It is rumor central in Suns’ land, as every day it seems a new name pops up on social media, with fans discussing whether the team should trade for them. That is what comes with the offseason: speculation from fans, and it runs rampant when a team gets eliminated, too. This is where the latest rumor comes from, as in his latest reporting, Brett Siegel from Clutch Points stated this snippet.
Well, this is now interesting, isn’t it? Denver has just lost in the playoffs, and with their finish, it is clear that changes will take place. One of those could be Aaron Gordon, who struggled to stay healthy this year for the Nuggets. Yet even if that is the case, how do the Suns even do this, and does it even make sense?
How could it get done?
The Suns have multiple ways to get to Gordon’s remaining $71 million he is owed over the next two seasons, with the 2023 NBA Champion owed $31.9 million in 2026-27. One is with using Dillon Brooks, whom one Denver page has suggested.
Another is using Jalen Green’s contract to move off the young guard. Lastly, it is combining Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale’s deals to reach $30 million to trade for Gordon.
Which would make the most sense?
In my view, the first point doesn’t make sense, as Brooks has already shifted the culture for Phoenix, and there is no need to ship him out for someone who would do the same. Brooks also makes less than Gordon and is set up for an extension, one that the Suns want to pay him, so it does not look like he is on the move.
Green could make sense salary-wise for the Suns, but for the Nuggets, it does not at all. The Nuggets need to shed salary this year to resign Peyton Watson, so taking on Green does not make that easier. He would also be in a troubling situation with Jamal Murray.
Realistically, the last option makes the most sense for both parties. Denver can get some scorers alongside Nikola Jokic, and the Suns get a power forward. I still see a problem with this trade.
Why does it not get done?
This is due to the Nuggets realizing that, with this move, they are still dealing with salary issues. As I said earlier, the Nuggets want to re-sign Peyton Watson, and rumors have swirled that they might trade guys like Gordon to do so. Even with saving a little over $4 million on this deal, that is not enough to get a deal with Watson. Forcing the Nuggets to have them move off one of Allen or Royce to figure out how to still do cap gymnastics with Camreon Johnson or Christian Braun. This is a headache the Nuggets would rather not get into, even if it splits one of their contracts into two smaller ones.
For the Suns as well, yes, this allows more development time for Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn, while slotting Gordon as the permanent power forward. With his injury history and larger contract, this is something I’d rather not jump on. Even if he brings championship experience and is a great fit, it is risky. If he is hurt, does this mean Fleming or Dunn is shoved to be the PF at one point? What if they are not ready? Will fans turn on them as they did with Oso Ighodaro when he was out of position at the beginning and end of the year? Those are questions I would rather not get into, because with this fanbase, we already know the answers.
As Mat Ishbia stated, continuity will be a big part of this team. I don’t think that means no moves will happen, but a change for a star role player doesn’t make sense.
What do you think? Do you think the Suns should do this?
