The NBA playoffs did not go according to plan for the Phoenix Suns. After having the NBA’s best record in the regular season at 64-18 and being regarded as the title favorites, they failed to make it past the Conference Semifinals. While the results were certainly disappointing, the way it happened left an even more sour taste in Suns' fans mouths.
Phoenix was blown out on their home court by the Mavs by a score of 123-90. The score does not even properly replicate how poor the game was from the Suns. At halftime, Luka Doncic and the Suns as a team each scored 27 points. The masterful performance by Doncic was enough to cool down the Suns and the 30-point deficit at halftime was the largest in a Game 7 in NBA history.
As a team, the Suns shot 24.4% from the field in the first half. The trio of Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton were a combined 1-for-15 from the field. Ayton played a total of 17 minutes and was benched by Monty Williams after claiming the big man quit on the team. This disastrous effort calls for drastic change this offseason. With the core of a championship team now in question, here are two trades the Suns should look to make to revitalize the team.
2 Trades Suns Must Make Following Game 7 Disaster
Suns Get: Ben Simmons
Nets Get: DeAndre Ayton
This would have to be a sign-and-trade but would make a lot of sense for both sides. The contract situation surrounding DeAndre Ayton has been one worth paying attention to all year. After selecting Ayton with the number one overall pick in 2018, the relationship between him and the Suns has failed to flourish in the way both sides had hoped. Teams around the league are certain to have interest and Phoenix would be wise to get something for him rather than let him walk for free.
"DeAndre Ayton did not feel valued by the Phoenix organization… So now, he moves towards RFA… DeAndre Ayton is going to get a max contract somewhere… There are a lot of teams lining up to figure out how to acquire him." – @wojespn on DeAndre Ayton pic.twitter.com/TE17U6oLZ5
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) May 17, 2022
Ben Simmons is surely a risk at this point, but he would be an interesting addition alongside this Suns' core. Pairing him alongside Mikael Bridges would create one of the most fearsome defenses in the NBA. Both players are incredibly switchable and capable of guarding all five positions.
Simmons also would be able to serve a more off-ball role alongside Chris Paul which could unlock his offense. The 6’10” forward’s ability to screen and roll would be enticing alongside Chris Paul and off-ball with Devin Booker. Kendall Jenner may be the real loser in this deal, but the on-court fit is there.
The Nets should certainly jump all over this. Getting a legitimate big man is a massive need for their team. Andre Drummond is likely to walk in free agency and Ayton would be the best big man the Nets have had in quite some time. There is also a strong argument Ayton would be the best big man either Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving have played alongside. Brooklyn must focus on getting back to a more normal roster structure and this would help this process.
Suns Get: John Collins, Jalen Johnson
Hawks Get: Rudy Gobert, Torrey Craig
Jazz Get: DeAndre Hunter, Jae Crowder, Cameron Payne
This is a trade that makes sense for all three teams. Each of these teams is expected to be active this offseason and seems to have wants and needs that align. The Hawks would add Rudy Gobert as an ideal lob threat and needed defensive improvement for the Hawks. The Jazz would break up the Gobert and Donovan Mitchell duo to begin a new era. DeAndre Hunter is an exciting young piece on both sides of the ball and is likely the centerpiece of the deal. Jae Crowder would also serve as a great compliment to Trae Young and is a capable contributor to any contender.
For the Suns, they would find a high-flyer in John Collins to change the look of the offense. Collins be able to create some highlight-reel dunks alongside Chris Paul. He would be capable of serving as the primary big man (assuming Ayton leaves) and stick to their small-ball game plan. The 6’9” power forward would provide a notable jolt of athleticism to this Suns team.
The addition of Jalen Johnson would also become an important part of the Suns' future. The 20-year-old was one of the most talented players in last year’s draft despite some character concerns holding him back. Adding Johnson to the young core would begin to revitalize the team for a post-Chris Paul run. Johnson possesses a rare vision and passing ability for his 6’9” size and is comfortable with the ball in his hands. Adding a piece now while building for the future would be a massive move for the Suns.
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