PHOENIX – With only four teams remaining in the NBA seasons, the offseason will soon arrive for the Phoenix Suns to make some critical moves for next year. The team is coming off an disheartening first-round sweep to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The roster seems quite far from competing, leading some NBA experts believing that the franchise could make a big swing for a former All-Star.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!ESPN’s Ben Golliver wrote about six possible blockbuster trades that could happen, with Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant heading to the Valley in a massive deal for the Suns.
Feb 25, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles as Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Golliver’s proposed Morant trade to Phoenix:
- Suns receive:
- Ja Morant
- Grizzlies receive:
- Grayson Allen
- Royce O’Neale
- Haywood Highsmith
- Jamaree Bouyea
- 2029 and 2032 second-round pick
Oct 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The deal secures Phoenix an All-Star running mate next to Devin Booker. Despite recent injury history, Morant’s athletic and finishing ability makes him one of the most dynamic guards in the NBA. In the five seasons the 26-year-old played more than 50 games, he has recorded over 23 points three times and over seven assists four times. Morant’s playmaking ability off the bounce or on drives makes him a tough cover for any team and create some space for Booker or Jalen Green if the trio share the court.
Grizzles are solely looking to offload Morant’s $87 million salary for the next two seasons. After trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. this past trade deadline, the franchise is moving towards a full rebuild, which Morant doesn’t fit that timeline. In return, Memphis get valuable veterans in Allen and O’Neale on tradable contracts that could later be flipped for future picks.
Oct 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; NBA Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In the hypothetical deal, the Suns would likely say goodbye to one of Mark Williams or Collin Gillespie in free agency, as Morant’s $42 million salary in 2026-2027 will push the team close to the second apron. Trading away two valuable bench players in Allen and O’Neale, then losing a key starter to free agency, might be too drastic of a change for Phoenix to pull the trigger.
Will the Phoenix Suns trade up into the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft?
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
