Phoenix Suns trade updates, rumors: Julius Randle included in NBA trade speculation

The Phoenix Suns may have missed out on trading for the Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant, but they have other options on the NBA trade market, according to writers who cover the league.

Check out their NBA trade speculation, rumors, options, ideas and suggestions involving the Phoenix Suns and players not named Kevin Durant, including a lot of speculation surrounding Julius Randle of the New York Knicks.

More: Julius Randle trade speculation: Should Phoenix Suns trade for New York Knicks forward?

Heavy Sports: Suns acquire Julius Randle in mock trade with Knicks

Mark Nilon writes: "Now, for those of you who are familiar, Randle is not necessarily someone who fits the bill of being a “post-up” player, as he’s often found passing up back-downs for his preferred mid-range game, where he hoisted 350 shot attempts in comparison to 316 when at the rim last season. However, with his intimidating six-foot-eight, 249-pound frame, the man has the size and strength necessary to be a dominant force down low. Considering Phoenix already has two primary ball-handlers such as Chris Paul and Devin Booker, it could force the big man’s hand into relinquishing his desire to serve as a point-forward and, instead, play more to his size in hopes of aiding in their attempts to get over the hump and win a title."

Bright Side of the Sun: Jordan Clarkson, Harrison Barnes, P.J. Washington, Julius Randle, Bojan Bogdanovic 'gettable targets' for Suns

Brandon Duenas writes of Clarkson: "The Utah Jazz are on the brink of beginning their rebuilding process if when Donovan Mitchell is traded. Clarkson’s elite skill is something the Suns need desperately: shot creation. He’s someone that can get hot in a hurry and swing an entire game alone from time to time. Phoenix’s bench certainly has room to improve as well. Sending some sort of package centered around Landry Shamet and draft capital could make sense for both sides while also not hurting the Suns’ chances of making a significant trade down the road."

SB Nation: Suns should pursue Julius Randle

It writes: "Sam Cooper at the Timeline Podcast has been half joking that Julius Randle would make a good plan B to Durant, and I tend to agree, but only if the Suns don’t feel confident in Cam Johnson taking a leap and being ready to start. Yes I know, Randle had quite the regression to the mean in 2021-22 after his All-NBA season prior, but he wouldn’t be the first, second, or possibly even third option on the Suns, so a different level of expectations could yield more fruitful results."

Bright Side of the Sun: Suns should go after John Collins or Jordan Clarkson

It writes: "I think it’s time to go after John Collins of Atlanta, depending on the cost to acquire of course. Now that KD is off the table, the Suns can use their draft picks for this current team, and I believe Collins can add another wrinkle to the Suns offense that’s tough to defend. He can help on rebounding too, which is much-needed for any Suns player not playing center. Collins wouldn’t be a 20/10 guy for the Suns because of all the other scorers, but 16/9 could be a huge help. What would it take? I’d do the deal if it only cost Crowder/Shamet/pick but would hard pass if they insist on Cameron Johnson. A secondary option is to poach the Utah Jazz of Jordan Clarkson and/or Bojan Bogdanovic, but again it depends on the cost."

NBA Analysis: Suns land Julius Randle in blockbuster trade scenario

James Piercey writes: "Again, the Suns appear to be a piece away from a championship. They’ll be hoping Randle is the piece with this deal. Whether he can be will depend on whether he can regain his 2020-21 form. If he can, he could be the perfect fit for this roster. After all, Randle was one of the best floor-spacing forwards in the NBA that season. If he’s connecting from deep at an elite level, he’ll improve the Suns’ floor-spacing while providing them with an invaluable secondary playmaker at the same time."

Bright Side of the Sun: Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Pascal Siakam potential trade wild cards for Suns

Brandon Duenas writes of Alexander: "With the recent news of Chet Holmgren having potential ligament damage to his foot, one has to wonder if this accelerates their rebuild process. Chet will miss the entire 22-23 season, so if the right deal comes along I could see the Thunder biting. The package Phoenix would have to put together would likely include at least one of the Twins, a multitude of unprotected 1st rounders, and a couple pick swaps. It would be similar to the KD packages that have been discussed over the summer."

