After a disastrous 2024-25 season, the Phoenix Suns should feel compelled to shake up their roster in free agency.
In a blockbuster trade proposal created by ESPN’s Andre Snellings, Phoenix would receive a future All-Star Duke forward in a trade involving Klay Thompson.
“For the Suns, this offseason has the feel of a franchise that's ready to change everything and rebuild,” ESPN’s Andre Snellings wrote Monday.
“Their attempt to win with a team featuring three pure scorers without enough supporting infrastructure didn't yield dividends, their salary cap situation is untenable, and they have already traded away several future draft assets.”
“It has been widely rumored that Phoenix will trade Kevin Durant this offseason as well, and if the Suns were to do that deal before this one, they might have more assets to sweeten the offer for (Cooper) Flagg.”
“As is, getting Flagg's potential to be their franchise cornerstone for the next generation would be amazing value, even dealing Booker and all of the draft considerations they could move.”
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Snellings trade proposal sends Devin Booker, a 2025 first-round pick (No. 29), a 2028 first-round pick (least favorable of own, Knicks, and Wizards), and a 2029 first-round pick swap (least favorable of Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Utah Jazz) to the Dallas Mavericks, and the 2025 No. 1 pick (presumably Flagg), Thompson, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Caleb Martin to the Suns.
Flagg is the type of prospect that NBA franchises dream about drafting.
The 18-year-old phenom’s fluid side-to-side ball handling, astute processing chops in pick-and-roll situations, off-ball activity, and beneficial defensive tools should help him succeed in the big leagues.
Duke’s memorable 2024-25 season ended with the Blue Devils suffering a devastating 70-67 loss to the Houston Cougars in the Final Four.
Still, Cooper was a star in Durham all year long, as the Newport, Maine native averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from three in 37 contests.
By breaking up their Big Three (Booker, Durant, and Bradley Beal) and rebuilding their roster with a tremendous developmental asset in Flagg, the Suns could ensure they’re prepared to compete in the future.
Additionally, landing Thompson, a four-time NBA champion and former Golden State Warriors splash brother, would give Phoenix a battle-tested veteran who would help the franchise avoid becoming a bottom-feeder in the Western Conference.
Snellings’ trade idea will undoubtedly turn heads this summer.
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