As the postseason continues, the offseason discussion is just beginning for the Phoenix Suns. As many on social media know, fans are trying to solve the team’s issues from last year. They want this team to succeed, and even if most of the team is back, some changes will occur.
That leaves us to discuss another player the Suns could pursue this offseason. With the Suns’ trade verdict series going strong, I want to continue that discussion by looking at another position of need. As we know, the power
forward position was a glaring hole for this Suns team, and some more size was needed.
In today’s article, we will look at someone I personally have wanted the Suns to trade for in previous years and have written about in the past. That player could step in to play the power forward position in a supplementary role, still allowing the depth to develop alongside him.
So how could the Suns go about acquiring a player like Obi Toppin? Let’s break it down.
How could it get done?
When performing a one-for-one trade, there are three possibilities the Suns have up their sleeves. The first is trading Dillon Brooks for Obi Toppin, helping the Suns shed some money.
Secondly, they could trade Grayson Allen in the deal and save some money, too.
Lastly, it is the one logging Royce O’Neale, which is the only one where they would take back a little over $4 million.
With Toppin making $31 million over the next two years, this would be a solid addition without breaking the bank or making problems worse, given the dead cap money already owed.
What makes the most sense?
As I’ve stated in previous pieces, trading Brooks isn’t the right move. He has embraced this new culture and identity that the team wants to represent. Not only that, but there have been rumors surrounding his extension with Phoenix already, and he goes to Mercury games often. He is staying to put.
The other two deals, though, are where the discussion truly begins. Indiana ranked 18th in 3-point percentage at 35.6% but struggled throughout the season. Both Allen and O’Neale would add to that and bolster their role in that department.
The question, though, is with Ben Shepperd and Johnny Furphy, do they need Allen? Both of those players resemble what he could bring to their rotation, with Sheppered being a solid shooter and Furphy a driver (even if Furphy is more of a high-flyer). This points to the fact that they already have guys on cheaper contracts, which is the case. Even if Phoenix saves money in that deal, it is not the best for Indiana.
That is why, even though the Suns do take back more money in this deal, I think the best swap is Toppin for O’Neale. He would still be in that wing room, but is more of a catch-and-shoot scorer, something the Pacers lack. Add that to a veteran role off the bench, and it makes sense.
Why this could get done
for Toppin for the Suns since the 2024 offseason. His skill set would be a perfect addition at the power forward position, without giving up too much.
The power forward room needs an upgrade, and it also needs room for Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn to develop. That is why they need someone to fill the starter role (like Royce) and aid their development. Toppin would do that perfectly, coming on a team-friendly contract for starters.
Then you discuss his game, and it’s clear the rebounding, high-flying forward would bring some pizazz to this team. With his fantastic finishes, he would definitely get the fans pumped with some nice lob catches or dunks. We already witnessed Collin Gillespie with Mark WIllimas and Oso Ighodaro this year. Imagine him throwing lobs to Toppin; it’s cinema. Add that with his solid rebounding and ability to block shots, and he could fit in nicely.
This year, he suffered a stress fracture in his foot, limiting him to only 24 games. Yet in the previous two years, he missed two games combined, showing that it was only one injured year. He is someone who has excelled more as a bench player, but can fill the shoes if tasked.
You add that with a 6’9” frame, and you did find the size you were lacking in the front court from last year. For a small addition, without sacrificing too much, this is a swing I’d feel comfortable with the team taking.
For the Pacers, this is where it gets difficult. With them losing their lottery pick, it is expected they will still make a win-now move. They have the core with Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and now Ivica Zubac to make another deep playoff run. That is why keeping Toppin makes sense for them, as he has been a great culture and scheme fit. However, the question arises about Jarace Walker and his long-term future. Do they prioritize the veteran Toppin and trade Walker for a better fit, or extend Walker and trade Toppin?
Personally, I think they would rather keep Toppin, but if they were interested, Royce would aid them in three-point shooting. As I mentioned earlier, having him on the perimeter as a veteran wing could help with their shooting struggles with the young guys. With Aaron Nesmith presenting a similar playstyle, he could pose as a veteran to aid his game, while also filling in if he goes cold one night.
If the Suns really value what Toppin can bring, I am sure there is a way to get him to the Valley. With Brian Gregory and Mat Ishbia at the helm, we know they can be aggressive if they want something. That is why nothing is ever out of the question with them, and that is why I think it is still possible. If the Pacers are really looking to make moves, the Suns should call about this one.
What do you think, though? Should the Suns trade for a guy like Obi Toppin, and if so, what move would you make to get it done?
