3 players the Phoenix Suns could trade for Giannis

The Phoenix Suns have been aggressive in the past six months in their pursuit of a championship. Phoenix has drastically overhauled the team that made it to the NBA Finals in 2021. Moves such as acquiring Kevin Durant for Mikal Bridges and trading away Chris Paul to add Bradley Beal showcase that the Suns are eager to win now.

These moves to trade away talented players for superstar talent show that the Suns have the cutthroat attitude and desire to make moves to win now. This opens up the possibility to one intriguing prospect based on recent reports.

In an interview with the New York Times, Giannis Antetokounmpo discussed his future with the Milwaukee Bucks and his desire to win a championship. He discussed his potential contract extension and how he thinks the organization still has something to prove before he signs:

"“Next summer it would make more sense for both parties. Even then, I don’t know. I would not be the best version of myself if I don’t know that everybody’s on the same page, everybody’s going for a championship, everybody’s going to sacrifice time away from their family like I do. And if I don’t feel that, I’m not signing.”"

These comments are intriguing and could open up the chance to make a blockbuster move for the two-time MVP if the Bucks are not performing to the standard Giannis expects. While other teams may be able to offer a more complete package for the former Finals MVP, the Suns offer the best opportunity for Giannis to win a championship.

Phoenix is also willing to trade away big talent in order to improve, as shown by the recent moves. With that, there are three players that the Suns could potentially trade to the Bucks in order to try and poach the “Greek Freak”.

3. Deandre Ayton

The most obvious candidate for any potential big moves for the Suns is former number one pick Deandre Ayton. The big man has been the subject of a number of trade rumors throughout the past two seasons, especially since he signed a deal with the Indiana Pacers before having the offer matched by Phoenix.

Ayton is a consistent player, averaging a double double throughout his career. There is no question he can score and rebound, however he needs to improve on the defensive end of the floor in order to be a major factor in helping this team win. If his play with The Bahamas this offseason is any indication, Ayton has put focus on this side of the game.

As a result, his trade value may have risen. If traded to Milwaukee, Ayton would get more of a chance to showcase himself as a primary option on the offensive end alongside Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton.

Being traded to the Suns for Ayton and a combination of some other role players would allow Giannis to join the Suns without giving up any of their big three. He would be able to slot into a line up consisting of Durant, Beal and Devin Booker, easily making them the favorite to win the championship.

2. Kevin Durant

Yes, we know what you are thinking. Why would the Suns trade Kevin Durant after headhunting him during last season? If this was a trade for any other player, Durant would be off limits. However, Giannis is not just any other player.

He is a former NBA Champion, two time MVP, Finals MVP, former Defensive Player of the Year and arguably one of the best players of all-time. Giannis is only 28-years-old and has accomplished so much already. Durant is certainly one of the best players to play the game as well, but age becomes a major factor here.

Durant is 34-years-old and will be 35 by the time the 2023-24 season begins. He has seen a lot of success during his career and can still play at a high level, however the Suns would get a lot more playing time and long-term success from Giannis.

Durant’s injury history also has become a concern in recent times, with the superstar missing long stretches of play due to being hurt. Giannis has never had a season below 60 games, showcasing he can be quite durable.

While Durant would not be content in Milwaukee if they were not competing for a championship, the Bucks could use the move to trade Durant again and rebuild young. This would be similar to the Wizards when they acquired Chris Paul from Phoenix and moved him on fast to secure a young talent in Jordan Poole.

A lineup consisting of Booker, Beal, Ayton and Giannis would be formidable, even though it seems difficult imagining Phoenix trading Durant unless he specifically requests it. However, one of the only players imaginable the Suns would trade Durant for would certainly be Giannis.

1. Bradley Beal

While it may seem odd putting Beal as an option for trade considering the Suns have only just acquired him, it makes sense and is a likely option to be considered if Giannis becomes available. Beal is a star player and rounds out this big three nicely, however Giannis slotting alongside Durant and Booker would be even sweeter.

This move could be made possible dependent on where the Suns and Bucks both sit come the midseason. If Beal is not working out, the Suns may try to ship him off and see what they can acquire.

Likewise for the Milwaukee Bucks, who may see their superstar talent request a trade if the team is not performing up to standard. While some other pieces may be needed from the Suns, the Bucks would get a decent return if they took an offer for Beal.

The star shooting guard averaged 23.2 points and 5.4 assists per game this past season, showcasing he can be a playmaker while also being the main option on the offensive end. He would slide in well alongside Holiday in the backcourt and have a number of solid players alongside them, including Middleton, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis.

The Suns would become even scarier, with a frontcourt trio of Giannis, Durant and Ayton dominating opposing big men. The team would also have superstar teammate Booker running the backcourt.

While it may not seem likely that the Bucks trade Giannis or the Suns having the best options if it did occur, Phoenix should certainly make an offer if the time arises. Any of these three players could be enough to seal one of the best players of all time.