If there is one area where the Phoenix Suns have quietly excelled in the past 12 months, it is filling the biggest needs on their roster in unconventional ways.
Trading for center Mark Williams is one such example, although he always had the talent it was just unclear if he would be able to remain healthy. Thankfully he's even appearing in back-to-backs these days.
The point guard rotation was another, with the Tyus Jones signing of last season a disaster. No matter, Phoenix now has the underrated trio of Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin and Jamaree Bouyea.
Suns should consider moving for Lonzo Ball at deadline
If a chance exists to sign a player like Lonzo Ball for next to nothing however, then the Suns should seriously consider doing so because of what it could mean for them long-term.
To be clear, Ball currently isn't any better or more in demand than any of the three floor generals they have in their rotation. He's also making $10 million this season, which is why the Cleveland Cavaliers surely want to move on from him ASAP.
Lonzo Ball is so elite. Many NBA teams should be calling for him pic.twitter.com/YGaBMFhn0c
— Dylan🔮🎆 (@dillybar2145__) February 2, 2026
The De'Andre Hunter for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder trade does position them to get under the second apron next season, and moving Ball for somebody like Nick Richards (another player would have to be added to make this work) would appear to be the next logical step.
If you're the Suns, your own point guard depth is unclear beyond this season. Gillespie could in theory get a large deal to play elsewhere, although all indications are that he wants to stay.
Bouyea hasn't even had his two-way contract converted into a standard one yet, while Phoenix has cut ties with Goodwin in the past (they would be crazy to do so again).
It is also hard to see where exactly Ball would fit alongside Devin Booker and Jalen Green, although at this point the 28-year-old would obviously be coming off the bench.
Bolstering his case further is the fact he's proven he can shoot over 40 percent from deep across a season once before (42.3 percent across a 35 game stretch for the Chicago Bulls before getting injured in 2021-22).
Head coach Jordan Ott clearly favors having three ball-handlers and creators to call upon, as the trio combined for 61 minutes in the recent loss to the L.A. Clippers.
Yes the Suns were down both Booker and Green for that one, but even when this roster is fully healthy they all get a look in.
This is an imperfect solution to a problem that does not even exist yet in The Valley. But if they can get Ball for next to nothing ahead of a summer in which one of their three current guards could go, then they need to be proactive. Just not this proactive.