The Phoenix Suns could use some roster fixing just to ensure they have everything they need for the 2023-24 season. That could be through a trade or even through a new signing. However, the Suns are two players away from being maxed out with their roster spots.
So trade is more likely; that way, they also don’t have to add more guys, pay those guys, and figure out how to use all 17, which just isn’t realistic.
The Suns still have roster issues. They need a bit more depth, a defensive big man, and a point guard to help distribute the ball where it should be more often. They don’t have those things, but that doesn’t make them the team that can’t compete. Every roster has holes.
Making a trade, though, would help fill some of those holes.
Suns’ potential trade could fill holes
This trade is going to catch a ton of people off guard, but with the recent news of the Suns trying to help facilitate a Dame Lillard trade, we can assume they are willing to move a piece as big as Deandre Ayton because they don’t have any other pieces they are willing to move that is as big as Ayton, to help that trade scenario.
So, I have put together a trade that can send Ayton somewhere and help the Suns roster improve overall. And, who knows, they likely won’t do anything near this deal, or they could. That is the beauty of the NBA.
What we do know, though, is that making up hypothetical trades is fun.
Suns get great return on investment
The Suns need a defensive center who can rebound if they are going to be trading away Ayton in this deal. So, why not get one of the best defensive centers in the league and a guy who doesn’t really need an offensive role or possessions to eat up on the block? The Time Lord is a perfect fit for this roster, and Suns fans will love him.
In this trade, the Suns will be getting the following:
Robert Williams, C – Boston Celtics
P.J. Tucker, F – Philadelphia 76ers
Otto Porter Jr., F – Toronto Raptors
Based on the Suns getting these three things and the pieces they are letting go, the Suns are saving $3.5 million in cap space, which is also good.
This trade allows the team to get huge defensive pieces in Williams and Tucker, who have been pieces around the league that every team would love. For Tucker he helps space the floor, too, as he has been recognized as one of the best corner three-point shooters in the league, and he can guard the opposing team’s best wing, so Booker, Durant, or Beala doesn’t have to.
This trade would also help find the Suns’ fifth starter and allow Durant to play the three instead of the four.
Celtics get another great post-option
The Celtics need another player who can handle the offensive workload in the post and sometimes give Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown a rest. When those two go to the bench, they need a guy who can stay in or come in and help get some offensive points from the post. And, with how young he is, Ayton may become a better defender than Al Horford is starting to be.
Here is what the Celtics are getting in this deal:
Deandre Ayton, C – Phoenix Suns
De’Anthony Melton, PG – Philadelphia 76ers
This trade impacts the Celtics cap by just $422 thousand, which is better than it sounds. However, it helps them get what they need. Melton can be a great scorer off of the bench, as we saw not only in Philadelphia with the Sixers last season but with the Memphis Grizzlies before that, too.
And he can play a bit of defense. He plays the passing lanes well and is far more athletic than you would think. Just ask Kevon Looney, who was put on a poster by Melton.
There is no doubt that the Celtics do this trade because they are getting the best guy in the deal. However, do the Sixers do this trade?
Sixers get great bench options
The Philadelphia 76ers have a lot going on with their team now. There is a huge possibility we have seen the last of James Harden in that uniform because of Daryl Morey. But they still have to fix their roster.
Aside from the Harden debacle, the Sixers have made a few moves. They have a window with Joel Embiid before he starts to get disgruntled, and this trade could help them at least a little bit. The trade is already doing more than they have done all offseason.
Here is what the Sixers get in this deal:
Gary Trent Jr., F – Toronto Raptors
Sam Hauser, F – Boston Celtics
Christian Koloko, C – Toronto Raptors
This is the only team that may say no to this deal. However, they do get a very good piece for their bench in Trent Jr., who has shown that he can score the rock at a great rate, too. Right now, the Sixer’s bench isn’t looking great, and adding Trent Jr. could propel their bench unit into one that you don’t have to worry about as much.
Do I think they say yes? I do, but I think they may ask for a second-rounder. For now, we will keep it looking like it is.
Raptors get Vanvleet replacements
This offseason, the Raptors lost their second-best payer, or maybe third, in Fred Vanvleet, who was also their point guard. Well, not really their point guard, but more so the guy that brought the ball down the court. Vanvleet signing with the Houston Rockets may have been a blessing in disguise for the Raptors because now their offense can have more flow to it.
But they still need a point guard or guards. They still need guys to help develop guys like Scottie Barnes and Gradey Dick. They can get that in this deal.
Here is what the Raptors get:
Malcolm Brogdon, PG – Boston Celtics
Payton Pritchard, PG – Boston Celtics
This trade is an underrated one for the Raptors, who immediately get better with these two added to the roster. They get Brogdon, who is about as unselfish as it gets, and a guy who can be one of the more efficient players in the league.
They also get Payton Pritchard, who has been a spark off the Boston bench. He can defend, and he can score. The Celtics will hate to see these two go, but hey, they are getting Ayton and another guard. The Raptors also save $42 thousand in cap space.