The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and while much of the league is buzzing with blockbuster speculation, the Phoenix Suns find themselves in a more nuanced position. With limited assets and a roster already top-heavy with star power, the Suns aren’t expected to be major players in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes-or any other headline-grabbing deals for that matter. But that doesn’t mean they’ll sit the deadline out entirely.
Let’s break down what’s on the table for Phoenix.
The Likely Move: Nick Richards’ Expiring Deal
The most probable move the Suns could make is a minor one: dealing backup center Nick Richards and his expiring contract. It’s not flashy, but it’s a typical deadline maneuver-shed a deal, open up some flexibility, maybe snag a second-round pick or a developmental piece in return.
Beyond that? Things get a little more complicated.
Injury Woes and Internal Confidence
With both Jalen Green and Devin Booker sidelined, Phoenix is leaning heavily on the depth of Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale. Head coach Jordan Ott has publicly backed his current group, saying, “we love our group,” and that sentiment might carry weight in the war room. The Suns could very well decide to ride out the season with the roster intact, especially if the right deal doesn’t materialize.
Still, there’s at least one area the front office is exploring: power forward.
The Power Forward Puzzle
According to reports, the Suns are actively looking to upgrade at the 4-a position currently occupied by Royce O’Neale. While O’Neale brings value as a floor spacer and veteran defender, he’s undersized at 6-foot-6 and has hit a cold stretch from deep, going just 1-for-15 from beyond the arc over his last three games. When the shot isn’t falling, O’Neale’s impact wanes, and the Suns’ lack of size and scoring at the position becomes more glaring.
So who’s out there?
The Market: Thin and Complicated
The trade market for power forwards isn’t exactly overflowing with options, and Phoenix doesn’t have the draft capital or young assets to go big-game hunting. One name that’s surfaced is Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets.
The Suns are reportedly interested, but Charlotte is holding out for a first-round pick-something Phoenix may be reluctant or unable to part with. Bridges himself has expressed a desire to stay in Charlotte, and with the Hornets playing better basketball lately, there’s no urgency on their end to make a deal.
Another intriguing name is Michael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets. He just dropped 36 points in a loss to Phoenix and is having a breakout year, averaging 25.2 points per game.
Offensively, he’d be a big upgrade. But Brooklyn isn’t shopping him, and it would take a massive offer to pry him loose.
Plus, his defensive limitations and high usage rate raise questions about fit alongside the Suns’ core.
De’Andre Hunter has also been floated, but his $20+ million salary for next season, combined with an injury history, makes him a tough sell-especially for a team already dancing around the luxury tax.
Viable Options: Rui Hachimura and Bobby Portis Jr.
Now we’re getting into more realistic territory.
Rui Hachimura is one name that’s gaining traction. The Lakers are reportedly open to moving him, provided they get something useful in return.
Hachimura is shooting a career-best 43.9% from three this season and would bring some floor spacing and size to the Suns’ frontcourt. He’s averaging 12.5 points per game-not a massive upgrade over O’Neale, but potentially a better fit stylistically.
His $18.2 million salary comes off the books this summer, which could help Phoenix manage its cap situation as it faces decisions on Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams.
That said, trading with a division rival like the Lakers is never simple. Both teams are trying to improve, and neither wants to give the other an edge in the playoff race.
Bobby Portis Jr. might be the most intriguing name on the list. A fan favorite in Milwaukee, Portis is a true power forward who brings energy, rebounding, and a reliable mid-range game.
If the Bucks decide to move Giannis-and that’s a big “if”-Portis could become available in the fallout. He’d be a natural fit in Phoenix’s frontcourt rotation and would give the team a more traditional 4 to complement its perimeter-heavy offense.
A Three-Team Framework?
One potential avenue for the Suns could be inserting themselves into a larger, multi-team deal. If the Bucks, Warriors, and Suns were to link up in a three-team trade, Phoenix could potentially land Portis while helping facilitate a Giannis-to-Golden State blockbuster. That kind of deal might involve the Suns sending out Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, shedding salary while bringing in a better positional fit.
Of course, helping a division rival like the Warriors land a generational superstar in Giannis would be a tough pill to swallow. Even if it helps Phoenix in the short term, the long-term implications of strengthening a conference foe can’t be ignored.
The Bottom Line
The Suns are in a tricky spot. They don’t have the assets to chase stars, and the market for power forwards is both limited and expensive. Unless something shifts-like a surprise player becoming available or a multi-team deal coming together-Phoenix might be looking at a relatively quiet deadline.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes the best move is no move at all, especially when your core is still coming together and injuries are clouding the picture.
But if the right deal presents itself-particularly for someone like Portis or Hachimura-the Suns would be wise to pounce. Because in a Western Conference this crowded, even a marginal upgrade could make a major difference come playoff time.