Insider suggests 2 Suns trades that could maximize offseason flexibility

What if instead of making a blockbuster trade that lands the Phoenix Suns Jimmy Butler and frees them of Bradley Beal, they made multiple smaller trades to maximize their offseason flexibility?

ESPN’s NBA Front Office Insider Bobby Marks made a NBA trade deadline outlook for all 30 teams in the league and took a different approach with the Suns and how they could use their multiple first-round picks acquired from the Utah Jazz for their 2031 first.

Instead of using all the picks to help facilitate a Beal trade, Marks suggests using them to make multiple trades that moves the Suns under both tax aprons ahead of the summer that solves all their problems. Here are the two trades that Marks suggested that actually work:

1) Phoenix receives:

• P.J. Tucker
• Bones Hyland

Los Angeles Clippers receive:

• Jusuf Nurkic
• 2027 1st-round pick (least favorable of Cleveland, Minnesota and Utah)

This trade allows the Suns to finally move off of Jusuf Nurkic, who lost his spot in the rotation after Phoenix acquired Nick Richards. Nurkic detailed his fallen relationship with Suns coach Mike Budenholzer. Of course, it’ll cost more to move off of the Bosnian big man — who makes $18.1 million this year and $19.4 million next year — which is why attaching the 2027 first-rounder is necessary.

2) Phoenix receives:

• Gary Harris
• Cory Joseph
• 2025 1st-round pick (via DEN); top-5 protected

Orlando Magic receives:

• Grayson Allen
• Monte Morris

This trade frees Phoenix of more salary and gets them below the first tax apron along with the first trade. Grayson Allen signed a four-year, $70 million extension, making $15 million this year increasing to $19 million the final year. While moving on from the fan-favorite will be tough, sacrifices like this are necessary give the Suns’ current situation.

Here’s how Marks explained the trades and how they help Phoenix:

“The three first-round picks give Phoenix the option to make multiple ones. Finding a trade for Beal or Nurkic will require creativity, as Phoenix is not allowed to aggregate contracts, use more than 100% of the Traded Player Exception or send out cash.

“The Suns face the same restrictions next season if their roster stays intact. Phoenix has nine players under contract and could top $500 million in salary and luxury tax. The Suns’ 2032 first-round pick starting in June is not available because they are over the second apron this season.

“These two separate trades would get Phoenix below both aprons next season and give the Suns two first-round picks in this year’s draft. The trade saves the Suns more than $200 million in salary and luxury tax penalties next season.”

As the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline nears, it is important that the Suns maneuver with the future in mind.