Right now, the Phoenix Suns are in a tremendously good place. They have returned from Team USA with Olympic gold medalists Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, and they appear to be a huge asset to the group come training camp.
When the 2024–25 NBA schedule was revealed earlier this week, it might have given the Suns some fits, but it was still reason for celebration. All this club needs to do now is finish the 82-game ordeal in the best possible position in order to make a deep run in the postseason.
However, not every player on the roster will play the entire season.
The Suns have a good chance of making a deal because, despite having little depth the previous season, they filled in the voids admirably this summer. They may not have done as well as they would have liked, but they were still able to reorganize their starting lineup at point guard and sign Mason Plumlee as a backup center. Keep an eye out for these players to be traded in the future.
5. Nurkic Jusuf
Center Jusuf Nurkic is undoubtedly the guy the Suns would trade for anything. Without a doubt, the team acquired Deandre Ayton in exchange for Nurkic and Grayson Allen, and he contributed to a successful regular season in 2023–24.
But as long as Nurkic plays a significant part for this squad, the playoffs revealed the glass ceiling this bunch faces. Regardless of what you think of Plumlee, he’s going to start next season and excel in certain aspects of his position. In fact, there simply isn’t a better choice. He works selflessly, never receives recognition for his efforts, and will have to fight every night in the paint.
A suitor may show up if Nurkic can maintain his health and score more than ten points and grab ten rebounds each game, like he did the previous campaign. There may even already be one in existence. A portion of the allure stems from the fact that he is nearing the end of his current contract, with $37 million remaining. Before long, his contract will be considered to be ending, and it’s possible that he may be moving.
