The Phoenix Suns could reshape their future overnight with a bold move to land another co-star next to All-Star guard Devin Booker. In a proposed deal from Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, the Suns take the leap by acquiring Memphis Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant in exchange for Jalen Green, rookie center Khaman Maluach, and a 2027 first-round pick (via CLE, MIN, or UTA).
By pairing Booker and Morant, the Suns would form one of the NBA’s most explosive backcourts and instantly enter the contender conversation in the Western Conference. Although the trade package isn’t flashy, it makes sense for both sides. More importantly, it reflects where each franchise is heading.
Why the Suns Would Bet Big on Ja Morant
After watching the Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal trades backfire, it would be fair to assume Phoenix is done taking big swings. The reality says otherwise.
The Suns need a major move to maximize their current window. With Devin Booker in his prime at 29, Phoenix cannot afford another slow rebuild or a wait-and-see approach. They need a star-level playmaker now. Morant checks that box.
Even in a disrupted season where he appeared in just 20 games, Morant averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists. His efficiency dipped, but the flashes remain. He is still a former Rookie of the Year, a two-time All-Star, and one of the league’s most dynamic downhill guards.
Fit is the real story. Pairing Morant with Booker could unlock both players. Morant thrives with space and scoring gravity around him. Booker has quietly remained an elite off-ball scorer, hitting 38.9 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes this season.
Both players can create for others while remaining dangerous isolation scorers. Booker has taken on more point guard responsibilities in recent years due to roster construction. Adding Morant allows him to return to his natural role as a primary scoring guard.
Why Memphis Might Finally Move On
From Memphis’ perspective, this is about direction. The Grizzlies have already signaled a shift by trading Jaren Jackson Jr. earlier this season. With Morant’s injuries, suspensions, and inconsistent availability dominating headlines, the franchise appears ready to reset. This deal reflects that shift. The return is not franchise-altering, but it is functional.
Jalen Green brings scoring upside and could serve as a temporary offensive focal point while Memphis rebuilds its backcourt through the draft. Even if Green exercises his $36 million player option for 2027-28, the Grizzlies maintain flexibility beyond that window.
Khaman Maluach, a recent top-10 pick, provides long-term frontcourt depth behind Zach Edey. As Memphis begins a rebuild, he has time to develop without immediate pressure.
More importantly, the move clears uncertainty. Morant is still just 26, but the gap between his 2021–22 All-NBA level, when he averaged 27.4 points per game, and his current perception has grown. For Memphis, moving him now may be less about selling low and more about stabilizing a new timeline.
The Risk and the Reward for Phoenix
There is no question this is a gamble. Morant’s durability, off-court history, and declining efficiency present real concerns. This is a bet on both talent and a full reset both mentally and physically. But Phoenix does not have safe options.
Its asset pool is limited, and the timeline is urgent. Players with Morant’s ceiling rarely become available at a discounted value. That is what makes this idea both risky and compelling.
If Morant returns to form, Phoenix suddenly have a legitimate two-star engine in the backcourt. If not, they double down on a risky path with limited flexibility to pivot. Either way, this is not a quiet offseason move. It is a swing. And for a team chasing contention again, that might be exactly the point.
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