The Phoenix Suns might be in the process of trying to find the perfect head coach to take them forward, but that doesn't mean they are not also preparing to shake up their roster. The franchise likely waiting to see what happens with Kevin Durant, before deciding which direction to go around Devin Booker.
This also hinges on the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Milwaukee Bucks - and if he does decide to leave for a new challenge - it will set off a chain reaction whereby Durant will suddenly become the consolation prize for all of the teams who don't land Giannis. Should he stay in Milwaukee, then the packages available to the Suns for Durant should also increase.
Suns should fly under the radar and steal Kai Jones.
One of the most surprising developments in the league in recent weeks has been the Dallas Mavericks somehow winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, despite having just a 1.8 percent chance of doing so. This means they are going to take Cooper Flagg, a potentially generational big man who is going to help the fans there forget about Luka Doncic quicker than they had planned on doing.
It also raises the question of what direction that organization is going, as they have veterans in Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, and have been vocal about wanting to win now. Flagg changes all of that, as they will need to be patient with bringing on their new franchise cornerstone. Which means they will surely take their eye off the ball when it comes to center Kai Jones.
The 24-year-old was a mini revelation to close out the regular season, having joined on a two-way contract. He appeared in only 12 regular season games - managing six starts - and managed 11.4 points per game in over 21 minutes of action. Jones was hardly the reason the Mavericks made the play-in, but he did an admirable job as a two-way player with some noteable performances.
Where the Suns can strike this summer is through the indecisiveness of the Mavericks not knowing what direction they are going. When you have Davis and Flagg on your roster - even with the potential for injury that Davis has - you're wasting a valuable roster spot having Jones as the luxury third backup big man.
As he was last on a two-way deal, the details of the contract did not have to be disclosed. The Mavericks also have the right to bring him back first, as he is a restricted free agent as a result of being on that two-way deal. But there is every chance they will let him walk, and despite currently being a second apron team the Suns could still find a way to get a deal done.
Especially if Durant is moved and the franchise suddenly has a little more wiggle room to play with financially. Bradley Beal has spoken about his desire to win - and while it is a massive leap to say the Mavericks could be talked into taking him on - there remains a small chance Irving himself could get opt to go elsewhere in pursuit of a longer payday, even with a torn ACL.
From the perspective of the Suns though, this is a no-brainer. Mason Plumlee might not be back, while Oso Ighodaro has potential but also had long periods during the season where he looked like both a rookie and a second round pick. That is not a knock on him - but if the Suns want to reload as opposed to take a step back - a smart signing such as Jones with upside makes a lot of sense.