The Phoenix Suns have been one of the more pleasant surprises this season, sitting at 9-6 so far, good for seventh in the Western Conference. After their failed experiment with Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant, the Suns are back at the drawing board.
Booker remains one of the best shooting guards in the NBA, Grayson Allen is still an elite shooter, and Royce O’Neal and Dillon Brooks are both high-level wings. Once Jalen Green returns from his hamstring injury, the Suns could be a sneaky playoff contender.
However, their depth is still ravaged by their ill-fated deals from years past. In an effort to bolster their lineup, especially in the backcourt, the Suns could take advantage of a fledgling conference rival.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 10: Jose Alvarado #15 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball against Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on November 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns Should Target Jose Alvarado
Despite a solid start to the season, the Suns are a middling defensive team, ranking 15th on that side of the ball. Their starting lineup doesn’t really need a shake-up, and it will get a boost once Green returns, but their backcourt depth is lacking.
Collin Gillespie is averaging career-highs in points and assists, and has remained a steady shooter. With Green out, he has been tasked with a bigger role and has risen to the occasion.
Once Green returns, however, Gillespie’s role will diminish. Expect the Suns to trot out Booker, Green, Brooks, Allen, and Mark Williams. O’Neal, Gillespie, and Ryan Dunn will remain (or return) on the bench.
In an effort to bolster their second-unit defense and add a jolt of playmaking, the Suns should target Jose Alvarado. If the New Orleans Pelicans trade away their entire roster for draft picks, which seems to be their only viable option, Alvarado will be cheap enough for the Suns to add, but effective enough to give them a boost before the preseason.
With a $4.5 million player option for next season, he could remain with the Suns and provide some tenacity, which they have sorely missed ever since Chris Paul was traded for Beal.
Mock Trade Sends Jose Alvarado to Phoenix Suns
Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Dejounte Murray, and Zion Williamson are the Pelicans’ best trade chips. Expect their names to come up as the trade deadline draws closer. The Suns don’t really have the assets to land any of them, and none of their fits would be as good as Alvarado’s.
For limited draft capital, the Suns could land one of the most underrated bench players in the NBA.
Full Mock Trade Details
- Phoenix Suns receive: Jose Alvarado
- New Orleans Pelicans receive: Nick Richards, 2026 second-round pick, 2029 second-round pick
This season, Alvarado is averaging 7.6 points, 2.5 assists, and a steal. He is playing the second-fewest minutes of his career. A change of scenery could benefit him, and the Suns have a clear need for a playmaking defender.
Nick Richards doesn’t fit with the Pelicans, although the draft picks and his impending free agency should be enough to sweeten the pot. The Pelicans are desperate for draft capital, and this deal nets them two picks. The Suns, meanwhile, can promote Khaman Maluach to the backup center role.
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