The Phoenix Suns don't figure to make any big offseason moves outside of bringing back some of their own key players, but that hasn't stopped ESPN linking them with a surprise trade for Ja Morant.
Suns would have to give up too much to acquire Morant
The irony is not lost on us that Morant literally rhymes with one Kevin Durant, but there's a lot more than a past best forgotten to avoid the 26-year-old. Yes he would fill their clearest position of need at the point guard spot, while teaming up with Devin Booker would give him another high level co-star.
But in order for a deal to get done, ESPN reckons Phoenix would have to include Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, Haywood Highsmith, Jamaree Bouyea and a pair of future second round picks. It might sound like a lot of stuff that amounts to nothing game-changing, but it is simply too much depth to give away for a player who has had trouble staying on the court.
Both Allen and O'Neale have clear value in Phoenix, and although you could make a case for trading both this summer, the Suns would need more back to ensure their roster retains its depth.
Neither is likely to fetch them a first round pick, which is why not moving on from either of them could well be the play here.
Highsmith only arrived during the season and would not be missed, although Bouyea has more value to the Suns than any other team in the league by virtue of being a guard who can defend multiple positions.
The Suns have been here before with trading away depth in the form of Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson, plus a bevvy of first round draft picks, to land Durant.
That didn't work out and although Allen and O'Neale are not on the level of those two former players, they are an important part of head coach Jordan Ott's rotation. The Suns simply don't have another duo in their rotation who can replicate what it is they do.
Which is why the Morant trade is ill-advised. At a knockdown price sure, but right now the Suns should be building depth through the draft and smaller deals before going all out for a star like Morant again.
Not that he should be the ultimate prize either. The Durant trade didn't work but he was a superstar worth pursuing. Having to think twice about giving away Allen and O'Neale to the Memphis Grizzlies for Morant should tell you all you need to know about this one. Avoid.
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