SB Nation: Suns should get Wendell Carter Jr.

It writes: "All good choices, gents! I wouldn’t mind any of them here in the Valley. Personally, my first call if I was James Jones would be to the Orlando Magic. After drafting Paolo Banchero with the number one pick and re-signing Mo Bamba in free agency, I am seriously wanting to know how much it would take to get Wendell Carter Jr. on the Suns. If the price is too steep or they truly aren’t willing to part ways with him then my attention goes to Jonathan Isaac. He is fresh off an injury and you may not agree with all his beliefs but before getting hurt he was in the running for DPOY himself. If he can get there, between Mikal and DA, our front court would be something else on D."

Fansided: This trade would send Julius Randle to the Suns

Desmond Novack writes: " I doubt the suns would be willing to move players like Mikal Bridges or even Cam Johnson for Randle. However, the Knicks still could get some value in the form of cap space from expiring contracts such as Jae Crowder, which probably won’t happen knowing his history with the Knicks. Or maybe even Dario Saric combined with the contract of Landry Shamet, although I personally would not trade for any of these players due to their fit and the log jam at their positions."

Valley of the Suns: Should Suns inquire about Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell?

Peter O'Keefe writes: "Why would Phoenix want Mitchell though? They already have an All-Star backcourt in place with Chris Paul and Devin Booker. While that’s true, perhaps it’s the kind of drastic move needed to catapult the Suns back into the NBA Finals. More importantly though, it’s an idea that would solidify the Suns future, and their aspirations of sustained success, for another four or five years at a minimum. There would be two ways of going about it, one more emphatically drastic than the other. There’s no indication that Utah would even accept the following deals, though they are in improvement on the Knicks’ current offer."

Fansided: Suns could trade Jae Crowder for Alec Burks, Monte Morris or Josh Hart

Peter O'Keefe writes: "Crowder’s also on an expiring $10.1 million contract. Perhaps Phoenix would consider trading him for a player on a multi-year deal, as long as they’re willing to commit more long-term money and the subsequent luxury tax implications. However, Crowder’s familiarity with the Suns system, and his leadership and veteran experience, may mean James Jones and the front office are happy to retain him. They could back themselves to re-sign him in free agency, especially if they have a successful season. Still, here are three players that the Suns could target in place of Crowder that may fit the bill – those that are signed for multiple years and provide excellent bench depth."

More: Phoenix Suns' Jae Crowder trade updates: Speculation includes Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks

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

Dalton Sell writes of Rose: "With scoring and facilitating like that, Rose could immediately improve the bench production for the Suns, as their bench brigade ranked 18th in points and 15th in assists per game last season. The 33-year-old would be an upgrade over Phoenix’s current backup point guard Cameron Payne, and bringing him in would form a lethal three-headed snake in the backcourt in Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Derrick Rose. Rose is currently set to make $14.5 million next season, which is digestible for the Suns in a trade package. It is unclear what kind of compensation the Knicks may seek draft-wise if they are willing to move Rose, but the Suns have the assets to make a genuine offer. Adding a lethal scoring guard like Rose that can also pass the ball at a high level and can handle the basketball could be a huge addition to this Phoenix roster next season."

NBA Analysis: Suns land Bojan Bogdanovic in major trade scenario

James Piercey writes: "For what it’s worth, the Suns already have a deep wing rotation. Bogdanovic would be closer to luxury than a necessity for this squad. Between Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Jae Crowder, the rotation may be crowded. That’s fine: you can never have too many wings in the modern NBA.  After all, any two of these guys can co-exist at the same time. Each can play the 4 or 3 when called upon too. Furthermore, Bogey brings an element of shot creation the Suns don’t necessarily get from any of the other players we just listed. This is a pure talent grab for the Suns. They should assume they’ll be back in contention for the NBA title in 2022-23. With that assumption in mind, they’ll need all the help they can get."

