Is it time for another Suns trade verdict? I think so, as the rumblings of who the Suns should pursue keep on growing. Isn’t that the fun of the offseason? Anyway, this series has been fun to construct, and today’s article will dive into another popular name. One that has taken the Suns’ social media discussion by storm. Zion.
Now this is cool to see, as even though I am one of the last to bring it up, this has
been an article stashed in the bin waiting to get done (you can even ask John). After exploring the scenario with Dejounte Murray and reviewing the Pelicans roster, this name stood out as one to monitor. Little did I know that the Suns’ world would act on it faster than I, and personally, it is a fascinating discussion.
An acquisition that would definitely shake up this roster is bringing in Zion Williamson. The power forward could fit right in and be a nice running mate for Devin Booker. As we know, though, there are always questions surrounding Zion, and do those rise too big for Phoenix to make a move? Well, only time will tell, even if he does become available, but it is definitely something to dive into.
How could the Suns get it done?
For the Suns to get this done, it isn’t that hard; there are just a lot of possibilities. If you have been reading these articles, you know the main targets that could be traded in these deals. The easiest option is a one-for-one swap, trading Jalen Green for Zion Williamson.
Another route involving Green, along with Royce O’Neale, includes Royce O’Neale. The key difference here is that the Suns would also shed some money.
The last one includes two players who haven’t been mentioned yet but have come up in this series. Those are Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen. In most renditions, there is a deal of both Allen and O’Neale’s salaries combined, but in this situation, it is not enough. If Allen is added to Green, it is also too much going to New Orleans. Therefore, this is the only combo for these two.
Which would most likely get done?
Well, I think it is safe to rule out the third option in my eyes. Brooks’ value to the Valley is unmatched, so much so that they are already reporting they want to extend the wing this offseason. With him trolling at Lakers games or supporting the Phoenix Mercury, it is clear that both parties want to keep this relationship going. Therefore, this one does not make sense to me.
The other two, though, have a framework that can work. With Green’s shakiness to be a true number one option, New Orleans can allow him to grow. At the same time, it has been clear that Willimason has outgrown the rebuild that was founded around him. Could a change of scenery give him that boost?
That is where I think both teams would be intrigued by either deal. If the Suns could get another player in return, with O’Neale included (Saddiq Bey, anyone), then I’d say pursue that, but I think the Pelicans could be reluctant to do so. Swapping both of them makes the most sense.
Why does it not get done?
This one is a bit of a weird one, as I can truly see it going either way. The Suns have the leverage here, even if the Pelicans have not stated they want to trade Zion. He is past his tenure there, so a change would benefit both parties. Is the question, are the Suns ready for another risk?
Personally, I do not think so. Even though we expect some changes, taking this big swing in a year may not be the right move. Yes, it’s a buy-low option with Zion and could be the best offer they get for Green on this deal. Yet I still think the uncertainty of his career should shut that door.
For starters, Williamson, who has had injuries throughout his career, has been limited by them. He did suit up in 62 of the Pelicans’ games this year, his second-most in his career. This could be a sign that the big is finally getting over those obstacles, or it could be a one-of-a-kind season.
In a team that saw Green out for a majority of the season, this would be nothing new, and plugging a healthy Zion in this year could have helped in a lot of ways. Even with that, the concern that he might do that next year worries me.
You could also bring up his contract; he is owed $87 million over the next two seasons. There are, of course, stipulations to it, weight-wise and injury-wise too. If any of those were to trigger, the Suns could either pay less or get out of the contract more easily if it became non-guaranteed. Compared to Green, who could want an extension, the uncertainty with getting off him at max value could make this a solution. Those concerns outweigh the positive. He has these asterisks because he had past issues that could resurface.
Now the fit at power forward would be nice, and his much-needed size would help out the Suns on the court, but is this to get off Green’s deal? If we proceed, there are better options that don’t involve a larger risk.
For the Pelicans, this deal would make sense, as I illustrated in the Dejounte Murray trade. Their front office is clueless, not only tossing Atlanta the 8th pick in this year’s draft to move up 10 spots and select Derick Queen last year, but also lost the 5th overall pick. Yes, that pick that wound up going to the Clippers was originally the Pelicans before they traded back to Indiana during their finals run.
With that knowledge, they would do anything to change this roster. Does that mean trading their best players who have value, or is it buying young talent? At this rate, no one knows, but I am sure it will be a combination of both, winding into a weird year once again.
Selling off Zion would make sense for the franchise, but do they even do that? It has been stated that for him and Queen to grow as a dynamic duo, they need time. Yet they both play the same position and offer a lot on the court. To me, it seems that a guy like Green would entice them, but at this point, who knows?
Ultimately, I think they take the flyer on Geren, hoping he can translate next to Jeremiah Fears as a new guard duo. This risk would free them from Zion, and if they are desperate enough to do so, could add other pieces. Even if they want to do it, Phoenix sees this risk as too big. With Green not having a healthy season here so far, he can still grow into the piece they want, or, if not, provide them with a better security blanket as an investment.
Let me know your thoughts down below, though. What do you think of this possible deal, and should the Suns be intrigued by it?
