Why a Trae Young Trade Could Be the Missing Piece the Phoenix Suns Need to Reclaim Western Conference Dominance in 2025
After another disappointing playoff run that saw the Phoenix Suns fall short of championship expectations, the franchise is once again at a crossroads. Built around a trio of All-Stars in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns entered the 2024–25 season with sky-high hopes but ultimately flamed out due to issues that have become all too familiar: lack of depth, an underwhelming bench, and most critically, the absence of a true floor general.
Enter Trae Young.
The Atlanta Hawks point guard has been the subject of trade rumors for over a year, as the Hawks flirt with a full rebuild. With Dejounte Murray already moved, Atlanta may finally be ready to part with Young, a dynamic playmaker and prolific scorer who could transform a talented but disjointed Suns squad into a legitimate title contender. While such a move would come with significant risks, the potential upside may be too high for Phoenix to ignore.
Here’s how acquiring Trae Young could solidify the Suns as a Western Conference powerhouse once again.
Despite the star power on the roster, the Suns were often stagnant offensively in critical moments last season. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal shared primary ball-handling duties, but neither is a natural facilitator. Kevin Durant, while capable of initiating offense, is best used as a scoring weapon rather than a playmaker.
The loss of Chris Paul was deeply felt. His leadership and floor vision anchored Phoenix’s offense during their 2021 Finals run. Without a true point guard to orchestrate the offense, the Suns frequently devolved into isolation-heavy sets, especially in crunch time. A player like Trae Young, who averages nearly 10 assists per game over his career, would instantly change that.
Young’s elite playmaking and court vision would relieve Booker and Beal of ball-handling duties, allowing them to focus on scoring. His presence would create more space for Durant to operate in mid-range and pick-and-pop scenarios. In short, Trae Young would bring much-needed structure to an offense that too often lacked direction.
One of the biggest questions in any blockbuster trade is how the pieces will fit. On paper, Young seems like a perfect addition to Phoenix’s core.
Despite his reputation as a high-volume scorer, Young has evolved into one of the league’s premier passers. He can run the pick-and-roll to perfection, collapse defenses with his dribble penetration, and make pinpoint passes to open shooters. That type of offensive engine could unlock new levels for Durant and Booker.
Durant thrives when he doesn’t have to shoulder the playmaking load. In his most successful years—whether with the Warriors or during his peak in Oklahoma City—he had strong point guards beside him. Booker, meanwhile, has shown he can play off-ball effectively, especially when paired with an elite playmaker.
While defense remains a concern—Young is often targeted in pick-and-rolls and lacks size—Booker and Durant have both improved on that end and could help mask some of his deficiencies. More importantly, the offensive ceiling with these three could be sky-high.
One of the most tantalizing aspects of a potential Trae Young trade is what it would do to the Suns’ spacing. With Young’s deep shooting range, defenders are forced to guard him the moment he crosses half court. That type of gravity opens up driving lanes and creates opportunities for spot-up shooters.
That lineup would be a nightmare for opposing defenses. The sheer offensive firepower and spacing would allow Phoenix to play at a much faster pace while still maintaining efficiency in the half-court. Young’s ability to create offense out of nothing, whether through deep threes or lobs off the pick-and-roll, would give Phoenix an edge they sorely lacked last season.
Although still only 26, Trae Young has already had some deep playoff runs under his belt, including an impressive Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2021 where he dismantled both the Knicks and 76ers. His confidence and willingness to take big shots make him a natural fit for a Suns team that has struggled to execute under pressure.
Unlike younger players who may shrink under the playoff spotlight, Young has proven he can rise to the occasion. That kind of mental toughness is crucial on a team trying to win a title in a loaded Western Conference.
Sometimes a change of scenery is all a star player needs. Trae Young has spent his entire career with the Hawks, a team that has never fully committed to building a contender around him. With rumors swirling about Atlanta’s desire to rebuild and shift direction, Young may be ready for a new challenge.
Landing in Phoenix would not only give him a chance to compete for a championship but also to reshape the narrative around his career. He would no longer have to carry the scoring load on his own. Instead, he could function as the engine of a finely tuned machine, surrounded by elite talent.
The Suns, meanwhile, would gain a young star who still has room to grow. With the right coaching and structure, Young could evolve into a more efficient and balanced player, especially if he’s no longer forced to shoulder the offensive burden alone.
This deal gives Atlanta a proven scorer in Beal, who might be more in line with a quick-retool timeline alongside Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu, while acquiring valuable future picks. Phoenix would offload Beal’s large contract and fit issues in favor of a better-fitting star in Young.
If Atlanta wants to go full rebuild, the Suns might sweeten the deal with additional draft compensation or young players like Toumani Camara or future second-rounders.
While the upside is clear, a Trae Young trade is not without risks.
- Defense: Young is a defensive liability, and opposing teams will hunt him in switches during the playoffs.
- Ball Dominance: He tends to dominate the ball. How that would mesh with Booker and Durant remains to be seen.
- Injury Risks: The Suns’ current core isn’t exactly known for durability. Adding another high-usage player could increase that strain.
- Luxury Tax Implications: Phoenix is already flirting with the second apron under the new CBA. Taking on Young’s salary could limit roster flexibility further.
Still, if Phoenix believes its championship window is now, those risks might be worth it.
The Suns cannot afford another year of mediocrity. With Durant nearing the end of his prime and Booker in his prime, the time to win is now. Trae Young may not be a perfect player, but he is the type of star who could elevate Phoenix from a fringe contender to a true powerhouse in the Western Conference.
A trio of Young, Booker, and Durant would arguably be the most offensively gifted in the NBA, capable of hanging 130 points on any given night. With the right supporting cast and health, that kind of firepower could finally deliver Phoenix the championship that has long eluded them.
Blockbuster trades are always risky. They can blow up in a team’s face or lead to franchise-altering success. But playing it safe has not worked for the Suns. After falling short in three consecutive playoff runs, it’s clear that the current roster isn’t good enough to win it all.
Acquiring Trae Young would be a bold move—exactly the kind of swing Phoenix needs to make while its championship window remains open. If the Suns truly want to solidify themselves out West again, there may be no better way than handing the keys to Trae Young.