More: Phoenix Suns linked to point guard Kemba Walker as potential free agent signing

Heavy Sports: Suns trade for Derrick White from Boston Celtics

Jack Simone had Phoenix giving up Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder in the deal: "As noted, Boston lacks wing depth. This deal would give them that, and if the Suns don’t want to pay Johnson, this deal would help them avoid that while also dumping Crowder’s salary in the process. Johnson has proven to be one of the best 3&D wings in the league and would fit in perfectly off the Celtics bench. Plus, with Phoenix struggling to find a consistent answer at the backup point guard position, White could potentially be a guy that would help them."

Valley of the Suns: Suns could trade Landry Shamet for Terrence Ross, Coby White or Darius Bazley

Peter O'Keefe writes: "Set to begin his fifth season in the league, Shamet is embarking on a new four-year contract worth $42.5 million. However, less than half of that is guaranteed with the team holding power over the deal in 2024-25 and 2025-26. Shamet’s contract makes him an obvious inclusion into any Phoenix Suns trade package. While the approximate $10 million a season isn’t an exorbitant amount of money, it’s a fair chunk of cash that Phoenix could use in aggregating salaries."

More: Phoenix Suns picked to finish first in 2022-23 NBA record projection without Kevin Durant

Heavy.com: Celtics linked to Suns' Bismack Biyombo as trade target

Sean Deveney spoke to a Western Conference coach that pegged Phoenix Suns center Bismack Biyombo as a potential trade target for Boston:  “He is the kind of find that the Celtics could really use in that hole, a guy who blocks some shots, plays good defense and holds down the fort off the bench,” the coach told Deveney. “If Phoenix has some injuries and is really disappointing, maybe he winds up on the market but they really like what he did for them last year."

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

Karan Jain writes: "While Devin Booker is undoubtedly a good slasher, the same cannot be said for most others on the team (despite some flashes). Some of the best Suns offense this season came when they pushed the pace and adding more quality slashers will help that become more of a staple. Paul is not getting any younger, so taking some offensive load off him through players who can look to drive and create offense would be another area to target. With most of the core back and Monty Williams recently extended, it’s clear that the Suns want to compete for a title."

More: Jae Crowder tweet prompts Phoenix Suns' trade speculation: 'Time for a change'

Bleacher Report: Suns trade Jae Crowder, Landry Shamet for Harrison Barnes

Zach Buckley writes: "The Suns stopped short of making major changes this summer, but in the NBA's highest tier, sometimes doing nothing is akin to a backward step. Should Phoenix believe that's happening—perhaps fueled by its swift and stunning collapse against Dallas in the conference semis—then it might feel some kind of shake-up is in order. Upgrading from Crowder to Barnes may not seem like the biggest jump, but the margins are so thin at the top that even a seemingly small upgrade can have a big effect."

Valley of the Suns: Is Dario Saric a trade piece for the Suns?

Peter O'Keefe writes: The Suns’ lack of point-guard depth has been well documented, opening up the idea that Šarić, as an expendable big, should be moved in favor of a playmaking bench piece. Šarić 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."

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NBA Analysis: Suns trade Jae Crowder to Lakers for Talen Horton-Tucker, first-round pick

Kenneth Teape writes: "Much has been made about the trade value of Horton-Tucker in the past, but his underwhelming 2021-22 campaign and unfavorable contract impacts the overall situation. The Lakers have been reluctant to part with major future draft capital when discussing trades for non-star talents. However, making a direct upgrade over Horton-Tucker has value if they cannot use their picks for something more substantial."

Bleacher Report: Suns acquire Bojan Bogdanovic in deal with Jazz

Andy Bailey 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."

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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 speculation includes New York Knicks' Julius Randle