Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Suns’ blockbuster trade perspective: A calculated risk with upside

By Ermay Duran

Oct 23, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) looks to drive to the basket on Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) during the first quarter of the game at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) looks to drive to the basket on Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) during the first quarter of the game at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 27: Jusuf Nurkic of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 27: Jusuf Nurkic of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images) /

Potential Upside in Jusuf Nurkic

While Nurkic had a challenging season last year, partly due to a calf injury, there’s reason to believe he could bounce back.

Nurkic’s potential as a better offensive fit for the Suns should not be overlooked. His screening abilities could complement the Suns’ existing offensive schemes, and if he returns to form defensively, he could be a valuable asset.

The Unknown Factors: Nasir Little and Keon Johnson

Nasir Little and Keon Johnson are somewhat of an enigma. Little showed promise in Portland but has yet to prove himself as a rotation player on a contending team.

Related Story. 5 Instant reactions to Suns finally moving Ayton in blockbuster trade. light

Johnson, on the other hand, is a young talent with potential upside. Their development could be a crucial factor in determining the success of this trade.

The James Jones (Front Office) factor

It’s worth noting that Suns’ General Manager James Jones has a track record of making unconventional decisions that turn out to be successful.

While the trade has been criticized by some as a mismanagement of assets, Jones’ past successes suggest that there might be more to this trade than meets the eye.

Home/Suns News