The vibes feel immaculate for the Phoenix Suns right now. When they aren't stockpiling wins (seven in their last nine outings), they're shooing away would-be suitors for Jalen Green, granting building-block status to big man Mark Williams, and benefiting from the cultural shift ushered in by Dillon Brooks.
But what happens if things go sideways between now and the deeper stages of the postseason? Because a realistic read on this team (sitting 11th in both win percentage and net rating) says it isn't built for major playoff success. Moreover, it's hard to tell what this asset-poor organization can do to measure up to this big-stage tests during whatever remains of Devin Booker's prime.
In other words, the Suns could wind up searching for a difference-maker this summer—and hoping to find one that fits into their limited budget. That sounds almost impossible, but luring Trae Young away from the Washington Wizards might be one way to do it. And Phoenix just so happens to have enough to at least pass the smell test for affording this theoretical swap.
Is that a higher price than the Wizards just paid for Young? Maybe in terms of talent, but when Green and O'Neale will cost more than $46 million combined in each of the next two seasons—assuming Green picks up his $36 million player option for 2027-28—it's not an apples-to-apples comparison.
The Wizards wouldn't get the flexibility that the Atlanta Hawks just received, but if they think Green and Fleming could fit with their young core, then that's probably a concession they're willing to make.
As for the Suns, questions remain about where (and how often) they can turn for non-Booker offense. Give Brooks a ton of credit for turning his age-30 campaign into a full-fledged breakout, but it's fair to question the sustainability of his career-high-shattering 21.2 points per night. Especially when he's never been (and still isn't really) the most efficient bucket-getter.
Booker is doing everything he can to carry this offense as its go-to scorer and top table-setter, but this massive burden might be taking its toll. He's never had a lower three-point percentage (29.6) and is averaging his most turnovers since 2019-20 (3.4).
He needs more help on both the shot-creation and shot-making fronts, and those just so happen to be Young's specialties. Injuries have clearly impacted his production this season, but he came into the campaign having averaged 26.5 points and 10.2 assists over the past six seasons. With a clean bill of health and without the awkwardness of the changes in the Hawks' hierarchy, it's reasonable to believe Young can back to these production levels.
And maybe he'd do it more efficiently than ever, since he has never suited up with a scorer (or creator) of Booker's caliber. That backcourt combo could put on nightly fireworks displays on the offensive end, and the Suns would still have virtually everyone contributing to their climb to ninth in defensive efficiency.
So, no, this wouldn't be some hairbrained scheme to try rushing Phoenix back into championship contention. It might be as simple as answering opportunity's knock. The Suns desperately need to find a co-star for Booker, and in Young, they could get someone who checks that box, fills some of their most pressing needs, and actually fits within their limited budget.