A true NBA superteam will typically lack depth. They have to lack depth. If you have three superstars on your roster, you’ll have limited cap space to build around them. The Phoenix Suns are no exception.
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal may be the most talented trio in the NBA. After that trio, the Suns have done as well as possible to build around their top talent. Still, their depth is lacking.
That’s been a problem in 2023-24. Beal has largely been injured. As a result, the Suns have been underwhelming. This team could use some offensive firepower behind their star trio.
Could they acquire Jonas Valanciunas from the New Orleans Pelicans?
NBA Trade Proposal: Phoenix Suns Land New Orleans Pelicans’ Jonas Valanciunas
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Jusuf Nurkic, 2026 Second-Round Pick (DET, MIL or ORL via PHX), 2028 Second-Round Pick (MEM via PHX), 2029 Second-Round Pick (MEM via PHX)
Phoenix Suns Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas
Moreover, an aging superteam is especially difficult to manage. After all, younger players aren’t eligible for the same size contracts. Just look at how the Suns are built.
Durant is the highest-paid player on this roster – and rightfully so. Otherwise, Beal makes about $10 million more per season than Booker. That’s interesting.
Ask any general manager in the NBA who they’d rather have. They’re taking Booker without a second thought. In a sense, the Pelicans have benefited from this structure. Most of their best players are young.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns Updates
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are paid handsomely, but they aren’t eligible for the largest contracts in the NBA.
Does this deal help the Pelicans build around them?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
It’s long been rumored that the Pelicans would like to replace Valanciunas with a more defensive-minded big man. Nurkic probably isn’t exactly who they have in mind.
Still, it’s worth noting that he is a better defensive player than Valanciunas. Meanwhile, the Pelicans can afford him. Williamson is locked up long-term as it stands.
Ingram’s deal still has a few years left on it as well. By the time the Pelicans need to pay Trey Murphy III, Nurkic should be easy to move.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns Updates
Still, the Pelicans do this pick for the draft capital. A trio of second-round picks feels like a good return for a defensively limited big man on an expiring contract.
Should the Suns even give those picks up?
Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal
Nurkic may be a better defender than Valanciunas. He’s still not especially strong in that area. The Suns aren’t trying to beat teams by stopping them – they want to outscore everybody.
Valanciunas can help them accomplish that goal. He’s a more dynamic offensive player than Nurkic. Largely, that’s due to his ability to space the floor.
Still, Valanciunas can get his own baskets on the low block at times as well. He should make the Suns a better team. That ought to be their only concern.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns Updates
Phoenix is too deep into title contention to worry about parting with second-round picks. After all, they’re a super team.
