3-for-3 swap! Suns complete a deal; next move reportedly going all-in on Morant

The Hornets send Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick to the Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and a 2033 first-round pick.

As the most crucial player in the deal, Bridges, a forward born on March 21, 1998, standing 6'7" with a 6'9" wingspan and the 12th pick in the 2018 draft, averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game over 30.9 minutes last season for the Hornets, shooting 46%, 33.3%, and 82.2% from the field, three-point range, and free-throw line respectively.

This transaction saves the Suns $30 million in luxury tax and creates a $10.9 million trade exception. Additionally, they now have flexible access to all their first-round picks from 2027 through 2029, setting the stage for major future moves.

Analysts have predicted the Suns' potential starting lineup next season: Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Bridges, and Mark Williams.

However, reporter Sidery offers a different perspective, stating: "Point guard is the Suns' only remaining need. Next, they could consider trading Jalen Green to the Grizzlies for Ja Morant while reclaiming a 2031 first-round pick."

Last summer, Jalen Green was traded to the Suns by the Rockets. Hindered by injuries last season, he played only 32 regular-season games for his new team, averaging 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals on 42.2%, 31.3%, and 74.7% shooting splits. In this year's playoffs, he averaged 21.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2 steals, shooting 38.6%, 20.6%, and 80%.

As for Morant, he has become a clear injury-prone player, playing just 79 regular-season games over the past three seasons. Last season, he appeared in only 20 games, averaging 19.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1 steal on 41%, 23.5%, and 89.7% shooting.

In short, the idea of swapping Jalen Green for a point guard might be correct, but Morant—who is brittle, high-maintenance, and expensive (with a combined $87.06 million salary over the next two seasons)—may not be their optimal choice.