Suns Have Clear Plan For 2 Key Players After Kevin Durant Trade

The Phoenix Suns are coming off a tumultuous season in which they failed to improve upon being swept out of the NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Instead, they went far in the other direction, finishing 36-46 and missing out on even a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.

As a result, the Suns began making moves immediately, starting with the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer. Shortly after, they informed James Jones he would be moved into a senior advisory role to make way for Brian Gregory to become the new general manager. Once they hired former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Jordan Ott to replace Budenholzer, Gregory began working on the roster.

Suns have clear plan for two key players after Kevin Durant trade

Gregory's first significant move was one many had speculated the Suns would make for a long time, going back to the trade deadline. It was rumored the Suns had a deal for Durant at the deadline, but opted to hold onto him and make one more run at a spot in the playoffs.

On Sunday, Gregory finally pulled the trigger on a trade that sent Durant to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and five second-round picks.

According to Forbes NBA writer Evan Sidey, that could be the first move for the Suns, suggesting more moves may lie ahead of Wednesday's draft.

"The Suns are actively shopping Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale in hopes of landing additional draft capital," wrote Sidery. "After trading Kevin Durant for the No. 10 overall pick and five second-round selections, Phoenix wants to add more cap flexibility while aiming to recoup future assets."