This offseason has signaled the start of the Phoenix Suns' retooling project. With the Suns' investing heavily in Devin Booker, the franchise will look to add talent around him.
Phoenix has already started this process by acquiring Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. While these players will be solid developmental pieces, it is evident that the Suns need more, particularly with their approach towards forming a more defensive-minded unit. In this regard, a potential trade with the Sacramento Kings remains possible.
Both the Suns and the Kings were closely involved in trade negotiations with the Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga. When considering the players and assets that were included in their offers, we have a faint idea of the players both teams are willing to let go of.
In this regard, the Kings showed an inclination to trade Malik Monk and Devin Carter, of whom Carter is the more likely trade piece, following recent updates on retaining Monk.
Acquiring Carter could prove to be beneficial to the Suns, as it provides a solid backup defender in the backcourt rotation next to Booker. On this note, we explore a trade package that would allow the Suns to acquire the Kings' guard.
Proposed Trade Details
Phoenix Suns Receive: Devin Carter, Dario Saric
Sacramento Kings Receive: Nick Richards, 2029 second-round pick
It is important for this deal to involve multiple assets being moved, primarily because of Sacramento's need to clear up a roster spot to sign Russell Westbrook. While moving Carter may not be in their best interests, their inclination to sign Westbrook may take precedence.
Regardless, acquiring Nick Richards and a second-round pick could be considered a balanced trade-off all the same. A future trade asset will always have value for a rebuilding team, especially when facilitating trades. Meanwhile, the addition of Richards will prove to be valuable in light of their depleted big man rotation.
With Jonas Valanciunas being traded to the Nuggets, the Kings have limited backup for Domantas Sabonis. In this regard, Richards seems to be a solid addition.
The Suns' big man has shown a lot of potential as an inside presence. As an athletic center, standing at 7'0", the 27-year-old presents a lot of upside for a team like the Kings as a primary rebounder off the bench and as a lob threat.
Last season, Richards appeared in 57 games for the Suns. In this span, he recorded an average of 9.3 points and 8.2 rebounds, while shooting an efficient 59.1% from the field.
Acquiring Richards will provide the Kings' frontcourt rotation with more balance, particularly since signing players like Drew Eubanks this summer. With a solid big man rotation in place, Sacramento could provide its star big man with more support while simultaneously managing his minutes.
Although the trade has some merit for the Kings, it is clear that the intent is primarily to clear up a roster spot to sign Westbrook. Meanwhile, the addition of Devin Carter and Dario Saric could be deemed far more valuable for the Suns.
Acquiring Saric will have very little impact on Phoenix's overall production. Although he can contribute to scoring and rebounding, having averaged 3.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game last season, considering the Suns' frontcourt depth, he is unlikely to receive much playing time.
Carter, on the other hand, could have a much more significant role with the team. The Kings' guard showed a lot of promise as an on-ball defender in his rookie season. Although he missed a lot of time early in the season due to injury, the 22-year-old showed a lot of potential in his 36 appearances with the team to close out the campaign.
Carter's long wingspan and NBA-ready body have been presented as key physical tools in facilitating his growth as a defensive player.
Last season, he averaged 3.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.6 steals per game on 37.0% shooting from the field in 11.0 minutes played. Given that the sample size for his offensive potential is small, there is little that can be said about his performance. But draft scouting reports present a high upside as a two-way player after increased offensive production in the 2023-24 college season.
In the Suns' backcourt rotation, Carter could receive significant burn as a part of the second unit, particularly alongside players like Grayson Allen and Jordan Goodwin. On a rebuilding team, the young guard would have an opportunity to carve out an identity and a place for himself on Phoenix's roster.
The Suns Should Pursue Carter
The Phoenix Suns have committed a significant amount of money toward their top players. In this regard, acquiring capable reinforcements will prove to be a challenge. In such cases, Carter, who is slated to earn $4.9 million next season, is a relatively team-friendly option with high upside.
The Suns are not primed to contend for the NBA title, at least as currently constructed. While this indicates that they need to make the appropriate upgrades to their roster, investing in a player like Carter, who could develop into a defensive stopper in the future, may prove to be a worthwhile endeavor.
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