The Phoenix Suns were forced to part ways with Deandre Ayton in the 2023 offseason. there was not a single problembut rather a confluence of several factors. The former first overall pick wasn’t helping the Suns win a championship, so they moved on.
Ayton being back on the trading market and his contract that prevents him from being traded might suggest that this trade will be a clear win for Phoenix. The Suns got an elite 3-point shooter in Grayson Allen, as well as Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson for Ayton and Toumani Camara in September 2023.
This trade looks even worse after Phoenix’s offseason moves. There are questions about Allen’s playing time and Nurkic’s role with the Suns’ new signings. Phoenix was also forced to get rid of Little and will be paying for it for years to come. Things have certainly taken a different turn.
The Suns wanted to open up a roster spot, so they Cut Little and EJ LiddellThat was surprising because Little was entitled to $21.8 million, which Phoenix used the stretch clause on. They now have $3.1 million on their books for each season through 2031. That dead cap is huge for a team already well above the luxury tax and facing significant roster constraints.
Little barely played last season and wasn’t in a position to replace the player when he did. Finding a buyer through a trade was impossible, so the Suns moved on. Owner Mat Ishbia is never afraid to spend, but this certainly wasn’t an ideal situation for Phoenix.
The franchise is counting on Jusuf Nurkic and Grayson Allen to play key roles, but the signing of Tyus Jones complicates things. It was impossible to say no when an elite point guard wanted to join their roster. The Suns promised him a starting rolewhich will limit Allen’s minutes and Nurkic’s play.
Phoenix will play Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal alongside Jones. That leaves only one position left, and it will have to be a big-time player. Nurkic is a sure thing and should play 28 to 30 minutes per game.
His 4.0 assists are one of his difference-making stats, but his touches and creative opportunities should diminish with Jones in Phoenix. The 6-foot-4 player will need to shine as a defender and rebounder. Hopefully, he can step into that role when he doesn’t get as many touches.
Jones’ starting role pushes Allen to the bench and leaves a tough math equation for new head coach Mike Budenholzer. If he wants to play Allen for significant minutes, Bud has to get creative with his lineups. He coached Allen in Milwaukee for two seasons and knows how impactful his shooting can be. Expect the 28-year-old to play closer to 28 than 33 minutes on a nightly basis with Jones in town.
The Phoenix Suns still won Deandre Ayton. They had to get rid of the former first overall pick and got two key rotation players in return, but things look worse. It went from a slam dunk to a contested layup.
Little remaining on the books could hurt even more as they try to avoid the second apron and things could get even worse if Nurkic struggles to make an impact in this new role. Hopefully the Suns didn’t completely blow this trade.
