Valley of the Suns
Fansided

2 potential trades should the Phoenix Suns turn their attention to another gettable All-Star

By Peter O'Keefe

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 02: General manager, James Jones of the Phoenix Suns before Game One of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Footprint Center on May 02, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 02: General manager, James Jones of the Phoenix Suns before Game One of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Footprint Center on May 02, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Phoenix Suns, Donovan Mitchell
Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell, Phoenix Suns(Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) /

Phoenix Suns deal expiring contracts and future picks for Donovan Mitchell, dramatically altering the shape of their starting lineup.

Three-guard lineups are often utilised in closing minutes, but not necessarily in starting lineups. It would be an incredible risk for Phoenix or any other team for that matter. However, here’s a deal that would result in that situation, at least in the short term:

"Phoenix Suns Receive: Donovan Mitchell Utah Jazz Receive: Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, 2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029 first-round picks"

The Suns starting lineup would be significantly altered, forcing Devin Booker down to the three and Mikal Bridges to the four. How would Phoenix hold up defensively and rebounding wise? With Booker making a leap defensively last season, and Bridges being a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, the repercussions may not be as significant as you’d first think.

Paul is known for having some of the best hands in the league defensively, while Mitchell’s incredible 6’10” wingspan means he has undoubted upside on that end of the floor. The rebounding may be more of an issue, but Phoenix weren’t a very good rebounding team anyway last season as they relied heavily on Deandre Ayton.

The defensive impacts would be likely made up by a far more explosive offensive. Mitchell would provide another scoring and playmaking punch, giving the Suns more juice especially when Paul and/or Booker are off the floor.

In such a situation, Phoenix would need to go out and acquire another forward or two. Losing Crowder and Johnson would be a loss, but not one they can’t overcome with some further minor tinkering.

As for the Jazz, they’d probably reject this deal. However, with Johnson having shown more than Toppin at this stage of their respective careers, and with Crowder and Saric on expiring deals rather than Fournier’s multi-year contract, this is a better option than what New York are throwing up at this stage.

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