Phoenix Suns trade live updates: Speculation, rumors if team misses out on Kevin Durant

NBA trade speculation surrounding the Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant has swirled since the Brooklyn Nets star reportedly asked to be traded.

But Durant isn't the only person linked to the Suns in recent trade chatter.

Several NBA players on other teams have been linked to Phoenix, with Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, Landry Shamet and other Suns players rumored as potential trade chips for Phoenix's NBA team.

Could the Suns turn to one of these trades should a trade for Durant not materialize?

Follow our updates as NBA trade speculation continues.

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Fansided: Suns should trade for Josh Hart, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Richardson

Karan Jain writes: "With most of the core back and Monty Williams recently extended, it’s clear that the Suns want to compete for a title with or without Durant. Here are three non-Durant trade candidates for the Phoenix Suns in the 2022 offseason."

Hoops Habit: Suns should target Bojan Bogdanovic, Derrick Rose, Eric Gordon

Dalton Sell writes: "While it is still possible for Phoenix to acquire Durant, it will certainly be a tall order, given the reported monstrous asking price the Brooklyn Nets are demanding in a trade for the 12-time All-Star. If the Suns are unable to pull off a blockbuster for Durant, here are three trade targets they could make a run at instead to strengthen their roster."

SB Nation: Deandre Ayton could eventually be traded to Washington Wizards

John Morrow writes: "Yes, Ayton just re-signed for a massive four year deal in Phoenix. No, it didn’t appear that Phoenix was excited to match the offer sheet presented to Ayton by the Indiana Pacers. Likely, Phoenix identified that it was going to be difficult to return fair value for Ayton with Base Year Compensation only allowing them to take back 50% of the number that Ayton would’ve signed for in a sign & trade. So, either Ayton plays and behaves well for the Suns, or he is on the market in mid-December."

Fansided: Should should inquire about Magic's point guard depth

Peter O'Keefe writes: "Given the Suns position as a genuine championship contender, most trade possibilities usually center around experienced players in an effort to ‘win now’. But in relation to their point-guard situation, a younger option may not only address the issue of depth, but perhaps also the matter of a Paul replacement in coming season."

nbaanalysis.net: Portland Trail Blazers could be suitor for Jae Crowder

Kenneth Teape writes: In free agency, the Portland Trail Blazers were one of the winners as well. They snagged Gary Payton II from the Golden State Warriors while re-signing Jusuf Nurkic and Anfernee Simons. Adding another veteran of Jae Crowder’s caliber to the mix will only help elevate the team. Crowder would provide veteran depth on the wing and a defensive presence that the team has lacked in years past. Combined with Grant, Josh Hart, and Nurkic, the Portland Trail Blazers would finally have some players capable of getting the job done on defense to match their explosive offensive prowess. Portland has been connected to some power forward options, such as John Collins, on the trade market as well. Crowder would come at a much cheaper price and wouldn’t hurt their long-term cap outlook as he is on an expiring contract."

Fansided: 3 possible Suns trades with Utah Jazz, with one including Mike Conley

Peter O'Keefe had the Suns trading for Mike Conley in one trade, Jordan Clarkson in another and Bojan Bogdanovic in the third. He has Phoenix giving up Dario Saric, Landry Shamet and a first-round pick in the Conley suggestion.

He writes: "Conley has declined in recent seasons but could prove to be a difference-maker for a championship contender. He was an All-Star just last year and could provide invaluable leadership and experience. Taken by the Memphis Grizzlies with the fourth overall pick in 2007, Conley averaged 13.7 points and 5.3 assists last season while shooting over 40% from three on 5.8 attempts per game."

Bleacher Report: Jae Crowder, Dario Saric trade candidates for Suns

Jake Fischer writes: "The next deal Cameron Johnson commands could surpass $15 million in average annual value, presenting a further crunch on the Suns' salary cap after Phoenix matched Deandre Ayton's four-year, $133 million offer sheet from Indiana. The Suns' accounting has gotten quite expensive, and league personnel still categorize Jae Crowder and Dario Saric as trade candidates entering this season to clear necessary wiggle room on Phoenix's books."

Fansided: Suns trade for Houston Rockets' Eric Gordon in trade proposal

Peter O'Keefe has Phoenix giving up Landry Shamet, Dario Saric and an unprotected 2025 first-round pick for Gordon.

He writes: "Gordon would be a fantastic inclusion to the Suns roster, adding another player who can play 20+ minutes in a playoff rotation. He’s an elite three-point shooter who’s also capable of making plays off the dribble, and while he’s by no means a great defender, his strong frame means he can compete on that end. The seventh overall pick in 2008, Gordon is set to make $19.6 million next season, with a non-guaranteed $20.9 million contract the following season. This could make the below deal fairly straight-forward for both teams. While it’s a lot to pay for a bench piece, Gordon could project as the missing piece for the Suns as they push for an NBA championship next season."

