Phoenix Suns trade Jae Crowder, Josh Okogie and 2025 first-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma
This is the most ideal outcome for the Suns, but obviously also the most unrealistic. Kuzma’s name has been mentioned here before, and while he may not be available right now, he could be the ultimate prize should James Jones and the Phoenix front office be willing to wait it out.
Here is what was written back on August 28 as the reasoning why Kuzma may become available:
"“The 27-year-old is making $13 million this upcoming season and has a player option for the following one. There’s a good chance he opts out of that, both because he’ll rightfully think he can earn more, and also because he may simply want out of Washington.” “Don’t expect the Wizards to make a deal soon. With Bradley Beal returning from injury and on a new five-year supermax deal, Washington want to compete for a playoff spot. But if things go wrong early in the season, and if the prospect of losing Kuzma arises, then maybe he becomes available.”"
The Suns would almost certainly need to mortgage a future first-round pick to make it happen, even if Kuzma proved a half-season rental. Without being able to promise starting roles for he and Johnson, it would be a tough task for Phoenix to retain both players to new contracts.
Still, if no better option becomes available over the coming months, Kuzma might prove the right ingredient in improving the Suns championship aspirations.