The Phoenix Suns could be orchestrating a seismic roster shift centered on their newly acquired guard, Jalen Green. Fresh off landing the explosive scorer in the record-breaking Kevin Durant deal, Phoenix now finds itself both richer in talent and deeper in decision-making dilemmas.
With Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks already entrenched in the backcourt, Green’s presence poses a “what-if” scenario: could the Suns dangle him in a pursuit to fortify their playoff goals?
Meanwhile, in Utah, the Jazz are quietly embracing a full-scale rebuild around Isiaha Collier, Ace Bailey, and Keyonte George. With veterans heading out the door and a youth movement firmly underway, Lauri Markkanen, once the linchpin of their offense, now sits squarely on the trade block amid growing uncertainty. Perhaps the Jazz should capitalize on Markkanen’s presence before his play faces diminishing returns.
Amid that shifting backdrop, one intriguing new wrinkle has emerged: the Charlotte Hornets could serve as the ultimate third team, facilitating a move that balances Phoenix’s playoff goals, Utah’s timeline, and Charlotte’s asset-building strategy. Every franchise could gain, provided the right pieces fall into place.
Proposed Trade Details
Utah Jazz Receive: Jalen Green, Pat Connaughton
Phoenix Suns Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Royce O’Neale, 2029 second-round pick (UTA), 2031 second-round pick (PHX)
Utah Jazz Find A Perfect Backcourt Player For Isaiha Collier And Ace Bailey
The Jazz seem to have stumbled into a laundry list of backcourt stability. Isaiah Collier’s (8.7 PPG, 6.3 APG) passing wizardry has already rewritten rookie history at Utah, surpassing even John Stockton in assists.
Pairing Jalen Green (21.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG) with Collier and fellow draft pick Ace Bailey, whose talent will certainly turn heads, finally gives this team something they’ve lacked: three talents who can handle the rock, facilitate, and set the tone. It’s not flashy, but after years of instability, it’s exactly the foundation the Jazz need.
Let’s call it what it is: this is glorious. Three players that can pass, defend, and grow in unison. Collier’s got that court vision that makes you sweat just thinking about the potential. Green is supremely athletic, and Bailey brings the edge and maturity Utah desperately needed.
No more juggling vet rentals or wondering who’s taking the shots, this is as seamless a backcourt marriage as the Jazz have drawn up in years. After years of cobbling together mismatched guards, Utah finally has a backcourt that fits. Collier, once he’s healthy, is more than a spark plug; he’s a franchise passer.
Jalen Green is a proven 20 PPG scorer when turned on, and Bailey, meanwhile, brings positional versatility and ball security. This is evolutionary, and the Jazz are riding it with purpose.
Phoenix Suns Make A Push For The Playoffs Around Devin Booker
Devin Booker isn’t just the Suns’ best scorer; he is the Suns. With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal out, Phoenix has pivoted, pushing forward under Booker’s banner as he inked a two-year, $145 million extension. Coming off a season that owner Mat Ishbia deemed “embarrassing,” they’ve cleaned house, new GM, new coach, new roster, with one goal: make this season look nothing like the last.
The Suns might have their eyes on Lauri Markkanen. Rumor has it they’re looking for more firepower. Because let’s be real: Booker can carry teams like this one (25.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.1 APG), but smart front offices don’t leave everything on his shoulders. They want a sidekick, not a co-hero. And if they land Markkanen (19.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG), they have a dynamic duo to build upon.
Suns fans: we’re not talking about a rebuild but a reload. Cool, crisp, and calculating. Booker’s locked in, the cap is manageable after Beal’s buyout, and the front office under Gregory is leaning hard into youth and defense. Add Dillon Brooks’ defensive toughness (14.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG), and it might actually get Phoenix into the Play-In, maybe beyond.
Charlotte Hornets Acquire An Expiring Contract With Future Picks
In a move signaling long-term planning over immediate gain, Charlotte can secure veteran wing Royce O’Neale (9.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG) and a pair of second-round picks from Milwaukee in exchange for Pat Connaughton. O’Neale offers shooting stability, while the picks, slated for 2029 and 2031, could be valuable assets in a cap-strapped, retooling roster. Smart asset management, even if the immediate on-court payoff is modest.
The Hornets, the NBA’s version of “pay now or pay later”, strike again. They pick up O’Neale, a fine shooter, an alright veteran, but the real flex? Future picks in 2029 and 2031.
Here’s what’s savvy about this: Charlotte just turned “meh” into “maybe someday.” Connaughton might not light the scoreboard, but he’s a stable piece now. More importantly, they’ve stocked the backend with future picks, flexible leverage down the road.