Hoops Habit: 3-team trade would land Terry Rozier on Phoenix Suns

Jack Simone outlines a trade that has Phoenix receiving Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. from the  Charlotte Hornets, with the New York Knicks getting Jae Crowder, Landry Shamet, Damion Lee, a second-round pick from the Suns and a couple second-round picks from the Hornets, who would receive Cameron Johnson, Cam Reddish and Derrick Rose in the deal.

He writes: "Let’s start with the Suns in this trade. They would be sending out three rotational pieces, but they would also be getting an upgrade in two areas, which would be great. Rozier would come in and be one of the best sixth men in the NBA, while Oubre Jr. would add to an elite bench (or start at the forward position alongside Mikal Bridges). Giving up Johnson is the biggest loss in this trade, but with his extension coming up, they may be more open to trading him away than most realize. Losing Crowder isn’t a huge deal at this point in his career, and trading Shamet would sting a bit, but for the return, it’s worth it."

More: Jae Crowder trade speculation for Phoenix Suns heats up

Fansided: Is Dario Saric a trade piece for Phoenix Suns?

Peter O'Keefe writes: "Saric is a valuable NBA player – his shooting, passing vision and creation can fit within any NBA offense. But the reality is that his injury, contract, and the team’s current roster construction means he could very well be moved in the next six months."

Bleacher Report: Suns should trade for Utah's Bojan Bogdanovic

Andy Bailey suggests Phoenix sending Jae Crowder, Landry Shamet and a 2023 first-round pick to Utah for Bogdanovic.

He writes: "With his size (6'7") and career 39.2 three-point percentage, Bogdanovic seems like a natural fit for the Phoenix Suns. Between Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, they've leaned into positionless basketball, and another dedicated floor-spacer who fits that mold would open up a little extra space on drives by CP3 and Devin Booker. They'd lose a little toughness and defense without Jae Crowder, but there's no question Bogdanovic raises the offensive ceiling. And in lineups with Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson, there's probably enough switchability to mitigate Bogdanovic's weaknesses on the other end."

Fansided: Suns could trade Dario Saric to clear space

Peter O'Keefe writes: "Phoenix have 14 players currently contracted for next season, meaning they do have one roster spot available to acquire another point-guard. But if they wish to keep that spot open, then perhaps they should acquire another primary ball-handler in lieu of one their bigs. The newly acquired Landale would be the one most in the firing line. Less than $50,000 of his $1.6 million contract is guaranteed, meaning the Suns could easily waive him at any point. The other option would be to use Saric’s contract in a trade scenario. The Croatian is making $9.2 million next season, a decent salary in which to acquire another point-guard option."

nbaanalysis.net: Suns should trade for Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson

James Piercey suggests a deal where Phoenix gives up Dario Saric, Landry Shamet and a first-round pick in 2023 for Clarkson.

He writes: "OK, so Jordan Clarkson is a sixth man. That happens to be exactly the type of player the Suns need. Last year, this team’s guard depth was relatively weak. Cam Payne is a solid player, but he shouldn’t be the third-best guard on an NBA contender. On the other hand, that’s exactly Clarkson’s wheelhouse. He’s perfectly suited to carry the second unit when both Chris Paul and Devin Booker need a rest and can co-exist with them for short spells as well. Combined, the three would give the Suns, arguably, the best guard rotation in the NBA. Strengthening their depth takes on newfound importance with Paul aging. At 37, he’ll be pleased to have a more competent backup in 2022-23. It may not be the blockbuster some Suns fans are hoping for. At the same time, acquiring Clarkson could be the move that puts them over the top next season.

More: 5 reasons Suns shouldn't give up on Kevin Durant even after matching $133M offer for Deandre Ayton

nbaanalysis.net: 3 trade suitors to monitor for Suns' Jae Crowder

Kenneth Teape writes: "Crowder is on an expiring deal and with an extension for Cam Johnson on the horizon, the Suns could look to squeeze whatever value they can out of the grizzled veteran. While he may have lost a step last season, he can still be a useful part of a rotation. The Marquette product is a multi-positional defender and capable 3-point shooter. He would bring toughness, experience and leadership to whatever locker room he is a part of. Where could he end up?"

