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Suns Need To Avoid Popular Trade Target at All Costs
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- Suns Need To Avoid Popular Trade Target at All Costs
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
A 1-4 start to the 2026-27 season hasn't been inductive in creating confidence in the Phoenix Suns .
The Suns are dealing with attempting to make a starting lineup fit together that doesn't on paper, while also working on overcoming early deficiencies on defense.
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Trade avenues will always be at the forefront when discussing how to improve outcomes. The Suns have tradable contracts (namely Jalen Green ) and a limited chest of draft picks to scour potential upgrades.
There's one name in the conversation that Brian Gregory and co. absolutely should not consider, however.
Why Suns Should Avoid Norman Powell
There are already whispers that the Bulls are seeking to field offers for Norman Powell.
Phoenix will naturally shift into numerous trade conversations, but this one shouldn't gain any traction.
The clearest reasoning behind shying away from approaching a trade for Powell is due to current roster posturing.
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The Suns already roster a starting lineup that features multiple high-volume players as is. Adding Powell into an arrangement that includes Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks would be unwise.
In an extension of this reason to shy away is Powell not providing plus defense or playmaking capabilities. The Suns simply don't need an undersized guard that excels as a volume scorer. Powell simply doesn't satisfy the deeper needs Phoenix has for adding more length and point-of-attack defense into the fold.
Another major element is the financial burden that Phoenix would take on in this scenario. The Suns would take on Powell's two-year deal that approaches $45 million, which would potentially push them into the second apron. The opportunity cost simply isn't worth it, particularly in a situation where Phoenix needs to address other roster holes.
The last topic pulling the strings in Phoenix needing to avoid this becoming a conversation rests in the assets that would be necessary to make a move. Phoenix is already asset-strapped and attempting to find ways to replenish the war chest of draft picks. While making a move to improve the roster needs to be at the front of mind, this isn't the right scenario to part with assets in.
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The next few weeks will create a blueprint of what direction the Suns should take - whether it's standing pat, selling assets, or looking to acquire a piece such as a defensive wing.
Powell shouldn't be under consideration here under any circumstances, however - save for a major injury.
