Josh Okogie trade targets for the Phoenix Suns to explore
The Phoenix Suns re-signing Josh Okogie well above market value was a smart move that gives them some added flexibility on the trade market. Okogie, now making $8 million per year and trade eligible in a few months, will grant the Suns access to a new tier of one-for-one swaps that they were previously unable to make.
As a second apron team, the Suns aren’t able to bring in more money than they send out. Their other top trade candidate, Nassir Little, is making $6.75 million this season, meaning they couldn’t swap him for anyone making above that amount. The gap between his and Okogie’s contract is small, yet it’s occupied by nearly two dozen players.
Regardless of whether the Suns have an eye on a specific player in that group or just gave Okogie the maximum they could offer him, there are plenty of interesting names there.
Some, like Donovan Clingan, can be crossed off immediately as they’re rookies that their teams wouldn’t move. Others, like Bilal Coulibaly, can be eliminated since they’re foundational building blocks and would cost too much.
That leaves a more realistic, but still sizable group of trade targets.
Guards
- Jaden Ivey
- Vasilije Micić
- Gary Harris
- Benndict Mathurin
- Max Christie
- Ayo Dosunmu
The guards make up the most exciting position group because it features multiple talented young players that can help the Suns for years to come.
Ivey has fallen in and out of favor in Detroit so a change of scenery could be coming. Mathurin also saw his role decrease in the loaded backcourt of the Indiana Pacers. Dosunmu seems like he’d be untouchable, but the Chicago Bulls front office has made some baffling decisions so it couldn’t hurt to try.
Those three, especially Ivey, should be at the top of the Suns’ list, but the other guards here would be quality short-term fixes as well. They each bring either playmaking or scoring to the table, and the Suns need both off the bench.
Wings
- Simone Fontecchio
- KJ Martin
- Jeff Green
- Kelly Oubre
- Jae’Sean Tate
The Suns made it a priority to address the wing position in the early part of the offseason by re-signing Rocye O’Neale, drafting Ryan Dunn, and picking up Jalen Bridges. As such, they don’t necessarily need another wing, but they are relying quite a bit on Dunn to be a factor right out of the gate. If he and Bridges don’t hit the ground running, then the Suns would suddenly be extremely shallow at that position.
This group is replete with veteran wings who can step in and contribute immediately. Jeff Green embodies that as much as any of them. He’s one of the oldest players in the league, yet has thrived as a role player for years. He and Tate’s one year deals make them more appealing than anyone else since they wouldn’t block the Suns players beyond this season.
It never hurts to have long-term insurance though, and a reunion with Kelly Oubre would be welcome. Philly might be more inclined to give up Martin, who underperformed for them last year, but that’s also why the Suns should stay away.
Fontecchio is the most intriguing player on this list since he showed out in an extremely small sample size last season. The Pistons are in a clear rebuild which could make an older player like him available.
Bigs
- Jock Landale
- Kevon Looney
- Trey Lyles
- Paul Reed
Right now, there’s no reason to trade for a big man. Jusuf Nurkić is currently locked into the starting spot with Mason Plumlee backing him up. Oso Ighodaro may not be in the rotation when the season begins, but his performance at Summer League shows he’s not far away.
However, if Nurk is traded at some point and doesn’t bring back a big in return, then trading Okogie for one on this list would make sense.
Landale spent a season in the Valley and showed that he’s a great fit next to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. He is signed for 3 seasons at $8 million per year, however, which isn’t the kind of money the Suns want to take on.
Reed and his 2-year contract fit the Suns plans better, but Lyles and Looney’s experience and 1-year deals make them more appealing. Sacramento might not want to move on from a rotation player like Lyles, but Golden State is reportedly done with Looney.
Looney’s potential availability, low usage play style, and playoff experience make him the most attractive option of this bunch.
