Grayson Allen has been one of the Phoenix Suns' most consistent performers in his three seasons with the franchise, and appreciation for his skills are at an all-time high.
Head coach Jordan Ott has turned him into an above average player defensively, although the 30-year-old will argue that he was always capable, he is just now being given the chance.
Suns have to cash in on Allen at the trade deadline.
Which is why the time has now come to get something of real value back for Allen, while he still has several years remaining on his current deal. He is under contract for the next two seasons after this one, although that final year does come with a player option.
That is a long time in the NBA, and it is why the Suns could expect to get either a younger player who hasn't worked out, or perhaps even a late first round pick, for his services. That's how good Allen has been so far this season.
I like Grayson Allen's mentality in this one
— Stephen PridGeon-Garner 🏁 (@StephenPG3) December 6, 2025
Some good drives, & general quick decisions
In Elbow action, goes quick on the drive & engages 2 — creates a closeout for Brooks on the backend & it's a 1v1 pic.twitter.com/aKGE4pXYh6
His 3-point shooting remains elite, and he has managed to increase his frequency without his output suffering. Knocking down 42.2 percent of his 8.5 attempts each night (up three efforts on last season) a ridiculous return.
The organization is also going to have to pay center Mark Williams this summer, a mistake the Charlotte Hornets are now paying for, while they have to find money and minutes for Collin Gillespie.
The backup point guard has been a revelation, to the point he now starts in the absence of Jalen Green. He is also able to play alongside or in place of Allen, because his own 3-point shooting (42.9 percent on seven attempts each night) has been so good.
While coach Ott has leaned on his veterans to win games, and Allen has been a huge part of that, the front office also has to think big picture. Taking a step back by trading Allen now to win big in the future has to be the move.
Consider that at this stage last season, Allen had been dropped for Tyus Jones and was dealing with some ankle issues. At that point the Suns couldn't have moved him even if they'd wanted to, so this is the most ideal development for the organization moving forward.
Guys like Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea are going to need to get minutes from somewhere, and Gillespie, Williams, Green and Dillon Brooks will not be the guys to give up game time in order for them to improve.
Allen then looks like the odd man out, but also the player who gets the Suns something of real value back in return. It is because of his stellar play that this is even a possibility, and it should end in a trade deadline move.