The Phoenix Suns should pursue Larry Nance, Jr.

Here’s a trade on the margins that could improve the Suns while unloading Nurkic’s contract.

Most of the focus on the Phoenix Suns in the trade market is on what “big” move they will make. Jimmy Butler may or may not happen. Regardless of that, the Suns need to look at ways to improve the roster.

Let’s look at a smaller-scale move that could improve the team while unloading Jusuf Nurkic’s contract in the process. I’ll start with none other than the son of a Suns legend, Larry Nance Jr.

I’ve wanted Larry Nance Jr. in Phoenix many times throughout his career, whether in free agency or to pursue via trade. The timing might finally be right to make it happen.

Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images

Nance has missed a good chunk of the season after having surgery for a broken bone in his hand. He returned from a month-long absence on Saturday, January 25th against Toronto and has played two games since returning.

In 17 games this season, Nance is averaging 9.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game in 19.5 minutes. He is shooting 53% from the field (46% from deep) and 80% from the line. Yes, he can shoot a bit!

Larry would add a playable rotation big who is efficient offensively and active on the defensive end. The injury history is the risk involved here, as he’s missed significant time throughout his NBA career and has yet to play more than 70 games in a single season.

The Hawks acquired him along with Dyson Daniels in the Dejounte Murray trade this offseason.

The Trade?

I want you to look at this structurally and not get too caught up in the details. There are ways to work around the finances to appease Atlanta and this would most likely require them to unload Capela (who they are aggressively shopping) in another deal.

The Suns might have to take on a smaller contract (David Roddy reunion, anyone?) to then waive that acquired player. Some details would need to be worked out in a straight-up two-team swap. However, if a third team gets involved and Capela enters the equation, that’s where things could get interesting.

I digress. Here’s what we cooked up from a structural perspective.

Phoenix: Larry Nance Jr.

Atlanta: Jusuf Nurkic, 2025 2nd round pick (via DEN)

From Phoenix’s point of view, this nets you a playable big who can help add size as a PF in bigger lineups or be used as a small-ball center alongside Durant, O’Neale, Dunn, etc.

The big picture thinking here is to rid yourself of Nurkic’s contract and help improve the overall locker room mood. Letting go of a 2nd round pick stings more than you may think on the surface. This draft is supposed to be deep, and the Suns sure could use another cheap, controllable player. But ultimately, if the Suns get a contributor and unload that contract, it’s a win for Phoenix.

From Atlanta’s point of view, you may ask yourself why they would do this. Well, it’s simple. You land a valuable 2nd round pick in a loaded draft for an expiring contract. Atlanta would have to take on an expensive backup to Onyeka Okongwu, who they view as their long-term solution at center, BUT… Nurkic will be off the books after the 2025-26 season.

Now, the Hawks might try to get a first in return for Nance, but that feels like a longshot given his injury history and expiring contract not to mention the lack of suitors who could actually pay that premium. If it really comes down to it, the Suns may have to send a future first to get it done. If that happens they better find a way to land a 2nd round pick in return, even if that first is all but guaranteed to be a late-1st.

This type of deal is likely contingent on Atalanta finding a suitor for Capela, with them taking on less in the process. A three-team deal could even help with the financials.

Either way, if the Suns can add a legitimate PF/C who can play alongside both Richards and Durant, it gives them versatility against those bigger teams. And when they go small, they’ll have an athletic center that can run the court, and even space the floor a bit.

What do you think, Suns fans? Who are your favorite targets on the margins? Let us know in the comments!