The Phoenix Suns are trying to figure out their next phase.
After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, marked by Kevin Durant’s reported desire to explore new opportunities, the Suns are aggressively seeking solutions to reclaim their status as Western Conference contenders.
One intriguing name has surfaced as a target, with reports indicating Phoenix is doing due diligence on a high-profile big man to address its needs.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Suns are doing their homework on Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis.
“I’ve … heard that Phoenix has done some background work on Kristaps Porzingis with Boston known to be exploring its trade options up and down the roster,” Fischer said.
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This revelation, reported via Marc Stein’s Substack, suggests the Suns are eyeing the 7-foot-2 Celtics center.
Porzingis, a former All-Star, brings elite floor-spacing ability, rim protection, and post-up scoring, qualities the Suns desperately need alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Porzingis’ 2024-25 season was marred by injuries and illness, limiting him to 42 games with averages of 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 48.3 percent shooting.
Despite these setbacks, his ability to stretch the floor (37.5 percent from three over the past three seasons) and rank as a top-tier defender makes him an enticing target.
For a Suns team that struggled with interior presence after parting ways with Deandre Ayton, Porzingis could fill a critical void.
Phoenix’s roster, laden with high salaries like Booker’s and Beal’s, offers limited tradeable assets, with players like Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neale potentially serving as salary fillers. A third team may be required to facilitate the deal, possibly as part of a larger Durant trade framework.
Additionally, Porzingis’ injury history poses obvious risks.
Porzingis is entering the second year of a two-year, $60 million deal. He’ll be on an expiring $30.7 million contract in 2025-26.
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