Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker is a prolific scorer. In fact, he has the 10th-highest career scoring average (24.4 points per game) among the league’s active players. Nonetheless, his first five seasons ended not only with the franchise failing to reach the playoffs, but a .500 record. This is the primary reason why he developed a reputation as an empty calorie player whose individual production doesn’t translate to team success.
In trading aged all-time great Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, the Suns were able to acquire a top-10 draft pick, which was used on intriguing Duke center Khaman Maluach. They also managed to pry an All-Defensive-level wing away in Dillon Brooks. Yet, the most principal piece of their trade package was Jalen Green, the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The problem with that is Green is a lot like Booker was in his early days.
Suns Should Trade Jalen Green For Trae Young
Green was a bit more successful and hit the ground quicker. However, his first two seasons saw the Rockets winning just 42 games combined; just one more than they won in 2023-24. As a result, his scoring production has also been seen as lacking a significant impact on wins.
Furthermore, Booker has become pretty efficient over the years, he did shoot just 42.6 percent from the field his first three seasons. Meanwhile, Green comes to the Suns with a subpar .422 career field goal percentage. An under-the-rim player, Booker’s issue was both his finishing and his in-between game. Conversely, the hyper-athletic Green is an above-average finisher but needs better touch on his jumpers. Both have had an inconsistent impact at the defensive end.
Their skillets are complementary, in a sense. Yet, they may have too much overlap in their weaknesses. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that, though they have much different builds, they’re both natural twos on a team that needs a point guard. All of that being said, Green may as well be on the trade block already, even if it’s not publicized. At the end of the day, the Suns would likely be better off trading Green for a more fitting piece.
Point Guard For Hire?
With his potential and flaws, the list of point guards that they could realistically land isn’t too long.
Anfernee Simons is a player the Boston Celtics are willing to trade, but he’s more of a combo guard. The same holds true for Chicago Bulls guard Coby White. Though in a restricted free agent situation, the Bulls definitely want to hold on to floor general Josh Giddey. Alternately, Darius Garland is a fascinating facilitator who was being discussed in trades this offseason. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers are keeping him, at least for now. San Antonio Spurs point guard De’Aaron Fox seemed like a potential trade candidate until his recent contract extension.
Then there’s Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young.
Hawks Hesitant
The Hawks have been ultra-reliant on Young since he was drafted with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. A crafty ball-handler and astute playmaker with an aggressive scoring mentality, he holds career averages of 25.3 points and 9.8 assists per game. Those numbers rank 12th and third among players all-time.
Yet, for all of his potency, his shot-selection and team mentality have left a lot to be desired. Perhaps worst of all, he’s been a defensive sieve. This is partially due to his physical stature at 6-foot-1 and 164 pounds. It’s also a byproduct of his mentality though, as he plays with far more effort and focus at the offensive end.
Marc Spears on a Trae extension: “What I’m hearing now at this point…I think he’s disappointed that it hasn’t come, it hasn’t been offered” pic.twitter.com/zJ0IrmOvKs
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As a result, the Hawks have missed the playoffs more than they’ve made it with Young as the franchise cornerstone. Heading into the 2025-26 season, Atlanta has surrounded him with the best roster he’s had since joining the league. Yet, their doubts about him have led to their hesitance to offer him an extension.
Given Young’s defensive concerns, he’s not going to be an optimal fit next to Booker. Yet, because of his passing prowess, he covers more holes than Green. This could lead to the Suns exploring a trade for the four-time All-Star, with Green as the headliner.
Trading Places
With Green in tow, Atlanta could move lockdown defender Dyson Daniels to point guard, his primary position. What they lose offensively can be partially supplemented by Green and Daniels, particularly with the latter likely to be given a higher usage role. Their defensive ceiling will be raised as Green has better physical tools than Young. Last but not least, Green is on a far more affordable contract than Young will be on.
If Phoenix adds in a player like Brooks, the conversation could get really interesting. The Suns would be loathe to trade the defensive stalwart, Still, it could entice the Hawks to send them a first-round pick despite the fact they’re giving up the most productive and accomplished player. At that point, they’ll arguably have assembled the best defense in the NBA.
Such a deal doesn’t make much sense for Atlanta to seriously discuss prior to the 2025-26 season. However, by the NBA trade deadline, both teams could be wondering whether they’re on the right path.
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