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For the Phoenix Suns who reached the NBA Finals last season and possibly en route to another appearance this year, they seem like a franchise that must stay put and lean on building chemistry and continuity. Devin Booker finally found his backcourt tandem in Chris Paul, who have been phenomenal consistently as a two-headed monster for coach Monty Williams. Even with this, Deandre Ayton is still not signed for the foreseeable future, so they could possibly inquire on a deal revolving New Orleans Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson.
There have been numerous rumors and speculations that Williamson is not enjoying his current tenure with the Pelicans as he could be a terrific fit in Phoenix with Williams, Booker, and Paul. Williamson is still on his rookie contract, so the salary implications would not entail a huge consequence for the ownership and front office of the Suns.
Suns Zion Williamson Trade Breakdown
Paul, Booker can mentor Zion
For Williamson's tumultuous early NBA career, the roadblocks he has encountered could easily derail a superstar talent. Guidance and veteran mentorship are integral over the course of his career as Paul has been in the league since 2005, while Booker has encountered a plethora of hardships as well in his early years at the league.
Paul has experienced several deep playoff runs with the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets, while Booker was the catalyst in their admirable finals run last season. Moreover, Paul has the track record of inspiring bigs like Ayton, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan to elevate their performance with Paul running their offense.
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Zion brings a different repertoire than their core
With Paul, Booker, and Bridges signed long term for Phoenix, this trio has proven that they could succeed simultaneously. Thus, Williamson brings a whole different skill set to the roster of the Suns. He has that spectacular playmaking ability even as a forward as he could create offense for others on the elbow.
Along with his basketball IQ, Williamson possesses sensational athleticism that is such a rare breed for any individual in the history of the NBA. Along with letting Ayton go, the Suns still have JaVale McGee, Bismack Biyombo, and Dario Saric on their lineup as a replacement to Ayton. The chance of adding Williamson cannot be taken for granted because the Suns may not get an opportunity of completing a deal with a player at his caliber.
Zion-Booker tandem would be phenomenal
Any NBA fan knows that Paul is toward the final few years of his career as this is currently his 16th season already. The extension he signed last offseason could possibly be his last huge pay day as the Suns are now on win-now mode with Paul still playing at an exceptional level. For instance, even if Paul decides to retire in four years, Phoenix will still have the pieces of forming a contending squad with Booker and Williamson both entering their prime.
Booker is just at the cusp of entering his peak years, while Williamson still has numerous seasons to play before his ceiling will be reached. With Paul and a bunch of other talented guys in the lineup, Williamson's minutes and production will not be at a high pressure as a third fiddle to Paul and Booker for now. The ramp up and increased responsibilities does not need to be a rushed for a 21 year-old with all the eyeballs on him.
As Williamson recovers from his lingering foot issues, being in a winning culture and environment would definitely aid in his vital development as a player and as a man. The organization is filled with people who will influence him tremendously and guide him to the right direction with his career decisions. If a possible deal is indeed on the table, the Suns must take a crack at it and utilize Williamson in a Phoenix uniform.
