As the NBA trade deadline creeps closer, the prevailing belief around the Phoenix Suns has been that they’ll stay the course. And honestly, it's hard to argue with that logic.
Chemistry is clicking, the vibes are strong, and the team looks more cohesive than they have in a long time. But in the ever-fluid world of the NBA, even well-laid plans can shift - especially when opportunity knocks.
Could Phoenix Actually Be Buyers?
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Suns might not be content with just riding out the season. Despite expectations that they’d avoid disrupting a promising mix, there’s now buzz that Phoenix could be looking to add at the deadline. That’s a shift worth paying attention to.
Let’s take a step back: the Suns have found a groove. Jordan Ott has settled into the head coaching role and brought a sense of stability.
Devin Booker is fully locked in. Dillon Brooks is playing some of the best basketball of his career.
And we still haven’t seen what this group looks like with a fully integrated Jalen Green - a wild card that could raise the team’s ceiling even further.
So why go shopping at the deadline?
Well, part of it comes down to timing. The Suns aren’t in a position to tank - not with their draft capital situation.
And with the Western Conference playoff race wide open beyond the top-tier contenders, Phoenix might be closer to making real postseason noise than many expected heading into the year. If the front office sees a chance to solidify that playoff push with a smart acquisition, it makes sense to explore it.
Nick Richards: The Logical Trade Chip
If the Suns do make a move, backup center Nick Richards is the name that keeps coming up. He’s the kind of player who could be more valuable elsewhere, and his departure wouldn’t shake up the core rotation too much. Packaging him in a deal could be the key to bringing in a contributor who fits better with the current roster.
Jonathan Kuminga: A Buy-Low Opportunity?
One name that’s surfaced is Jonathan Kuminga. The former lottery pick has reportedly grown frustrated with his situation in Golden State, and the Warriors may finally be open to moving him. Now, Kuminga isn’t quite the seamless fit in Phoenix that he might’ve been before the season started - back when the Suns looked like they might be headed for a reset and could afford to give a young player like Kuminga the green light to develop and put up numbers.
But if Phoenix sees an opportunity to buy low on a high-upside talent, it’s worth considering. His athleticism, defensive potential, and ability to run the floor could add a new dimension to the Suns' rotation - especially if the cost is relatively low. A deal involving Richards, Grayson Allen, and a couple of second-round picks could be enough to get it done, and wouldn’t gut the current roster.
Deadline Outlook: Standing Pat or Making a Play?
The most likely scenario? The Suns stay put.
They’ve got a good thing going, and disrupting that without a clear upgrade would be risky. But if the right player becomes available - someone who can help now without compromising the future - Phoenix could surprise us.
Jake Fischer’s reporting suggests the door is at least cracked open. The Suns aren’t desperate, but they’re watching. And with just a few weeks to go before the trade deadline, that’s more than enough time for things to heat up in the desert.