated move that positions Portland to keep building for the future without rushing their timeline.
Phoenix Suns Depth Chart Starts Filling Out Nicely
Starting Lineup: Tyus Jones, Devin Booker, Ryan Dunn, Kevin Durant, Robert Williams III
Bench: Monte Morris, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Josh Okogie, Oso Ighodaro, Royce O’Neale, Duop Reath, Mason Plumlee, Bol Bol
The Phoenix Suns’ depth chart now reflects a well-rounded roster capable of competing with the best in the Western Conference. The addition of Robert Williams III fortifies the center position, giving the team a defensive anchor and elite rebounder to complement the offensive firepower of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Meanwhile, Tyus Jones provides steady playmaking at the point guard position, allowing the Suns’ stars to focus on scoring. With Bradley Beal embracing a sixth-man role, the team now has a legitimate scoring option off the bench, creating an offense that can sustain high production throughout the game.
The revamped bench is another crucial element of the Suns’ retooled roster. Players like Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen bring grit and three-point shooting, while Duop Reath and Mason Plumlee add depth and size to the frontcourt.
This lineup is built to excel in a playoff setting, with versatility on both ends of the court and enough firepower to challenge any contender. By avoiding the complicated Bradley Beal trade scenario and instead focusing on fortifying their center rotation, the Suns have positioned themselves as one of the league’s most dangerous and balanced teams heading into the postseason.
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