How do the Suns fill the void Okogie leaves in Phoenix?

The Suns give up some defense on the wing, how could they potentially get that back?

The Phoenix Suns have seen some issues this year that have left fans outraged. Their main issue was center play, though. It has been discussed throughout the season as an area of need for the team. A recent benching, which stemmed further with some DNPs, and an illness have left the previous center, Jusuf Nurkic, out. In his absence, the Suns struggled to rebound, allowing two 20-rebound and 20-point games in back-to-back games. This was the signal for them to make a move.

The Phoenix Suns made their first trade of the season yesterday, shipping Josh Okogie to the Charlotte Hornets for three second-round picks and Nick Richards for one source second-round pick.

By doing this, the Suns addressed the needed rim protection and rebounding they were missing before this trade. That being the case, though, the Suns still lose a key impact player. For the Suns, Josh Okogie was more than a tradable contract. He defined hustle and energy for this team when it needed a spark. With him now gone and trusting that into rookie Ryan Dunn, how will the Suns look to replace this?

The Obvious Answer

Photo by Brennan Asplen/Getty Images

They will still pursue Jimmy Butler. Butler has made it known he wants Phoenix, and Mat Ishbia is said to pay him what he wants. The Suns did save $20 million in luxury tax from yesterday’s move by sending away Josh Okogie for Nick Richards. This puts money back in Ishbia’s pocket to use for extensions in the future.

For the Suns to get, Jimmy presents a problematic path we are all familiar with. The path would include

1. Finding a Partner for Bradley Beal that he is willing to waive his no-trade clause for
2. Finding a team that is willing to send Miami what they want
3. The Suns only have two draft picks (1 2031 Phoenix Suns 1st and 1 2025 Denver 2nd)

When considering all these roadblocks, another question arises: Would the Suns have to move off more talent to get more draft capital to complete a deal like this? Would they have to trade Grayson Allen or Tyus Jones? These questions must be asked: Is the pursuit of Butler the primary mission, and is it the best path for the Suns?

The Suns Alternate Path

For fans who are just sick of the Jimmy rumors, here is a path that could still help the Suns. With this team, moves are still needed, but a significant impact may shake this team up too much. Let’s keep him there if Beal is happy with this bench role. The Suns can use that advantage, as Beal has scored better with this second unit.

With that being said, though, they still need defensive pressure at the wings. By losing Okogie you are trusting this in rookie Ryan Dunn off the wing. You are relying on him to be the impact wing, with veterans Royce O’Neale and Monte Morris helping out on that side. Ultimately, that is still not enough for a team looking to match up against top teams in the playoffs. This still means you may have to use Allen and Jones’ contracts. to pull this off. In this scenario, at least you would get some help defensively, and it would not cost the whole fortune plus more.

The Final Thoughts

The Suns’ roster construction for this season is far from complete. If this team wants to rival some of the top out West, it still needs pieces. The question remains: Is it a big impact they lack or more minor contributive impacts they are chasing? What would you do if you were James Jones?