3 Phoenix Suns players whose trade value increased in 2023

Although the Phoenix Suns fell short of expectations this season, that does not mean the entire campaign was a disaster. This was the year when a new owner in Mat Ishbia took over, and immediately put his own stamp on the team by trading for Kevin Durant.

Having one of the best 20 players of all time in the building gave fans a massive boost, even if Durant himself had very little time to settle in his new home. This showed once the playoffs began, with the player looking too passive at times and deferring to Devin Booker when he should have been more aggressive in looking for his own shot.

This was to be expected, and although the trade value of Durant is a known commodity, there were others on the roster who improved their own value.

Playing with Durant, Booker, Chris Paul and DeAndre Ayton seems like an enviable place to be, but it is not as simple as filling in the blanks around superstar teammates. The reality of the situation is sacrificing a ton of touches and shots, in favor of working hard and covering the few deficiencies these players have.

To that end several guys succeeded, and in doing so gave the Suns the opportunity to potentially trade them this summer if the right deal comes about. This is now a rotation that is lacking in depth, and although the draft may be able to cover up some holes, a single second round pick can only do so much.

Throw in the fact the team will have a new head coach very soon, and there is no telling what direction the roster will be taken in. It is a blessing then, that some players stepped up to the challenge in 2023, and the hope is that they will either be back next year to help the Suns win it all, or else be traded for the missing pieces to a championship puzzle.