There may be no other team in the NBA who faces such a crucial offseason as the Phoenix Suns after they put together a disappointing season.
Phoenix finished the season 11th in the Western Conference standings with an abysmal 36-46 record which resulted in them missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign.
Because of this, the Suns are expected to make some major changes to their roster this summer and many believe that they will move on from both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to build around Devin Booker for the future.
Phoenix Suns stars Devin Booker (1), Bradley Beal (3) and Kevin Durant (35)
Phoenix Suns stars Devin Booker (1), Bradley Beal (3) and Kevin Durant (35)
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Of course, the Suns have already made a change at general manager and they still have to find a new head coach after firing Mike Budenholzer after the season, but their main focus this offseason appears to be rebuilding the roster around Booker become a contender once again.
With this in mind, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz recently named the Suns’ top three dream offseason trade targets, most of whom come from teams rumored to be interested in Durant.
Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers headlines Swartz’s list along with Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jabari Smith Jr. of the Houston Rockets.
Of course, George had a terrible first season in Philadelphia and a potential swap of him and Durant, or possibly Beal, could work out well for both teams as they try to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.
Apr 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the second quarter during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.
Apr 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the second quarter during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
For McDaniels, he would give the Suns a much-needed 3-and-D wing and would be the main focus of a potential Durant trade to the Timberwolves which could help put Minnesota reach the NBA Finals next season and also supply Phoenix with solid players.
Like McDaniels, Smith Jr. would also likely come from a potential Durant trade though the Rockets have leaned towards not chasing Durant this offseason.
While all of these players could be beneficial to the Suns’ potential rebuild, Phoenix has a long road ahead of them to return to their winning ways after their failed big three.