This season, the competition in the Western Conference is more brutal than last season, with a win rate of 50% currently unable to even make it into the top eight! For example, the Phoenix Suns have a temporary record of 15 wins and 15 losses, ranking only 10th in the Western Conference, which means that Durant and Booker may not be able to make it to the playoffs this season.
Clearly, this is unacceptable for the Suns. With a three-star lineup that cannot obtain rebuilding resources through the draft in the next three years, they will immediately seek a way to change. According to American media outlet "FW," if the three stars don't work, what about four stars?
It is reported that the media has proposed the latest trade for the Phoenix Suns, which is planned as follows: The Suns can try to send Jusuf Nurkic + the 2031 first-round draft pick to the Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic through a 2-for-1 trade! For Chicago, any plan that allows the team to rebuild faster is a good one.
Therefore, this is a trade plan with a high probability of happening, and if it ultimately meets Phoenix's wishes, congratulations to Durant in advance. Because Vucevic's arrival can enable the Suns to form a four-star lineup, and his average of 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game is enough to make the Suns favor and trust him.
It is worth mentioning that Vucevic's shooting percentage this season has reached 57.8%, with a three-point shooting percentage of 45.2% and a free throw percentage of 85.3%, making him an offensive player without weaknesses, capable both inside and outside! What about defense? Fans are most concerned about this aspect, but with Nurkic around, the Suns' defense is currently ranked outside the top 20 in the league, so there is no need to worry about defense!
Speaking of defense, with Booker and Beal on the Suns, their defense can hardly become one of the top five in the league. Therefore, instead of being obsessed with filling defensive gaps, it is better to let the unstoppable offense become the best defense! If Vucevic can come, he will not only bring a four-star lineup advantage on paper but also provide help to the Suns in terms of play to achieve the goal of aiming for the championship.
There is no other reason; Vucevic has excellent finishing ability in the paint, whether it's playing one-on-one or "eating cakes," there are no problems. Moreover, with a three-point shooting percentage of over 40%, he can undoubtedly create space for Durant and Booker. At that time, he can play pick-and-roll tactics with KD, Beal, or Booker, both inside and outside, to complete high-efficiency finishes. How far do you think the Suns are from winning the championship?