3 non-Kevin Durant trade targets for the Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns should target Kyle Kuzma

The most ambitious of the three targets, Kyle Kuzma would fix a lot of issues for the Phoenix Suns. The lack of playable size besides Ayton has meant the Suns have been out-rebounded in a lot of important playoff games.

In the 2022 playoffs, the Suns were out-rebounded by a staggering 10 boards per game in their first-round series against the Pelicans. In the 2021 Finals, rebounding was a notable factor that went in the Bucks’ favor.

While Kuzma may not strike you as the biggest of players, his rebounding has been exceptional in recent times. In Basketball Index’s rebounding stats, Kuzma ranked in the 97th percentile for ‘defensive rebounding talent’. He’s coming off a season where he averaged 9.5 rebounds per 75 possessions.

Rebounding is far from the only thing Kuzma brings to the table. He averaged over 17 points per game for the Washington Wizards last season where his driving and shot-making stood out. In another area of need for the Suns, Kuzma shot a career-high 59.4% from within ten feet. In Basketball Index’s finishing stats, Kuzma ranked in the 87th percentile for ‘rim shot-making’ last season.

An underrated aspect of Kuzma’s game is his playmaking. While an average of 3.5 assists per game may seem low, Kuzma ranks in the 99th percentile for Basketball index’s ‘passing creation quality’. While his volume or averages may not be the highest, Kuzma creates high-quality looks for his teammates.

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Combine this with his versatile defensive prowess and Kuzma becomes an ideal starting power forward for the Suns. A high-level rebounding wing who is effective with his drives and can defend and play multiple positions.

It will be difficult to acquire the former Utah prospect given the Wizards are looking to compete after re-signing Bradley Beal to a supermax contract. The Suns most enticing offer for Kuzma would include multiple first-round picks but they could potentially look at a multi-team trade to acquire him.

With the Wizards interested in Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz likely looking for first-round picks, the Suns could get involved in the deal and acquire Kuzma while giving up the picks and other assets.