While most of the big names have been taken in the offseason, such as Philadelphia 76ers’ Paul George and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Alex Caruso, the Phoenix Suns have remained quiet. The thing is, their draft picks for 2027 and 2029 can be game-changers for any franchise who ends up with them down the line.
The 2024-25 campaign will be the 57th season for the Phoenix Suns franchise in the NBA. This will be their second full year under the new ownership group led by Mat Ishbia and Justin Ishbia, who purchased the team in February 2023.
This will also be the Suns’ second season with their big three of franchise player Devin Booker, two-time champion Kevin Durant, and All-Star guard Bradley Beal. However, the team will have a new head coach, as Frank Vogel was fired a couple of months ago, and replaced by 2021 NBA Finals champion Mike Budenholzer.
An important development is the Suns properly utilizing their own NBA G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, after previously selling their previous G League team. This marks the first time every NBA team will have its own G League squad.
The Suns are looking to improve upon their 49-33 record from the previous season, which resulted in a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference and a first-round playoff exit. Their goal is to make the playoffs for the fifth straight year after a decade-long drought.
The Main Reason Why Phoenix Suns’ 2027/29 First-Round Picks Are The Best Trade Pieces in the NBA Today
As it stands, the Suns are locked into their current roster due to the presence Beal’s no trade clause in his contract and the high cost of the team’s core stars. However, in an article by Dan Favale for Bleacher Report, Phoenix’s draft pick in 2027 and 2029 offer a lot of upside for any team willing to trade for it.
“Returning the rights to the Brooklyn Nets’ next two draft picks looks like a masterful stroke by the Houston Rockets. It gives them control over the Suns’ 2027 first-rounder as well as the more favorable of Dallas’ and Phoenix’s first-round picks in 2029 and the right to swap their own 2029 first-round pick for the less favorable Dallas first and Phoenix first that same year.
Put in a less convoluted way: The Rockets could have the Suns’ 2027 and 2029 first-rounders if they so please.
Gaining control over those selections has immense utility. Many believe it portends making a run at Kevin Durant or Devin Booker. In either case, the chance to regain ownership of its own draft as it begins a reset would be massive for the asset-strapped Suns. Those picks aren’t only valuable to the Suns, though. Other teams will line up to snag them if the opportunity arises.” Favale wrote.
It makes sense that during those years, the Suns won’t have their core trio of All-Stars at an elite level of production on the court. When that happens, Phoenix will shoot in the draft and those picks can produce a top rookie down the line. Of course, that idea may also entice other teams, making these trade pieces justified to pursue.
It remains to be seen whether the Houston Rockets will get those picks or not. In any case, these assets remain favorable for any team wanting to get the next big thing in the league when that time comes.
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