The Phoenix Suns have had a solid offseason, given their roster limitations due to future draft inflexibility and new NBA salary cap rules. Despite limited space, they secured the top perimeter defender from the 2024 Draft in Ryan Dunn and signed Tyus Jones at a great price, as he aims to showcase his skills before the 2025 free agency. However, more adjustments are needed for the Suns to compete at the top of the Western Conference.
On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets signaled a rebuild for the 2024-2025 season when they traded multiple future Suns picks to regain their 2025 first-round pick. This positions the Nets for a tanking season with more control over their picks. With Mikal Bridges already gone, they might also need to consider moving another player from their February 2023 acquisitions to the Suns.
Finney-Smith, acquired in the Kyrie Irving trade, had a notable impact on the Mavericks, helping them secure a playoff spot, but his performance has declined with the struggling Nets. While losing Jusuf Nurkic may be challenging, it could ultimately benefit the team.
Suns Focus on Building a Balanced Roster
The Suns can’t repeat their previous all-offense strategy this season. They need more defensive strength beyond just Ryan Dunn if they want to compete with teams like the Mavericks and Thunder, especially given Nurkic’s struggles on the perimeter. Trading him for an upgrade like Finney-Smith would be a smart move.
With Tyus Jones on board, the Suns will have a traditional point guard paired with the improving Devin Booker, making Nurkic’s playmaking less essential. Sharpe, who averaged 6.8 points and 6.4 rebounds last season, can fulfill the role of a solid supporting big man who screens, catches lobs, rebounds, and protects the rim—exactly what the Suns require.
Finney-Smith averaged 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds last season but struggled with the Nets due to their overall performance. While he’s not an offensive star, he excels as a shooter in open space, a role he thrived in with Dallas. The Suns are adept at creating open shots, as demonstrated by Grayson Allen’s impressive three-point shooting last season.
Nets Focus on Asset Management
This summer, the Nets have taken steps to prioritize acquiring future assets while preparing for a tanking season aimed at landing a top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Nurkic provided decent stats with 10.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists last season but has become somewhat redundant offensively for the Suns. They need a more energetic center who can defend and do the dirty work consistently, something Nurkic struggles with. His mobility is also not ideal for the Suns’ fast-paced offense.
The Nets have the option to trade Nurkic to teams seeking dynamic center play or keep him as a veteran presence during their rebuilding phase. He could mentor Nicolas Claxton, but having both might complicate the rotation, making a trade more beneficial.
