The Phoenix Suns are at a crossroads. Despite a star-studded lineup featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the team has underperformed relative to sky-high expectations. But after a promising debut from newly acquired center Nick Richards—who posted a dazzling 21-point, 11-rebound performance in a win over the Pistons—it’s clear Phoenix is looking to make waves. Could their next big splash involve Utah Jazz point guard Collin Sexton?
Reports suggest the Jazz are open to dealing Sexton, and the Suns may have just enough in their arsenal to pull off a game-changing move.
Why Sexton is the missing piece for Phoenix
Collin Sexton, a 26-year-old dynamo averaging 18.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 41.6% from three-point range, is tailor-made for a championship-caliber bench role. His ability to drive into the lane, finish with finesse, and heat up from beyond the arc makes him a formidable offensive threat. More importantly, his high-energy style of play could inject the Suns with the spark they’ve lacked during key stretches this season.
Every championship team needs a sixth man who can come off the bench and provide instant offense. Sexton fits that mold perfectly. He’s a “microwave scorer” who can drop 20 points in a flash and plays with the kind of passion that could galvanize Phoenix’s second unit. Pairing him with Durant, Booker, and Beal would give the Suns one of the most explosive offensive lineups in the league.
The cost of greatness
Pulling off a trade for Sexton won’t be easy. According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, Utah is looking for a compelling package that includes an intriguing prospect and valuable draft capital. Unfortunately for the Suns, their draft cupboard is relatively bare after sacrificing three second-round picks to land Richards. Currently, Phoenix has only a 2031 first-rounder and a 2025 second-rounder available to trade before the Feb. 6 deadline.
To make the numbers work, the Suns would also need to include rostered players to match Sexton’s $37.5 million contract over the next two seasons. This could involve moving bench pieces or potentially exploring larger roster shakeups.
Bigger decisions loom
The Sexton pursuit may force Phoenix to re-evaluate Bradley Beal’s role. If Beal can’t solidify himself as the clear No. 3 behind Durant and Booker, the Suns might have to consider flipping him—and possibly a future pick—for another All-Star-caliber player like Jimmy Butler.
Alternatively, if the Suns choose to keep their Big Three intact, acquiring Sexton with their limited resources becomes even more critical. A combination of a second-round pick, prospects, and salary fillers might be their best shot at adding a game-changer without gutting their core.
What’s at stake for the Suns?
The Suns’ championship window is now, but time is running out. With Durant still performing at an MVP level and Booker ascending as a superstar, Phoenix needs to capitalize on their prime years. Adding Sexton could be the difference between another playoff disappointment and a legitimate title run.
For the Suns, the question isn’t whether Sexton can help—he can. The question is whether they’re willing to take the risk and pay the price to bring him to the Valley of the Sun.
