Phoenix Suns acquire former player and young forward
The Oklahoma City Thunder are in about as intriguing position as there is across the NBA landscape. Armed with an incredibly talented young core and a boatload of future picks, the Thunder are on the precipice of becoming a powerhouse again.
There’s still some crucial question marks around their roster and some of the rotational pieces. One of those is young forward Darius Bazley, who, like White, is entering the final season of his rookie deal. The Thunder simply can’t keep all their young pieces, and Bazley may potentially be the one player they let go.
In a potential deal, they could acquire Shamet and a pick or two for Bazley and former Sun Ty Jerome. Bazley will make $4.3 million in 2022-23, with Jerome on an expiring $4.2 million deal.
What’s the motivation for Oklahoma?
Again, like the Bulls with White, the Thunder could aim to extract value from an asset that they don’t want to necessarily pay next offseason. Bazley has developed into a valuable power-forward who could attract at least $12-15 million per season moving forward.
Shamet could prove an excellent catch-and-shoot player alongside elite young playmakers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, along with number two overall pick Chet Holmgren.
What’s the motivation for Phoenix?
Bazley would add further depth to the Suns forward rotation, also allowing them to consider trades for veteran Jae Crowder. His two-way ability would provide the team with another playoff piece, while his solid rebounding would be an asset to an average rebounding team last season.
Bringing back Jerome would also provide a much needed addition to the Suns point-guard depth. The 25-year-old could battle with Payne for the backup role in training camp and across the course of the regular season.