Phoenix Suns can go ‘all in’ on 3x All-Star and future franchise point-guard

Why the deal makes sense for the Phoenix Suns

The primary reason from a trade perspective is that, for this kind of package, the Suns are unlikely to get a player with the upside that Simmons provides. It would be a massive win to acquire a player of his calibre, regardless of his current reputation, without giving up one of your top five players.

Crowder is the most notable of the three exiting players, having been a valuable starter and experienced leader for the Suns over the past two seasons. However, he is an expiring contract and could depart the franchise via free agency in 12 months anyway.

Saric too is an expiring contract, potentially providing the Nets with financial flexibility moving forward dependant on what they get in return for Durant and/or Irving.

The ‘all in’ aspect refers to the Suns giving up three future picks – 2025, 2027 and 2029 first-rounders. Again, would you do that for Simmons? Most teams probably wouldn’t. But for the Suns, already graced with an enviable young quartet of Ayton, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson, you’d retain confidence in your ability to remain a good team over the next decade.

Three of those four (Ayton, Booker and Bridges), plus Simmons, would all be under contract for at least the next three seasons. This gives them time to build together and garner chemistry while retaining championship contention in the short-term.

This in essence is why it would work – he may not be the player Durant is, but unlike him, as a 26-year-old Simmons can help bridge the ideals of short and long-term success.