Fansided: Suns should trade for Patrick Beverley, but they won't

Peter O'Keefe writes: "He is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league though, harassing opposition point-guards on a nightly basis. Quite ironically, Beverley would be a perfect fit for the Suns as a defensive-minded player off the bench. That kind of role is currently exercised by Torrey Craig, but Beverley would provide a much more experienced option with greater offensive punch. He could theoretically be a Sun, likely for a combination of Craig, Dario Saric and perhaps a second-round pick. But in reality, there’s one reason it would never happen – his relationship with the Suns and most notably the toxicity between him and Paul."

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nbaanalysis.net: Suns should trade Chris Paul to Nets for Kyrie Irving

James Piercey suggests the Suns give up Paul and Josh Okogie for Kyrie Irving.

He writes: "Of course, Kyrie Irving isn’t young on NBA standards. At 30, he’s got little room left to improve. With that said, Chris Paul is 37. That’s ancient on NBA standards. Irving may be declining in three years, but Paul will likely be retired. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns’ core of Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges are all comfortably on the right side of 30. They’re a talented core, but they run the risk of combustion following Paul’s decline. This deal allows them to at least extend their shelf-life. Granted, they’ll be relying on Irving – always a risky proposition. With that said, if he’s willing to play basketball on a regular basis next year, the Suns may not skip a beat. Getting younger while maintaining its success in recent years is a tremendous win for this organization."

Bleacher Report: Suns should trade for Sacramento Kings' Richaun Holmes

Dan Favale has Phoenix giving up Jae Crowder for the center.

He writes: "Crowder is a real loss for the Suns. But he's on an expiring contract, and they have Cameron Johnson's next deal to consider. Moving Crowder makes including Mikal Bridges in a KD trade even more prohibitive, but, you know, we're talking about Kevin Durant. You figure that out later. Sacramento shouldn't have any qualms with this framework. It still needs defensive wings. Crowder will hold up against assignments to which Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray are less suited, and he doesn't jeopardize the Kings' "De'Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and a Metric Crapton of Shooting" model."

More: If only trading Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns was as simple as it looks on paper

Heavy.com: Jae Crowder is 'gettable' in a trade with the Suns

Sean Deveney reported that an NBA executive said that Crowder could be available because the Suns might look to shed salary and the veteran, who is almost 32, could be on the decline.

"He is a guy who, to me, makes the most sense for them because he has that toughness they want," the executive told Deveney.  "He has been in the Finals, he has played deep in the playoffs for a lot of years and they could use another big guy to stretch the floor. And Ime loves a tough guy, that is the kind of player he was. The Suns are looking to dump some money and he is in the last year of his deal. It is not a huge commitment for them if he does not work out. But he did not shoot it well last year and he is a step slower so you’ve got to be aware of that. But, you know, they’ve got to find a veteran who has just that little bit more left to give, who fits what Ime wants."

Last Word on Sports: Suns should trade for Houston Rockets' Eric Gordon

Dylan Guest has Phoenix giving up Landry Shamet, Dario Saric and a 2025 first-round NBA draft pick for Gordon.

He writes: "The Suns eventually fell apart to the Mavericks in the Western Conference second round. The most apparent hole for the Suns in that series was their lack of a solid ball handler and scorer off the bench. Chris Paul went into funks and struggled with foul trouble, so if him and Devin Booker were off the floor, the Suns could barely score. Gordon is an excellent player to fill this void, and he also carries plenty of playoff experience under his belt. Houston gets an expiring contract in Saric. They’re focusing on developing more young players, so it’s unlikely Saric gets a major role. Shamet, however, can earn a role as a shooter and defender off the bench. If not, he’ll eventually be a solid trade chip. Finally, the Rockets get an eventual first-round pick in return for one of their seasoned veterans."

Heavy.com: Suns trade Cameron Johnson in proposed deal with Chicago Bulls

Jack Simone proposes a trade that would send Cameron Johnson to Chicago with the Bulls sending Phoenix Tony Bradley Jr., Derrick Jones Jr. and a 2027 first-round pick.

He writes: "For the Bulls, this deal would be a cheap way to add three-point shooting and defense – two things their roster desperately needs. Johnson is a 40% three-point shooter who can also help their defense at the wing. At 6’8, he’s perfectly capable of playing either the three or the four, providing Chicago with some great versatility. On the other hand, the Suns would be shedding some salary. Bradley would, at best, give them some center depth, but at the same time, the Suns could simply waive him if they don’t want him on the roster.  As for Jones Jr., he’s on a cheap, two-year deal and would provide Phonix with solid defense and vertical spacing. The first-round pick would also give the Suns another asset to work with in trades. This trade would also mean the Suns don’t have to worry about extending Johnson, whose contract will be up after this season. If this deal were on the table, the Bulls should absolutely jump at the chance to add Johnson."

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns trade live updates: NBA trade speculation, rumors, news