No deal for Trae Young yet, and the Suns might be his perfect match

The article discusses contrasting NBA rumors involving the Phoenix Suns, expressing skepticism about potential interest in Jonathan Kuminga while highlighting excitement around Trae Young. Kuminga is criticized as an unproven player whose acquisition would represent an overpay and create redundancy in the Suns' roster.

Conversely, Trae Young emerges as an intriguing target due to his contract situation with the Atlanta Hawks. He has one guaranteed season remaining at $46 million and a $49 million player option for 2026-27, which he's unlikely to exercise while seeking a long-term extension Atlanta hasn't offered. Young's recent tweet advocating for early contract extensions for players, combined with ESPN analyst Mark J. Spears' comments about Young's disappointment over not receiving an offer, fuels speculation about his future.

Though Young's relationship with Atlanta isn't necessarily fractured, a stalemate exists as the Hawks appear reluctant to offer a max extension. This opens the door for other teams like the Suns. Young is framed as an ideal offensive complement to Devin Booker, allowing Booker to thrive off-ball while Young acts as a floor general. Phoenix's defensive strengths at wing and center positions could mitigate Young's defensive limitations, and his playmaking could maximize teammates like Mark Williams.

The article acknowledges Young will likely sign a four-year, $229 million extension with Atlanta similar to De'Aaron Fox's deal. However, it concludes that the mere possibility of Young joining the Suns represents a compelling, albeit improbable, scenario worth entertaining during the offseason.