The Phoenix Suns‘ offseason activities can only be viewed as an attempt at clearing house. After trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and buying out Bradley Beal’s contract, the Suns have effectively triggered a rebuild, as was part of their plan.
The Suns were in favor of retooling the roster with Devin Booker’s timeline in mind. Considering the investment they have made in their 28-year-old superstar, it is safe to say that he is the legitimate franchise cornerstone at this stage.
After the Durant trade, Phoenix acquired valuable draft capital. With their plans for a rebuild in mind, it is quite clear that the organization needs draft assets. Unfortunately, even with their latest haul of second-round picks, the Suns have a depleted war chest of assets.
Having draft capital and expiring contracts allows rebuilding teams to make the necessary trades to build their roster strength with capable role players or stars. Given Phoenix’s current situation, we present three trade ideas that would allow them to rebuild their negotiating power by accumulating the necessary draft capital.
Grayson Allen For Expiring Contracts And Picks
Proposed Trade Details
Phoenix Suns Receive: Pat Connaughton, Spencer Dinwiddie, 2027 second-round pick (POR/NOLA), 2029 second-round pick (DEN)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Grayson Allen
This trade has benefits for both teams. With this deal, the Charlotte Hornets acquire a sharpshooting guard who is also a very capable defender. Meanwhile, the Suns acquire valuable expiring contracts and two second-rounders.
While Pat Connaughton and Spencer Dinwiddie won’t elevate Phoenix’s on-court product much, their contracts provide key salary relief. In a trade that allows the Suns to shed some salary from Grayson Allen‘s contract, the acquisition of the two veteran guards will be viewed favorably.
Connaughton brings some value to the table as a guard off the bench. As a veteran guard with championship experience, he could act as a solid defender and shooter. With an average of 5.3 points per game last season, however, the scope is limited.
Meanwhile, Dinwiddie shows more upside as a scoring punch, having averaged 11.0 points and 4.4 assists per game last season. On a veteran minimum deal, Dinwiddie could outperform his contract as a backup playmaker on the Suns.
These two additions could prove to be solid for Phoenix, regardless of their performance. But it is important to note that due to a recently signed contract, NBA trade rules prevent Dinwiddie from being moved until mid-December..
Royce O’Neal To Washington For Draft Capital
Proposed Trade Details
Phoenix Suns Receive: Malaki Branham, 2029 first-round pick (BOS/MIL/POR), 2026 second-round pick (PHX)
Washington Wizards Receive: Royce O’Neale
After buying out Marcus Smart, the Washington Wizards will need a capable defensive player. In this light, a veteran like Royce O’Neale, who can also shoot from the perimeter, will be viewed as a solid pickup.
Meanwhile, the Suns see a lot of benefit from completing this deal. With Malaki Branham being on an expiring contract, and a significantly lower cost one at that, Phoenix can also clear up some cap space.
Branham’s addition could also be solid in adding some depth to their roster. Although the 22-year-old didn’t receive much playing time, he averaged 5.0 points per game on impressive three-point shooting splits of 40.5% per game.
Branham’s on-court impact may be limited, but the Suns will value the added draft capital far more. While bringing back one of their own second-round picks from the Wizards, they will also add a key future first-round pick. This could be crucial in helping them negotiate trade deals.
To complete this deal, the Suns must wait till the first week of September to allow Branham’s trade restrictions to be lifted. Following this, Phoenix can proceed with acquiring the assets involved.
Nick Richards For A Young Forward And A Second-Round Pick
Proposed Trade Details
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jalen Wilson, 2026 second-round pick (ATL)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Nick Richards
In another effort to acquire draft capital, the Suns could explore a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, who are in possession of several draft picks heading into the season.
This deal doesn’t have major implications for either side. As the Nets acquire a big man in Nick Richards, so do the Suns, with the acquisition of Jalen Wilson.
Wilson is coming off his sophomore season in the NBA. Having played in 79 games for Brooklyn last season, he showed impressive upside, averaging 9.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, which could make him a solid addition to Phoenix’s bench.
Along with the addition of the Nets’ forward, the Suns will benefit from the acquisition of yet another key draft asset. While it’s only a second-rounder, it adds another pick to Phoenix’s 2026 draft pool, making it a valuable bargaining chip.
Outlook For The Suns
In an offseason marked by the departure of veterans, Phoenix will welcome the youthful energy of its newest acquisitions: Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.
Although Brooks brings more to the table defensively and as a perimeter shooter, the pairing of Green and Booker has a lot of potential to be formidable. With two talented scorers in the backcourt, the Suns may feature a high-powered offense.
Still, when it comes to competing in the loaded Western Conference, the Suns may face an uphill battle.Â
