The Phoenix Suns have been one of the most active teams in the NBA over the past few seasons, and their recent moves have left fans and analysts alike questioning the direction of the franchise. The blockbuster trade that brought Kevin Durant to Phoenix in 2023 set off a chain of events that reshaped the roster. Now, more than two years later, that trade may yet continue to evolve. The Suns made a surprising move at the 2026 trade deadline by acquiring Miles Bridges from the Charlotte Hornets, a deal that has sparked speculation about further roster reconfiguration. This article explores how the Kevin Durant trade could still be branching out, with Jalen Green's future in Phoenix uncertain and rumors swirling about a potential move for Ja Morant.
The original trade that landed Durant was a massive gamble. The Suns sent multiple players and draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets, including Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and a treasure trove of future first-round selections. It signaled an all-in approach to win now. However, the results have been mixed. In the 2024-25 season, the Suns struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, failing to meet championship expectations. The front office, led by owner Mat Ishbia, has shown a willingness to make bold moves, and that pattern continued with the Bridges acquisition.
The Miles Bridges Trade: A Signal of More Changes
Miles Bridges is a dynamic, athletic forward known for his scoring and rebounding. He averaged 21 points and 7 rebounds per game for the Hornets last season. However, he comes with significant off-court baggage due to a domestic violence incident that caused him to miss the entire 2023-24 season. The Suns' decision to trade for him raised eyebrows because it contradicted the team's earlier signals of focusing on culture and player development. By sending away sharpshooters Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale, along with a first-round pick, Phoenix sacrificed shooting for added physicality. The starting lineup now appears to be Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Bridges, and Mark Williams. This lineup lacks consistent outside shooting, placing more pressure on Booker and Green to create offense.
Many see this trade as a sign that the front office is not done reshaping the roster. The Bridges deal came after the Suns had re-signed free agents like Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, and Mark Williams, which initially suggested continuity. Instead, the team's direction abruptly changed. This pattern of behavior—making one trade, then another—mirrors the early stages of the Durant trade, which also involved multiple layers. The Suns still hold some trade assets, namely Jalen Green, who could be the next piece to move.
Jalen Green's Uncertain Fit in Phoenix
Jalen Green was acquired from the Houston Rockets as part of the Kevin Durant trade. In that deal, the Suns sent out Kevin Durant and received Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No. 10 pick (Khaman Maluach). Green, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft, was once considered the future of the Rockets. He possesses elite athleticism and explosive scoring ability, but his game has not translated into consistent team success. In his first season with the Suns, Green dealt with a recurring hamstring injury, playing only 32 games—a career low. When he did play, the Suns went 17-15, compared to 28-22 without him. This small sample size suggests the team performed slightly better without Green on the floor.
Stylistically, Green and Devin Booker both thrive with the ball in their hands. They are score-first guards who need touches to be effective. Adding Dillon Brooks, who also commands the ball and has blossomed as a shot-creator, creates a crowded offensive hierarchy. The Suns lack a pure point guard who can orchestrate the offense and get everyone involved. This roster imbalance could lead to Green being traded before the next season. The front office might decide that Green's potential doesn't outweigh the fit issues.
Green is still only 24 years old and has shown flashes of being a dynamic scorer. He averaged 22 points per game in his second season in Houston. However, his efficiency has been below league average, and his defense remains inconsistent. For a team looking to contend immediately, Green may be more valuable as a trade chip than as a rotation player. The Suns could package Green with other assets to acquire a point guard who fits better with Booker, Brooks, and Bridges.
Ja Morant: A Potential Target for Phoenix
One name that has surfaced in trade rumors is Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies point guard. Morant's trade value has plummeted due to multiple off-court incidents, including a suspension for brandishing a firearm and other conduct issues. These controversies have made him available at a discount. ESPN's Vincent Goodwill reported that teams are asking for draft compensation to take on Morant's contract, which still has roughly $87 million over the next two seasons. The Suns have shown they are willing to overlook character concerns, as evidenced by the Bridges trade. Owner Mat Ishbia did not shy away from bringing in Bridges despite his past, so Morant might also be of interest.
Morant brings elite playmaking and explosive athleticism. He is a former All-Star and Rookie of the Year winner, and he has a prior relationship with Dillon Brooks from their time together on the Grizzlies. That familiarity could help with integration. Morant's biggest issue has been availability—he has missed substantial time due to injuries and suspensions. However, when on the court, he can be a top-10 player in the league. For a Suns team that needs a floor general to maximize Booker and Bridges, Morant could be a perfect fit. The risk is high, but the Suns' willingness to gamble the future for the present suggests they might pursue this.
However, trading for Morant would likely require sending Jalen Green or another major salary to match contracts. The Suns could also include future draft picks, although they have already traded away many. The 2033 first-round pick they gave up for Bridges was unprotected, showing they are not concerned with the long term. This win-now mentality aligns with Ishbia's approach since taking over ownership.
Other Potential Moves for the Suns
Beyond Morant, the Suns could explore other point guard options. Veterans like Chris Paul (if bought out or available), or rising talents like Tyrese Haliburton (though his contract may be too large) could be targets. But given Phoenix's limited assets, a trade for a cheaper point guard might be more realistic. The Suns also have Khaman Maluach, the rookie they selected with the No. 10 pick, who could be dangled in a deal. Maluach is a raw but talented guard who might appeal to rebuilding teams.
Another possibility is that the Suns hold onto Green and hope he develops better chemistry with the core. Head Coach Frank Vogel (or his eventual replacement) might design a system that utilizes Green's scoring off the ball. However, the early returns were not encouraging, and the team's win-now timeline doesn't allow for long development projects. The Suns' current salary cap situation is also tight, with Booker, Durant (though now traded), and other players eating up space. The Durant trade was supposed to bring salary cap relief, but the Bridges trade added long-term money.
The Kevin Durant trade will always be the defining move of this era in Phoenix. It demonstrated the franchise's ambition and willingness to sacrifice the future. That trade has already evolved once, transforming the roster entirely. Now, with the Bridges addition, it may evolve again. The Suns are clearly not satisfied with their current construction. They lack a true point guard, struggle with shooting, and have a logjam of ball-dominant wings. The most logical casualty is Jalen Green, whose trade value could net a piece that fits better.
The NBA offseason is full of speculation, but the Suns have proven they are not afraid to make bold moves. Whether they trade Green, pursue Morant, or make an unexpected deal, the Kevin Durant trade saga continues to unfold. The next chapter may define the franchise's trajectory for years to come.
As the league moves into the offseason, all eyes will be on Phoenix. The Suns have a talented but imbalanced roster. Owner Mat Ishbia has shown he will do whatever it takes to win, regardless of public opinion. The upcoming months will reveal whether the Kevin Durant trade will be remembered as a championship move or a cautionary tale.
Source:MSN News